Install KVM on Ubuntu 22.04: High-Performance Linux Hypervisor
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Checking Processor Compatibility
- Enabling Virtualization in BIOS
- Updating the System
- Installing QEMU-KVM
- Installing Libvirt
- Adding User to the KVM Group
- Checking KVM Installation
- Installing Virt Manager
- Creating a Virtual Machine
🖥️ How to Install KVM on Ubuntu 22.04
Virtualization has become an integral part of modern computing, allowing users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. In this article, we will explore how to install KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) on Ubuntu 22.04, a popular Linux hypervisor that provides superior performance compared to other hypervisors like VirtualBox.
1. Introduction
Before diving into the installation process, it's essential to understand the basics of KVM and its advantages. KVM is a full virtualization solution that utilizes the kernel of the host operating system to serve as a hypervisor. This approach ensures optimal performance and provides an ideal environment for running Linux virtual machines.
2. Checking Processor Compatibility
To begin the installation, we need to check whether our processor supports virtualization. Open the terminal and enter the command lscpu | grep virtualization. If you see output like virtualization: VT-x for an Intel processor or virtualization: AMD-V for an AMD processor, it means virtualization is supported. If you do not receive any output, unfortunately, your processor does not support virtualization.
3. Enabling Virtualization in BIOS
Having virtualization support is not sufficient; you also need to ensure that virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings. The steps to access your BIOS may vary based on your system's manufacturer. Look for options related to virtualization, such as "VT-d" for Intel or "AMD-V" for AMD processors, and ensure they are enabled.
4. Updating the System
Before starting the installation, it is good practice to ensure that your Ubuntu system is up to date. Open the terminal and run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y to update all installed packages.
5. Installing QEMU-KVM
QEMU-KVM is a package that provides the necessary software to run virtual machines with KVM on Ubuntu. In the terminal, run the command sudo apt install qemu-kvm to install QEMU-KVM. Note that the package name does not support auto-completion due to it being a virtual package.
6. Installing Libvirt
Libvirt is a virtualization API that acts as an interface between the virtualization capabilities of KVM and other applications. Install Libvirt by running the command sudo apt install libvirt-bin libvirt-clients.
7. Adding User to the KVM Group
To allow regular users to manage virtual machines, we need to add them to the KVM group. Execute the command sudo usermod -aG kvm $USER to add the current user to the KVM group. A system restart is required for the group changes to take effect.
8. Checking KVM Installation
After restarting your system, confirm if the KVM installation was successful. Open the terminal and enter the command virsh. If you see the KVM prompt, everything is set up correctly, and KVM is ready to use.
9. Installing Virt Manager
Virt Manager is a graphical user interface that simplifies the management of virtual machines on KVM. Install Virt Manager by running the command sudo apt install virt-manager. Once installed, you can access Virt Manager from the Ubuntu Apps menu.
10. Creating a Virtual Machine
Now that KVM and Virt Manager are set up, we can create a virtual machine. Launch Virt Manager and click on the "Create New Virtual Machine" button. Choose the "Local install media" option and browse for the ISO file of the desired operating system. Specify the desired memory, CPU, and disk space allocations for the virtual machine. Finally, name the virtual machine and create it. Congratulations! You now have a virtual instance running on top of your physical Ubuntu machine.
By following these steps, you have successfully installed KVM on Ubuntu 22.04 and set up a virtual machine using Virt Manager. Enjoy the benefits of kernel-based virtualization and explore the possibilities it offers.
Highlight:
- KVM is a high-performance Linux hypervisor that allows running virtual machines on a Linux host.
- Install KVM on Ubuntu 22.04 for superior performance compared to other hypervisors like VirtualBox.
- Check processor compatibility and enable virtualization in the BIOS settings.
- Update your Ubuntu system and install QEMU-KVM and Libvirt packages.
- Add user to the KVM group for managing virtual machines.
- Verify the KVM installation and install Virt Manager for easy virtual machine management.
- Create a virtual machine using Virt Manager and enjoy the benefits of virtualization.
FAQ:
Q: What is KVM?
A: KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a hypervisor that allows running virtual machines on a Linux host with superior performance compared to other hypervisors.
Q: Does my processor support virtualization?
A: You can check if your processor supports virtualization by running the command lscpu | grep virtualization in the terminal.
Q: How do I enable virtualization in my BIOS settings?
A: Access your computer's BIOS settings and look for options related to virtualization, such as "VT-d" for Intel processors or "AMD-V" for AMD processors. Ensure these options are enabled.
Q: How can I manage virtual machines with KVM?
A: Virt Manager is a graphical user interface that simplifies the management of virtual machines on KVM. Install it using the command sudo apt install virt-manager.
Q: Can I create multiple virtual machines with KVM?
A: Yes, once KVM and Virt Manager are installed, you can create and manage multiple virtual machines efficiently.
Resources:
