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{{Article
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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
How to configure and administrate KVM/Qemu using Libvirt with the GUI front-end Virt-Manager.
 
This page documents the configuration of KVM/Qemu using Libvirt with the GUI front-end Virt-Manager.


An overview according to libvirt.org, the [libvirt] project:
An overview according to libvirt.org, the [libvirt] project:
Line 19: Line 18:


==Check for KVM hardware support==
==Check for KVM hardware support==
Verify the processor supports Intel Vt-x or AMD-V technology and that the necessary virtualization features are enabled within the BIOS. The following command should reveal if your hardware has virtualization enabed:
Verify the processor supports Intel Vt-x or AMD-V technology and that the necessary virtualization features are enabled within the BIOS. The following command should reveal if your hardware supports virtualization:
<pre>
{{console|body=
$ LC_ALL=C lscpu | grep Virt
$ ##i##LC_ALL=C lscpu {{!}} grep Virt
</pre>
}}


==Kernel configuration==
==Kernel configuration==
The default Funtoo kernel, "debian-sources", has the needed KVM virtualization and virtual networking features enabled by default and will not require any reconfiguration. Non debian-sources users will need to verify the necessary kernel features are turned on in order to run KVM virtual machines and use virtual networking.
The default Funtoo kernel, sys-kernel/debian-sources, has the needed KVM virtualization and virtual networking features enabled by default and will not require any reconfiguration. Non debian-sources users will need to verify the necessary kernel features are turned on in order to run KVM virtual machines and use virtual networking.


==Install libvirt==
==Install libvirt==
Optionally build libvirt with policykit support which will allow non-root users to authenticate as root in order to manage VM's and will also allow members of the libvirt group to manage VM's without using the root password.
Optionally build libvirt with policykit support which will allow non-root users to authenticate as root in order to manage VMs and will also allow members of the libvirt group to manage VMs without using the root password.


<pre>
{{console|body=
$ echo 'app-emulation/libvirt policykit' >> /etc/portage/package.use
$ ##i##echo 'app-emulation/libvirt policykit' >> /etc/portage/package.use
</pre>
}}


For desktop VM usage, It is recommended to build app-emulation/qemu with spice support, for improved graphical and audio performance, clipboard-sharing and directory-sharing.
For desktop VM usage it is recommended to build app-emulation/qemu with spice support. The Spice protocols can be used to gain improved graphical and audio experience, clipboard-sharing and directory-sharing.


<pre>
{{console|body=
$ echo 'app-emulation/qemu spice' >> /etc/portage/package.use
$ ##i##echo 'app-emulation/qemu spice' >> /etc/portage/package.use
</pre>
}}


It will likely ask to make some USE flag changes to the file /etc/portage/package.use -- if the changes look good, go ahead and add the changes it needs in order to be emerged.
It's likely to need further USE flag changes in /etc/portage/package.use -- if it asks, add the changes needed in order to be emerged.  


<pre>
{{console|body=
$ emerge -av libvirt
$ ##i##emerge -av app-emulation/libvirt
</pre>
}}


After libvirt is finished compiling, you will have installed libvirt and pulled-in all of its' necessary dependencies, such as app-emulation/qemu and also net-firewall/ebtables and net-dns/dnsmasq for the default NAT/DHCP networking.
After libvirt is finished compiling, you will have installed libvirt and pulled-in all of its necessary dependencies, such as app-emulation/qemu and also net-firewall/ebtables and net-dns/dnsmasq for the default NAT/DHCP networking.


==Enable the libvirtd service==
==Enable the libvirtd service==
Line 52: Line 51:
Start the libvirtd service.
Start the libvirtd service.


<pre>$ rc-service libvirtd start</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## rc-service libvirtd start
}}


Add the libvirtd service to the openrc default runlevel.
Add the libvirtd service to the openrc default runlevel.


<pre>$ rc-update add libvirtd</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## rc-update add libvirtd
}}


==Enable the "default" libvirt NAT==
==Enable the "default" libvirt NAT==
Line 62: Line 65:
Set the virsh network "default" to be autostarted by libvirtd.
Set the virsh network "default" to be autostarted by libvirtd.


