Install KVM on Ubuntu 24.04

Source: Dev.to | Dec 23, 2025 (UTC)

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 see vmx (Intel) or svm (AMD), your CPU supports virtualization.
  • (Optional) Install cpu-checker and run kvm-ok:

sudo apt update sudo apt install -y cpu-checker kvm-ok

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Then:

7. (Optional) Install Gnome Boxes GUI

sudo apt-get install gnome-boxes gnome-boxes

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And similar – press + on the top left and create new VM from file or download installation of your favorite guest OS.

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