# How to install the Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) The Virtual Machine Manager, also known as virt-manager or **VMM**, is a graphical management tool for virtual machines that runs on Linux systems and simplifies the use of various [hypervisors](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-a-hypervisor/) such as [KVM](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-kvm/), [QEMU](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/qemu/) or Xen. ## What is the Virtual Machine Manager? The Virtual Machine Manager offers a **user-friendly and above all standardized interface** for managing various [virtual machines (VMs)](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/virtual-machines/). With virt-manager, you can create, configure and monitor VMs without having to deal with complex command line tools. It’s based on `libvirt` and therefore supports all virtualization solutions that are also supported by `libvirt`. The VMM offers features such as **snapshots, live migrations and network management**. This makes it a powerful tool for managing both small and large virtualization environments. Tip Not sure which [virtualization](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/virtualization/) solution is right for you? Then it’s worth taking a look at our [virtualization software comparison](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/best-virtualization-software/) to find the right tool. ## What are the prerequisites for using the Virtual Machine Manager? Before you can install and use the Virtual Machine Manager, you should ensure that your system meets the following requirements: - **Operating system**: virt-manager is mainly developed for Linux-based [operating systems](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-an-operating-system/) like [Ubuntu](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/ubuntu-the-linux-system-for-everyone/), Fedora or [Debian](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/debian-the-universal-system-software/). Make sure that your system uses one of these distributions or another supported Linux variant. - **Hypervisor**: You need an installed hypervisor. KVM is probably the most commonly used hypervisor on Linux systems and is available in most [Linux distributions](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/linux-server-distributions/). - **RAM and disk space**: The amount of available [RAM](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-ram/) and hard disk space should be sufficient to run the host operating system and all planned virtual machines. At least 4 GB of RAM is recommended, but more is required for better performance. - **Network connection**: An active network connection is required if you want to manage the VMs via networks or the internet. A network connection is also required to download installation files and updates. ## How to install VMM ### Step 1: Update the system Before installation, you should ensure that your system is up to date. Open a terminal and execute the following commands to update your system: ```bash sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade ``` ### Step 2: Install VMM The next step is to install the Virtual Machine Manager. To do this, execute the following command. If you use a package management system other than *APT* in your Linux distribution, you must use this for the installation. ```bash sudo apt install virt-manager ``` ### Step 3: Check the installation You can then check whether the installation was successful by starting the Virtual Machine Manager via the application menu or by entering virt-manager in the terminal. ## How to install a new virtual machine After installation, you can create a new virtual machine with the Virtual Machine Manager. This also requires only a few steps. ### Step 1: Start VMM Start virt-manager first. To do this, open the Virtual Machine Manager via the application menu or the terminal with the command `virt-manager`. ### Step 2: Establish a connection with a hypervisor When you start virt-manager, you’ll see a window that prompts you to connect to a hypervisor. Select **QEMU/KVM** and then click on **Connect**. ### Step 3: Create a new VM In the next step, you can create a new virtual machine. To do this, click on the **New** button in the top left-hand corner of the window. Alternatively, you can create a new machine via the **File** > **New virtual machine** menu. ### Step 4: Select the installation method Select the method you want to use to install the operating system on the VM. You can install from an ISO file, a physical CD/DVD or a network installation. Then click on **Next**. ### Step 5: Select ISO file or installation medium If you’re using an ISO file, select the file from your file system. Otherwise, enter the path to another installation medium. Click on **Next** again. ### Step 6: Select the operating system type and version Select the operating system and version you wish to install. This helps the VMM to suggest the optimum settings for the VM. Click on **Next** to confirm. ### Step 7: Assign RAM and CPU Assign the desired amount of RAM and the number of CPU cores to the VM. Please note that more resources enable better performance, but also consume more of the host system. Click **Next** again to continue with the configuration. ### Step 8: Configure hard disk storage Specify the size of the virtual hard disk that’s assigned to the VM. You can create a new virtual hard disk or select an existing one. The storage location does not have to be on the local machine — external storage locations also work. Click the **Next** button one last time. ### Step 9: Check and create VM Check the settings and then click on **Finish** to create the virtual machine and start the installation process. ## Tips for managing the Virtual Machine Manager Once the virtual machine has been created, you can manage it via the Virtual Machine Manager: - **Starting and stopping the VM**: Select the desired VM from the list in the main window of virt-manager and use the **Start** or **Stop** buttons to start or stop the VM. - **Change configuration**: To change the configuration of a VM, right-click on the VM and select **Show details**. Here you can adjust settings such as CPU, RAM, network and storage. - **Create snapshots**: Snapshots allow you to back up the current state of a virtual machine and access it later. It’s particularly useful to have a secure restore point in the event of changes or software installations. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/virtual-machine-manager/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/virtual-machine-manager/) for AI/LLM consumption.