<pre>$ virsh net-autostart default</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## virsh net-autostart default
}}


Start the "default" virsh network.
Start the "default" virsh network.


<pre>$ virsh net-start default</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## virsh net-start default
}}


Restart the libvirtd service to ensure everything has taken effect.
Restart the libvirtd service to ensure everything has taken effect.


<pre>$ rc-service libvirtd restart</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## rc-service libvirtd restart
}}


Use ifconfig to verify the default NAT's network interface is up.
Use ifconfig to verify the default NAT's network interface is up.


<pre>$ ifconfig</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## ifconfig
}}
     ...
     ...
     virbr0: flags=4099<UP,BROADCAST,MULTICAST>  mtu 1500
     virbr0: flags=4099<UP,BROADCAST,MULTICAST>  mtu 1500
Line 85: Line 96:
     ...
     ...


Notice the "default" libvirt NAT inserts its' additional iptables rules automatically upon every libvirtd restart.
Notice the "default" libvirt NAT inserts its additional iptables rules automatically upon every libvirtd restart.


<pre>$ iptables -S</pre>
{{console|body=
$ ##i## iptables -S
}}
     ...
     ...
     -A FORWARD -d 192.168.122.0/24 -o virbr0 -m conntrack --ctstate RELATED,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
     -A FORWARD -d 192.168.122.0/24 -o virbr0 -m conntrack --ctstate RELATED,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
Line 110: Line 123:
==Most virsh commands require root privileges==
==Most virsh commands require root privileges==


Libvirt VM's are managed using the virsh cli and the GUI front-end Virt-Manager. Using these tools will require root privileges.
Libvirt VMs are managed using the virsh cli and the GUI front-end Virt-Manager. Using these tools will require root privileges.


As noted from man(1) virsh,
As noted from man(1) virsh,
Line 117: Line 130:
Running as root, the following are some example virsh commands:
Running as root, the following are some example virsh commands:


<pre>$ virsh list --all
{{console|body=
$ virsh start foo
$ ##i## virsh list --all
$ virsh destroy foo </pre>
}}
 
{{console|body=
$ ##i## virsh start foo
}}
 
{{console|body=
$ ##i## virsh destroy foo
}}


If libvirt was built with polictykit support, non-root users can run the same example virsh commands by addressing qemu:///system and authenticating as root via policykit.
If libvirt was built with polictykit support, non-root users can run the same example virsh commands by addressing qemu:///system and authenticating as root via policykit.


<pre>$ virsh --connect qemu:///system list --all
{{console|body=
$ virsh --connect qemu:///system start foo
$ ##i## virsh --connect qemu:///system list --all
$ virsh --connect qemu:///system destroy foo</pre>
}}
 
{{console|body=
$ ##i## virsh --connect qemu:///system start foo
}}
 
{{console|body=
$ ##i## virsh --connect qemu:///system destroy foo
}}


==Passwordless, non-root VM administration==
==Passwordless, non-root VM administration==
Line 131: Line 160:
If libvirt was built with policykit support, add a user to the additional "libvirt" group in order to administrate Virtual Machines without authenticating as root. Log out and back in for these changes to take affect.
If libvirt was built with policykit support, add a user to the additional "libvirt" group in order to administrate Virtual Machines without authenticating as root. Log out and back in for these changes to take affect.


<pre>$ gpasswd -a $USER libvirt</pre>
{{console|body=$ ##i## gpasswd -a $USER libvirt}}


==Tell Qemu where the UEFI BIOS firmware is located==
==Tell Qemu where the UEFI BIOS firmware is located==
Line 143: Line 172:
</pre>
</pre>


==Use Virt-Manager to create and configure VM templates==
==Install Virt-Manager to create and configure VM templates==


Libvirt VM Templates are configured using XML and it is recommended to install Virt-Manager in order to ease the virtual machine creation and configuration process. It may also be desirable to revisit the "virsh" commands later on, as it may be necessary to use them in order to make some advanced changes to XML templates that are not shown in the GUI Virt-Manager application.
Libvirt VM Templates are configured using XML and it is recommended to install Virt-Manager in order to ease the virtual machine creation and configuration process. It may also be desirable to revisit the virsh commands later on, as it may be necessary to use them in order to make some advanced changes to XML templates that are not shown in the GUI Virt-Manager application. Using the virsh cli is also essential for doing work remotely where Virt-Manager may not be available.


