How to Install KVM on Linux: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Install KVM on Linux
Virtualization technology allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single hardware platform. Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a popular choice on Linux for creating and managing virtual machines. In this guide, we will walk you through how to install KVM on a Linux distribution, ensuring your system is ready for virtualization.
Prerequisites
- A Linux-based system with a CPU that supports virtualization (Intel VT or AMD-V).
- Root or sudo user privileges.
- Basic knowledge of command-line operations.
Step 1: Verify Virtualization Support
Before installing KVM, ensure that your processor supports hardware virtualization. Use the following command:
egrep -c '(vmx|svm)' /proc/cpuinfoThe output should be equal to or greater than 1 if virtualization is supported.
Step 2: Install Necessary Packages
Update your system and install the necessary packages as follows:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-bin ubuntu-vm-builder bridge-utilsFor RedHat-based systems, use:
sudo yum install qemu-kvm libvirt libvirt-python libguestfs-tools virt-installStep 3: Enable and Start KVM Services
Enable and start the KVM services to run automatically on boot:
sudo systemctl enable libvirtd
sudo systemctl start libvirtdStep 4: Verify the Installation
To confirm that KVM is successfully installed, use:
virsh list --allThis command should display a list of virtual machines (empty if none exist yet).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
In case you encounter issues, check the status of the libvirtd service:
sudo systemctl status libvirtdEnsure your user is part of the ‘libvirt’ group for necessary permissions:
sudo usermod -aG libvirt $(whoami)Summary
Installing KVM enables powerful virtualization capabilities on your Linux system. Ensure your hardware supports KVM, and follow the steps to set up and verify your installation. For users interested in virtualization, check out our detailed guide on Top 5 Linux Tools for Virtualization to enhance your setup further.
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