How to Install KVM on Ubuntu 24.04
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine, a built-in tool that turns Linux into a hypervisor) lets Ubuntu 24.04 run multiple virtual machines right on your hardware. This native setup uses the Linux kernel itself to run separate operating systems efficiently and securely without needing extra software like VirtualBox or VMware.
Manage your virtual computers through graphical tools like virt-manager or command-line utilities like virt-install. You get full access to hardware acceleration and direct resource control for every virtual machine you create.
Install KVM by first checking CPU compatibility with `sudo apt install cpu-checker` and `sudo kvm-ok`. Then, install the necessary packages using `sudo apt install qemu-kvm virt-manager libvirt-clients bridge-utils libvirt-daemon-system virtinst`. Finally, add your user to the libvirt and kvm groups with `sudo usermod -aG libvirt $USER` and `sudo usermod -aG kvm $USER`.
Check KVM Support on Ubuntu
Checking KVM support on Ubuntu requires a processor with hardware virtualization and the cpu-checker tool to run the kvm-ok command. This confirms whether your system can run virtual machines before you install KVM Ubuntu 20.04 or newer versions.
Run the commands below to install the verification tool and check your CPU compatibility.
sudo apt install cpu-checker sudo kvm-ok
A successful check will display ‘KVM acceleration can be used.’
INFO: /dev/kvm exists
KVM acceleration can be used
If KVM isn’t compatible with your system, you’ll see a message that reads:
INFO: Your CPU does not support KVM extensions
KVM acceleration can NOT be used
The message above indicates that KVM cannot run on your system.
Install KVM Packages
Installing KVM packages on Ubuntu needs the apt install command to get qemu-kvm, virt-manager, libvirt-clients, bridge-utils, libvirt-daemon-system, and virtinst. These tools set up the core hypervisor and graphical interface you need to manage virtual machines after you install KVM Ubuntu 20.04 or later.
sudo update
sudo apt install qemu-kvm virt-manager libvirt-clients bridge-utils libvirt-daemon-system virtinst
After installing the KVM modules, run the commands below to start them and enable automatic startup when your system boots.
sudo systemctl start libvirtd sudo systemctl enable libvirtd
Add a User to libvirt and KVM Groups
Managing virtual machines efficiently requires adding your user account to the special 'libvirt' and 'kvm' groups on Ubuntu.
Run the command below to add your account to these groups.
sudo usermod -aG libvirt $USER
sudo usermod -aG kvm $USER
Create New VMs
Creating new VMs on Ubuntu uses the Virtual Machine Manager application to guide you through setting up an operating system. You open the tool, connect to your local server, click New Virtual Machine, and follow the setup wizard to finish your installation.
First, connect to the server, then create a new machine by clicking 'New Virtual Machine'.
Next, choose how you want to install the guest machine. You can use local ISO media (disk image files) or install it via a network or PXE boot (preboot execution environment for network booting).
Once you've selected the OS file, configure a local disk, system memory, and additional hardware settings.
Boot the VM to install Ubuntu when finished.
That completes the installation process.
Conclusion:
- KVM provides an efficient and powerful virtualization solution for Ubuntu 20.04 users.
- It allows creating and managing multiple virtual machines, leveraging the Linux kernel's capabilities.
- Users can choose from various installation sources, including local ISOs and network installations.
- Adding user accounts to the appropriate groups ensures smooth management of virtual machines.
- With tools like virt-manager, users can easily configure and monitor their virtual environments.
- KVM is a robust alternative for users unable to utilize VirtualBox or VMware, emphasizing performance and integration with Linux systems.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!