Make sure the "gtk" use flag is enabled for Virt-Mananger, as it is a graphical application, and also "polictykit", and then begin the emerge process:
Make sure the gtk USE flag is enabled for Virt-Mananger, as it is a graphical application, and also polictykit, and then begin the emerge process:


<pre>
{{console|body=
$ echo 'app-emulation/virt-manager gtk policykit' >> /etc/portage/package.use
$ ##i## echo 'app-emulation/virt-manager gtk policykit' >> /etc/portage/package.use
</pre>
}}


Once again it is likely to need further USE flag changes in /etc/portage/package.use -- if the changes look good, go ahead and add the changes it needs in order to be emerged.
It's likely to need further USE flag changes in /etc/portage/package.use -- if it asks, add the changes needed in order to be emerged.


<pre>
{{console|body=
$ emerge -av virt-manager
$ ##i## emerge -av app-emulation/virt-manager
</pre>
}}
 
At this point of the guide, VM creation and administration should be relatively intuitive using the Virt-Manager GUI tool. What follows will be screenshots and guidelines for creating VM's using Virt-Manager.


== Create a new Virtual Machine Template ==
== Create a new Virtual Machine Template ==
Line 165: Line 192:
[[File:01createvm.png|400px|Creating a new Virtual Machine Template]]
[[File:01createvm.png|400px|Creating a new Virtual Machine Template]]


On first use of Virt-Manager, while browsing to find an ISO image, create a dedicated ISO "pool" which will be a directory on the filesystem where ISO files are stored. Select the "+" in order to "Add pool". After creating the ISO pool and moving ISO images into the directory, refresh it and browse for your ISO images in your ISO pool to use for the virtual machine install.
On first use of Virt-Manager, while browsing to find an ISO image, create a dedicated ISO "pool" which will be a directory on the filesystem where ISO files are stored. Select the "+" in order to "Add pool". After creating the ISO pool and moving ISO images into the directory, browse for your ISO images in your ISO pool.


[[File:05isopoolimage.png|750px|Choose Volume]]
[[File:05isopoolimage.png|750px|Choose Volume]]


== Customize Configuration Before Install ==
== Customize configuration before VM install ==


During the final step of VM template creation, it is a good idea to check the box "Customize Configuration Before Install" because it will allow on the next screen to choose which BIOS firmware will be used. After a BIOS is chosen for a VM template, it is unable to be changed without starting the creation process again from the beginning.
During the final step of VM template creation, it is a good idea to check the box "Customize Configuration Before Install," as it will allow, on the next screen, the option to choose which BIOS firmware will be used. After a BIOS is chosen for a VM template, it is unable to be changed without starting the creation process again from the beginning.


[[File:09customizebefore.png|400px|Customize Configuration Before Install]]
[[File:09customizebefore.png|400px|Customize Configuration Before Install]]


The default BIOS is seabios, which is a legacy BIOS. OVMF, a UEFI BIOS, is also available. When deciding on a chipset, i440FX is for emulation of older BIOS chipsets, and Q35 is for emulation of newer BIOS chipsets. It is recommended to use the legacy seabios unless there is a reason to need the UEFI BIOS.
The default BIOS is seabios, which is a legacy BIOS. OVMF, a UEFI BIOS, is also available. When deciding on a chipset, i440FX is for emulation of older BIOS chipsets, and Q35 is for emulation of newer BIOS chipsets. It is recommended to use the default seabios unless a UEFI BIOS is needed.


[[File:10choosebios.png|816px|Choose your BIOS from the customize configuration menu]]
[[File:10choosebios.png|816px|Choose your BIOS from the customize configuration menu]]


Note: It is possible to return to the VM customization menu at any time from the main Virt-Manager window by selecting a VM and choosing "open" and then selecting from the VM's dropdown menu "View > Details".
It is possible to return to the VM customization menu at any time by selecting a VM from the main Virt-Manager window, choosing "open" and then selecting "Details" from the VMs dropdown menu.


