Install KVM on Ubuntu 24.04
How-to with step-by-step instructions
You install KVM on Ubuntu 24.04 by checking CPU virtualization support, installing the KVM/libvirt packages, enabling the libvirtd service, and (optionally) installing virt‑manager for a GUI.
1. Check virtualization support
Run these commands in a terminal:
- Check CPU flags:
lscpu | grep -E 'vmx|svm'
If you seevmx(Intel) orsvm(AMD), your CPU supports virtualization. - (Optional) Install cpu-checker and run kvm-ok:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y cpu-checker
kvm-ok
You should see “/dev/kvm exists” and “KVM acceleration can be used”.
If no virtualization support is reported, enable it in your BIOS/UEFI, then boot back into Ubuntu.
2. Install KVM and core packages
Install KVM, QEMU, libvirt, and networking tools:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients bridge-utils virtinst
This provides the KVM hypervisor, QEMU, libvirt daemon, and utilities needed to create and manage virtual machines.
3. Enable and start libvirtd
Ensure the libvirt daemon starts automatically and is running:
sudo systemctl enable --now libvirtd
sudo systemctl status libvirtd
The status command should show the service as “active (running)” with no errors.
4. Add your user to groups
Add your user to the kvm and libvirt groups so you do not need sudo for every VM action:
sudo adduser $USER kvm
sudo adduser $USER libvirt
Log out and log back in (or reboot) so the new group memberships take effect.
5. (Optional) Install virt‑manager GUI
If you want a graphical interface to manage VMs:
sudo apt install -y virt-manager
Then:
- Start from the app menu (“Virtual Machine Manager”) or run
virt-manager. - Click “Create a new virtual machine”, choose your ISO, set RAM/CPU/disk, and finish the wizard to create a VM.
7. (Optional) Install Gnome Boxes GUI
sudo apt-get install gnome-boxes
gnome-boxes
And similar - press + on the top left and create new VM from file or download installation of your favorite guest OS.
