How to Install KVM on Ubuntu Server
If you’re looking to set up a virtual environment on your Ubuntu Server, Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a great choice. KVM is an open-source software that allows you to create and manage virtual machines on a Linux system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install KVM on your Ubuntu Server.
Step 1: Check Hardware Virtualization Support
Before you begin the installation process, you’ll need to ensure that your server’s CPU supports hardware virtualization. You can check this by running the following command in your terminal:
egrep -c '(vmx|svm)' /proc/cpuinfo
If the output is a number greater than 0, your CPU supports hardware virtualization.
Step 2: Install KVM Packages
Next, you’ll need to install the necessary packages for KVM. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install qemu-kvm libvirt-bin bridge-utils virt-manager
This command will install the required software for KVM on your Ubuntu Server.
Step 3: Add Your User to the Libvirt Group
To manage virtual machines using KVM, you’ll need to add your user account to the libvirt group. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo adduser yourusername libvirtd
Replace “yourusername” with your actual username on the server. This command will give your user account the necessary permissions to manage virtual machines.
Step 4: Start the Libvirt Service
Now that you’ve installed KVM and added your user to the libvirt group, you’ll need to start the libvirt service. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo systemctl start libvirt
This command will start the libvirt service on your Ubuntu Server.
Step 5: Verify KVM Installation
To verify that KVM is installed and working correctly, run the following command in your terminal:
virsh list --all
If you see a list of virtual machines (even if they are empty), KVM has been successfully installed on your Ubuntu Server.
Conclusion
Installing KVM on Ubuntu Server is a straightforward process that allows you to create and manage virtual environments with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have KVM up and running on your server in no time.