== Other considerations in the customization menu ==
== Other considerations in the customization menu ==


=== The Q35 BIOS chipset will not work with IDE ===
=== The Q35 BIOS chipset will not work with IDE ===
Simply remove the IDE CDROM and IDE Storage and Select "Add Hardware" and add under "Storage" select SATA and add a new SATA CDROM and SATA storage device instead. It is also important to decide between using the "qcow2" format which allows for snapshotting with rollbacks/forwards and is additionally sparse provisioned, or to choose "raw" which will have none of these things, but may have better performance under some circumstances.
If using the Q35 chipset, remove the IDE Storage devices and select "Add Hardware," in the "Storage" section, select SATA and add new SATA Storage devices instead.
 
It is also important to decide between using the qcow2 or raw storage types. Qcow2 allows for snapshotting with rollbacks and is sparse provisioned. Raw does not have the features of qcow2, but may have better performance under some circumstances.


[[File:11newsatacdrom.png|525px|Adding a new SATA cdrom Device and loading it with a windows 10 ISO image]]
[[File:11newsatacdrom.png|525px|Adding a new SATA cdrom Device and loading it with a windows 10 ISO image]]


=== How to use SCSI Storage Devices with the Virtio SCSI Disk Controller ===
=== How to use SCSI Storage Devices with the Virtio SCSI Disk Controller ===
While selecting Storage drives this is an excellent time to choose the disk "Device type" of "SCSI" which will use the Redhat passthrough "Virtio SCSI" disk controller for improved I/O performance.
While adding virtual storage hardware, it is an excellent time to choose the disk "Device type" of "SCSI" which will use the Redhat passthrough "Virtio SCSI" disk controller for improved I/O performance.


ZFS users can also use a sparse provisioned ZVOL which can be addressed in this section of the Virt-Manager "Manage" textbox as "/dev/zvol/tank/VOLNAME".
ZFS users can also use a sparse provisioned ZVOL which can be addressed in the "Select or create custom storage" textbox as follows:
{{console|body=
/dev/zvol/tank/VOLNAME
}}


The virtio guest driver for taking advantage of the "Virtio SCSI" disk controller is included by default in Linux and FreeBSD kernels. Windows will be unable to see the Virtio SCSI storage disk and therefore unable to install until you load the Redhat Virtio SCSI Driver during the Windows install process. (Windows installers include a menu with the ability to load drivers during the install process.) The RedHat Virtio SCSI driver for Windows is available to [https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/direct-downloads/archive-virtio/virtio-win-0.1.149-2 download as an ISO image].
The virtio guest driver for taking advantage of the "Virtio SCSI" disk controller is included by default in Linux and FreeBSD kernels. Windows will be unable to see the Virtio SCSI storage disk and therefore unable to install until you load the Redhat Virtio SCSI driver during the Windows install process. (Windows installers include a menu that is able to load drivers during installation.) The RedHat Virtio SCSI driver for Windows is available to [https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/direct-downloads/archive-virtio/virtio-win-0.1.149-2 download as an ISO image].


[[File:11redoingstorage.png|525px|Adding a new SCSI Storage Device and addressing it to a preconfigured ZVOL]]
[[File:11redoingstorage.png|525px|Adding a new SCSI Storage Device and addressing it to a preconfigured ZVOL]]


=== About the Virt-Manager defaults ===
=== About the Virt-Manager defaults ===
Virt-Manager configures by default to offer the Spice server with QXL video and ich6 sound in addition to two USB redirectors and shared clipboard features enabled by default. These are all generally good things to have for desktop / graphical VM's, but depending on the user application, some may opt to remove or change these devices away from defaults.
Virt-Manager configures the Spice server with QXL video, ich6 sound, USB redirectors and shared clipboard by default. These are all generally good things to have for graphical VMs, but depending on the user application, some may opt to remove or change these devices away from defaults.


== Begin Installation ==
== Begin Installation ==
When ready to begin, choose "Begin Installation", Virt-Manager's equivalent to the "virsh install" command.
When ready to begin, choose "Begin Installation", Virt-Manager's equivalent of the "virt-install" command.


