Installing Qemu/KVM on Ubuntu 24.04

Last update: 05-11-2024

QEMU/KVM stands out as a powerful tool for virtualization, allowing users to run multiple virtual machines on a single host. Installing it on Ubuntu 24.04 is straightforward, and I'll guide you through each step, ensuring you understand why each action is essential.

Step 1: Check for Virtualization Support

Before diving into the installation, it's crucial to confirm that your system supports virtualization. Open your terminal and run the following command:

lscpu | grep Virtualization

You should see VT-x (for Intel processors) or AMD-V (for AMD processors) in the output. If nothing appears, your system may not support hardware virtualization, which is necessary for optimal performance with QEMU/KVM.

Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS

Although most modern computers have virtualization enabled by default, it's a good idea to check your BIOS settings. Restart your computer, enter the BIOS, and ensure that the virtualization setting is enabled.

Step 3: Install Necessary Packages

With your system ready for virtualization, the next step is to install QEMU/KVM along with its dependencies. Run these commands in your terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients virt-manager

This will install not only QEMU and KVM but also libvirt-daemon-system for managing virtual machines, libvirt-clients for additional functionality, and virt-manager, a graphical interface that simplifies managing your virtual machines.

Step 4: Add Your User to the KVM Group

To ensure you can manage virtual machines without needing superuser privileges, add your user to the kvm group by running:

sudo adduser $USER kvm

This command adjusts permissions and allows your user account to interact with virtual machines more seamlessly.

Step 5: Reboot Your System

After modifying group memberships, it's a good idea to reboot your system to apply all changes effectively:

reboot

Step 6: Launch Virtual Machine Manager

Once your system restarts, you can launch Virtual Machine Manager (virt-manager) from your application menu. This tool provides a user-friendly graphical interface for creating and managing your virtual machines.

Step 7: Create a New Virtual Machine

To create a virtual machine, you’ll need an ISO file of the operating system you wish to install. Download the ISO of the required OS. In Virt-Manager, create a new virtual machine and follow the guided steps, using your downloaded ISO file.

By following these steps, you will have set up a versatile virtualization environment using QEMU/KVM on Ubuntu 24.04. This is an efficient and scalable solution, making it an excellent choice for developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts exploring different operating systems and settings.