This article provides a step-by-step guide to installing KVM on Arch Linux for running Windows as a virtual machine. It covers the installation process, configuring virtual machines with virt-manager, and highlights the benefits of using KVM for virtualization on Arch Linux.

Guide to Installing KVM on Arch Linux for Running Windows 10

Introduction

Running Windows on Arch Linux can be accomplished using KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), a powerful virtualization solution built into the Linux kernel. In this guide, I will walk you through the installation process of KVM on Arch Linux and how to set it up to run Windows as a virtual machine. Let's get started!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• CPU with hardware virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) - it must be enabled in BIOS.
• Adequate memory and disk space

Step 1: Installing KVM

1. Open a terminal on your Arch Linux system.

2. Update the package repositories:

   sudo pacman -Syu
   

3. Install the necessary packages for KVM:

   sudo pacman -Syu qemu-desktop libvirt virt-manager dnsmasq ebtables
   

Step 2: Starting and Enabling libvirtd Service

1. Start and enable the libvirtd service:

   sudo systemctl enable libvirtd.service
   sudo systemctl start libvirtd.service
   

Step 3: Adding User to libvirt Group

1. Add your user to the libvirt group to grant necessary permissions:

   sudo gpasswd -a <your_username> libvirt
   

Step 4: Rebooting the System

1. Reboot your system to ensure all changes take effect:

   sudo reboot
   

Step 5: Creating and Managing Virtual Machines with virt-manager

1. After rebooting, launch the virt-manager tool using application icon or by opening a terminal and running the command:

   virt-manager
   

2. The virt-manager interface will open, allowing you to create and manage virtual machines.

3. Click on "Create New Virtual Machine" to start the creation wizard.

4. Follow the wizard's steps to configure your virtual machine, including selecting the Windows installation ISO file.

5. Once the virtual machine is created, you can start it and proceed with the Windows installation process within the virtual environment.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully installed KVM on Arch Linux and set it up to run Windows as a virtual machine. KVM provides a reliable and efficient virtualization solution, allowing you to run Windows applications and systems seamlessly on your Arch Linux system. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of running Windows within a virtual environment!

Please note that this guide provides a high-level overview of the installation process. For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, refer to the Arch Linux Wiki or official KVM documentation.

Remember to always check the official documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Happy virtualizing!