[[File:12begininstallation.png|681px|Windows 10 Virtual Machine]]
[[File:12begininstallation.png|681px|Windows 10 Virtual Machine]]
Line 209: Line 241:
== XML Template editing using "virsh edit" ==
== XML Template editing using "virsh edit" ==


Some features are only able to be changed by editing the XML template directly. This example shows an XML template that was originally generated using Virt-Manager, but by using the "virsh edit" command, has been modified on line 42 with the added parameter of discard='unmap' which allows sparse provisioned guest VM's to trim the filesystem and return unused space back to the host.
=== Allow sparse provisioned guests to trim the filesystem and return unused space to the host ===
Some features can only be changed by editing the XML template directly. This example shows an XML template that was originally generated using Virt-Manager, but by using the "virsh edit" command, has been modified on line 42 with the added parameter of discard='unmap' which allows sparse provisioned guest VMs to trim the filesystem and return unused space to the host.


[[File:Virsh-edit-xml-example.png|798px|Editing XML templates manually with virsh edit]]
[[File:Virsh-edit-xml-example.png|798px|Editing XML templates manually with virsh edit]]
Line 215: Line 248:
== Troubleshooting ==
== Troubleshooting ==


Can't get beyond the BIOS screen? Check that the devices are enabled and in the proper order in the "boot device order" section of the "boot options" Also check if the CDROM has an ISO loaded! It may also be possible the ISO installation media only supports legacy BIOS.
Can't get beyond the BIOS screen? Check if the boot devices are enabled and in the correct order. Also check if the CDROM has an ISO loaded! It may also be possible the ISO installation media only supports legacy BIOS.


==Links ==
==Links ==
* https://www.linux-kvm.org
* https://www.qemu.org
* https://www.qemu.org
* https://www.linux-kvm.org
* https://libvirt.org
* https://libvirt.org
* https://www.spice-space.org
* https://virt-manager.org
* https://virt-manager.org
* https://www.spice-space.org
* https://libvirt.org/docs.html
* https://libvirt.org/docs.html
* https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Libvirt
* https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Libvirt
* https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/PCI_passthrough_via_OVMF
* https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/PCI_passthrough_via_OVMF
[[Category:Virtualization]]
[[Category:KVM]]

Latest revision as of 08:45, May 25, 2018


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Introduction

This page documents the configuration of KVM/Qemu using Libvirt with the GUI front-end Virt-Manager.

An overview according to libvirt.org, the [libvirt] project:

  • is a toolkit to manage virtualization platforms
  • is accessible from C, Python, Perl, Java and more
  • is licensed under open source licenses
  • supports KVM, QEMU, Xen, Virtuozzo, VMWare ESX, LXC, BHyve and more
  • targets Linux, FreeBSD, Windows and OS-X
  • is used by many applications

Check for KVM hardware support

Verify the processor supports Intel Vt-x or AMD-V technology and that the necessary virtualization features are enabled within the BIOS. The following command should reveal if your hardware supports virtualization: 

user $ LC_ALL=C lscpu | grep Virt

Kernel configuration

The default Funtoo kernel, sys-kernel/debian-sources, has the needed KVM virtualization and virtual networking features enabled by default and will not require any reconfiguration. Non debian-sources users will need to verify the necessary kernel features are turned on in order to run KVM virtual machines and use virtual networking.

Install libvirt

Optionally build libvirt with policykit support which will allow non-root users to authenticate as root in order to manage VMs and will also allow members of the libvirt group to manage VMs without using the root password. 

user $ echo 'app-emulation/libvirt policykit' >> /etc/portage/package.use

For desktop VM usage it is recommended to build app-emulation/qemu with spice support. The Spice protocols can be used to gain improved graphical and audio experience, clipboard-sharing and directory-sharing. 

user $ echo 'app-emulation/qemu spice' >> /etc/portage/package.use

It's likely to need further USE flag changes in /etc/portage/package.use -- if it asks, add the changes needed in order to be emerged. 

user $ emerge -av app-emulation/libvirt

After libvirt is finished compiling, you will have installed libvirt and pulled-in all of its necessary dependencies, such as app-emulation/qemu and also net-firewall/ebtables and net-dns/dnsmasq for the default NAT/DHCP networking.

