Create a New KVM on Arch Linux Using virt-manager

Virtualization on Arch Linux doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can spin up a VM in minutes. Here’s how to create a new KVM guest using virt-manager, a slick GUI front end for libvirt.

Why KVM + virt-manager?

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is fast, stable, and built into the Linux kernel. Combine it with virt-manager and you get a clean, graphical way to create and manage virtual machines. No endless command-line flags. Great for testing, sandboxing, or running other OSes without rebooting.

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have:

• An Arch Linux host
• Root or sudo access
• A CPU with virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)

If you haven’t set up KVM yet, follow this guide first:
👉 How to Install a KVM in Arch Linux

Step 1: Install Required Packages

Open a terminal and run:

sudo pacman -S qemu virt-manager virt-viewer dnsmasq vde2 bridge-utils openbsd-netcat

Enable and start the libvirt service:

sudo systemctl enable --now libvirtd.service

Add your user to the libvirt group:

sudo usermod -aG libvirt $(whoami)
newgrp libvirt

Then log out and back in to apply the group changes.

Step 2: Launch virt-manager

Start the GUI with:

virt-manager

The first launch may prompt for authentication—this is normal.

Step 3: Create a New VM

1. Click the “Create a new virtual machine” icon.
2. Choose your installation method (ISO, PXE, etc.).
3. Point it to your ISO file (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora).
4. Allocate RAM and CPU cores.
5. Create a virtual disk (10–20 GB is typical).
6. Name your VM and review the settings.
7. Click “Finish” to boot and begin OS installation.

Step 4: Install the Guest OS

Your VM will boot from the ISO. Install the OS just like on a physical machine.

Step 5: Post-Install Tweaks (Optional)

After setup:

• Install spice-vdagent in the guest for better resolution and clipboard sharing.
• Take a snapshot so you can roll back if needed.
• Configure networking—NAT is default, but bridged mode gives more flexibility.

Wrap-Up

With KVM and virt-manager, Arch Linux becomes a powerful virtualization host. You get performance, control, and a user-friendly interface—all without touching raw QEMU commands.

Want more power-user tips?
👉 Check out: Configuring a New KVM on Arch Linux Using QEMU CLI

Got questions or want to learn how to clone or export a VM? Drop a comment below.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!