Installing and Creating Virtual Machines with KVM on Ubuntu 22.10

KVM, or Kernel-based Virtual Machine, is an open-source hypervisor that enables you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. In Ubuntu 22.10, KVM is included in the default repositories, making it easy to install and create virtual machines.

Prerequisites

Before installing KVM, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• A 64-bit processor that supports virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
• At least 2GB of RAM
• At least 8GB of disk space

Installing KVM

To install KVM on Ubuntu 22.10, open a terminal and execute the following command:

sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients

This will install the KVM hypervisor, libvirt virtualization management system, and libvirt client tools.

Creating a Virtual Machine:

After installing KVM, create a virtual machine (VM) using the Virt-Manager graphical tool, which can be found in the Ubuntu Software Center. Follow the steps below to create a VM:

1. Launch Virt-Manager and click on the “File” menu and select “New” to open the “Create a New Virtual Machine” wizard.
2. Enter a name for your VM in the “Name” field and select the operating system you want to install from the “Operating System” drop-down menu.
3. Specify the amount of memory you want to allocate to your VM in the “Memory” field. To add a disk image, click the “Add” button and select a storage location.
4. Once configure your VM, click the “Finish” button to create it.

Starting a Virtual Machine:

After creating a VM, start it by clicking on its name in the Virt-Manager window. The first time you start your VM, you will be prompted to install an operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Conclusion:

KVM is a powerful virtualization technology that enables you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. With its inclusion in the default Ubuntu repositories and the easy-to-use Virt-Manager tool, installing and creating virtual machines with KVM on Ubuntu 22.10 is straightforward. KVM is an excellent solution for testing, development, and server consolidation, and it can help you save money on hardware and energy costs.