Enable the libvirtd service

Start the libvirtd service. 

user $  rc-service libvirtd start

Add the libvirtd service to the openrc default runlevel. 

user $  rc-update add libvirtd

Enable the "default" libvirt NAT

Set the virsh network "default" to be autostarted by libvirtd. 

user $  virsh net-autostart default

Start the "default" virsh network. 

user $  virsh net-start default

Restart the libvirtd service to ensure everything has taken effect. 

user $  rc-service libvirtd restart

Use ifconfig to verify the default NAT's network interface is up. 

user $  ifconfig
   ...
   virbr0: flags=4099<UP,BROADCAST,MULTICAST>  mtu 1500
   inet 192.168.122.1  netmask 255.255.255.0  broadcast 192.168.122.255
   ether 52:54:00:74:7a:ac  txqueuelen 1000  (Ethernet)
   RX packets 6  bytes 737 (737.0 B)
   RX errors 0  dropped 5  overruns 0  frame 0
   TX packets 0  bytes 0 (0.0 B)
   TX errors 0  dropped 0 overruns 0  carrier 0  collisions 0
   ...

Notice the "default" libvirt NAT inserts its additional iptables rules automatically upon every libvirtd restart. 

user $  iptables -S
   ...
   -A FORWARD -d 192.168.122.0/24 -o virbr0 -m conntrack --ctstate RELATED,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -s 192.168.122.0/24 -i virbr0 -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -i virbr0 -o virbr0 -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -o virbr0 -j REJECT --reject-with icmp-port-unreachable
   -A FORWARD -i virbr0 -j REJECT --reject-with icmp-port-unreachable
   -A FORWARD -d 192.168.122.0/24 -o virbr0 -m conntrack --ctstate RELATED,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -s 192.168.122.0/24 -i virbr0 -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -i virbr0 -o virbr0 -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -o virbr0 -j REJECT --reject-with icmp-port-unreachable
   -A FORWARD -i virbr0 -j REJECT --reject-with icmp-port-unreachable
   -A FORWARD -d 192.168.122.0/24 -o virbr0 -m conntrack --ctstate RELATED,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -s 192.168.122.0/24 -i virbr0 -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -i virbr0 -o virbr0 -j ACCEPT
   -A FORWARD -o virbr0 -j REJECT --reject-with icmp-port-unreachable
   -A FORWARD -i virbr0 -j REJECT --reject-with icmp-port-unreachable
   -A OUTPUT -o virbr0 -p udp -m udp --dport 68 -j ACCEPT
   -A OUTPUT -o virbr0 -p udp -m udp --dport 68 -j ACCEPT
   -A OUTPUT -o virbr0 -p udp -m udp --dport 68 -j ACCEPT

Most virsh commands require root privileges

Libvirt VMs are managed using the virsh cli and the GUI front-end Virt-Manager. Using these tools will require root privileges.

As noted from man(1) virsh, Template:Quote

Running as root, the following are some example virsh commands: 

user $  virsh list --all
user $  virsh start foo
user $  virsh destroy foo

If libvirt was built with polictykit support, non-root users can run the same example virsh commands by addressing qemu:///system and authenticating as root via policykit. 

user $  virsh --connect qemu:///system list --all
user $  virsh --connect qemu:///system start foo
user $  virsh --connect qemu:///system destroy foo

Passwordless, non-root VM administration

If libvirt was built with policykit support, add a user to the additional "libvirt" group in order to administrate Virtual Machines without authenticating as root. Log out and back in for these changes to take affect. 

user $  gpasswd -a $USER libvirt

Tell Qemu where the UEFI BIOS firmware is located

Edit /etc/libvirt/qemu.conf and include the following contents: 

nvram = [
    "/usr/share/edk2-ovmf/OVMF_CODE.fd:/usr/share/edk2-ovmf/OVMF_VARS.fd"
]

Install Virt-Manager to create and configure VM templates

Libvirt VM Templates are configured using XML and it is recommended to install Virt-Manager in order to ease the virtual machine creation and configuration process. It may also be desirable to revisit the virsh commands later on, as it may be necessary to use them in order to make some advanced changes to XML templates that are not shown in the GUI Virt-Manager application. Using the virsh cli is also essential for doing work remotely where Virt-Manager may not be available.

