Create a Linux VM from Scratch Using KVM and QEMU – Step-by-step

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Linux Virtual Machine with KVM and QEMU

Creating a Linux virtual machine (VM) with KVM and QEMU is a powerful, flexible, and high-performance solution for virtualization. Unlike traditional virtualization tools, KVM leverages hardware acceleration, making it far more efficient and faster, offering native-level performance.

Why Choose KVM/QEMU?

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is built directly into the Linux kernel, enabling it to provide performance comparable to that of hardware virtualization. When paired with QEMU, which provides system emulation, KVM and QEMU together create a robust virtualization stack with advanced features such as device passthrough and full system emulation.

Better Performance

The combination of KVM and QEMU delivers outstanding performance for your virtual machines. Since KVM uses hardware-assisted virtualization, it significantly reduces overhead compared to other solutions. This leads to faster and smoother operation, especially for resource-intensive tasks such as running multiple VMs or handling large applications.

Easy Management with Virt-Manager

Virt-Manager is an excellent graphical interface for managing virtual machines created with KVM and QEMU. It provides an easy-to-use platform to create, configure, and monitor virtual machines, making it an ideal tool for both beginners and advanced users. Virt-Manager simplifies complex tasks like network configuration, storage management, and resource allocation, while still providing detailed control over your VMs.

Flexible and Open-Source

Both KVM and QEMU are open-source, giving you complete control over your virtualization environment. The ability to customize your setup and adapt it to your needs is one of the key advantages over proprietary solutions. Additionally, Virt-Manager is open-source and freely available, making it a cost-effective solution for Linux virtualization.

Widely Supported and Versatile

KVM and QEMU are supported across most Linux distributions, making them easy to integrate into almost any system. Whether you’re deploying a personal VM setup or managing an enterprise-grade environment, KVM and QEMU offer the scalability and flexibility required for a variety of use cases. Virt-Manager makes the entire process more accessible, offering a user-friendly interface for managing even the most complex virtualized environments.

Why Switch to KVM/QEMU?

Switching to KVM and QEMU for your virtualization needs not only improves the performance of your virtual machines but also provides greater flexibility and control. Whether you’re looking to create a simple VM for development or a complex multi-VM network, KVM and QEMU offer all the tools you need for efficient and scalable virtualization. With Virt-Manager, managing your virtual environment becomes easier and more intuitive than ever.

1. 1. Installing KVM

   How to Install KVM/QEMU on GNU/Linux

   KVM Linux Setup Guide

   GNU/Linux KVM and QEMU Installation Tutorial.
   Then follow with the included instructions to Setup Virt Manager…

2. 2. Running Virt-Manager

   Now to Launch Virt-Manager UI
   From Shell:

   virt-manager

   Or instead make use of the Desktop Launcher:
   

3. 3. Creating Virt-Manager VM from ISO

   Now to Create a Virtual Machine
   First, Choose “+” on Top Bar:

   
   In case of “No hypervisor options…” Issue try with a Restart:

   sudo reboot

   Then confirm for Connection QEMU/KVM and Local Install ISO.
   And then Browse for the Media Location:

   
   If prompted accept to Set Permission:
   

   After Set Up RAM Size and CPU Cores:

   

   Again Set VM Disk Size:

   

   Finally, Set VM Name:

   
   Possibly enable the Virtual Network:
   
   And finally, confirm with Finish to Start for Installation!
   

4. 4. Launching Virtual Machine

   Finally, Launch & Enjoy QEMU Virtual Machine.