Make sure the gtk USE flag is enabled for Virt-Mananger, as it is a graphical application, and also polictykit, and then begin the emerge process: 

user $  echo 'app-emulation/virt-manager gtk policykit' >> /etc/portage/package.use

It's likely to need further USE flag changes in /etc/portage/package.use -- if it asks, add the changes needed in order to be emerged. 

user $  emerge -av app-emulation/virt-manager

Create a new Virtual Machine Template

Creating a new Virtual Machine Template

On first use of Virt-Manager, while browsing to find an ISO image, create a dedicated ISO "pool" which will be a directory on the filesystem where ISO files are stored. Select the "+" in order to "Add pool". After creating the ISO pool and moving ISO images into the directory, browse for your ISO images in your ISO pool.

Choose Volume

Customize configuration before VM install

During the final step of VM template creation, it is a good idea to check the box "Customize Configuration Before Install," as it will allow, on the next screen, the option to choose which BIOS firmware will be used. After a BIOS is chosen for a VM template, it is unable to be changed without starting the creation process again from the beginning.

Customize Configuration Before Install

The default BIOS is seabios, which is a legacy BIOS. OVMF, a UEFI BIOS, is also available. When deciding on a chipset, i440FX is for emulation of older BIOS chipsets, and Q35 is for emulation of newer BIOS chipsets. It is recommended to use the default seabios unless a UEFI BIOS is needed.

Choose your BIOS from the customize configuration menu

It is possible to return to the VM customization menu at any time by selecting a VM from the main Virt-Manager window, choosing "open" and then selecting "Details" from the VMs dropdown menu.

Other considerations in the customization menu

The Q35 BIOS chipset will not work with IDE

If using the Q35 chipset, remove the IDE Storage devices and select "Add Hardware," in the "Storage" section, select SATA and add new SATA Storage devices instead.

It is also important to decide between using the qcow2 or raw storage types. Qcow2 allows for snapshotting with rollbacks and is sparse provisioned. Raw does not have the features of qcow2, but may have better performance under some circumstances.

Adding a new SATA cdrom Device and loading it with a windows 10 ISO image

How to use SCSI Storage Devices with the Virtio SCSI Disk Controller

While adding virtual storage hardware, it is an excellent time to choose the disk "Device type" of "SCSI" which will use the Redhat passthrough "Virtio SCSI" disk controller for improved I/O performance.

ZFS users can also use a sparse provisioned ZVOL which can be addressed in the "Select or create custom storage" textbox as follows: 

/dev/zvol/tank/VOLNAME

The virtio guest driver for taking advantage of the "Virtio SCSI" disk controller is included by default in Linux and FreeBSD kernels. Windows will be unable to see the Virtio SCSI storage disk and therefore unable to install until you load the Redhat Virtio SCSI driver during the Windows install process. (Windows installers include a menu that is able to load drivers during installation.) The RedHat Virtio SCSI driver for Windows is available to download as an ISO image.

Adding a new SCSI Storage Device and addressing it to a preconfigured ZVOL

About the Virt-Manager defaults

Virt-Manager configures the Spice server with QXL video, ich6 sound, USB redirectors and shared clipboard by default. These are all generally good things to have for graphical VMs, but depending on the user application, some may opt to remove or change these devices away from defaults.

Begin Installation

When ready to begin, choose "Begin Installation", Virt-Manager's equivalent of the "virt-install" command.

Windows 10 Virtual Machine

After successful installation of an OS, it is a good idea to install and enable the app-emulation/spice-vdagent service on graphical guests. If it is a Windows guest, a Spice executeable can be downloaded from the official Spice downloads page.

XML Template editing using "virsh edit"

Allow sparse provisioned guests to trim the filesystem and return unused space to the host

Some features can only be changed by editing the XML template directly. This example shows an XML template that was originally generated using Virt-Manager, but by using the "virsh edit" command, has been modified on line 42 with the added parameter of discard='unmap' which allows sparse provisioned guest VMs to trim the filesystem and return unused space to the host.

Editing XML templates manually with virsh edit

Troubleshooting

Can't get beyond the BIOS screen? Check if the boot devices are enabled and in the correct order. Also check if the CDROM has an ISO loaded! It may also be possible the ISO installation media only supports legacy BIOS.

Links

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