How to Create a Ubuntu Virtual Machine With QEMU Manager

QEMU is a CPU and process emulator which allows you to create virtual machines that can run on any platform. QEMU manager uses this emulator to virtualize Linux on windows systems. In this post we show you how to create an Ubuntu virtual machine on Windows using QEMU manager.

Summary of steps involved and software needed:

1. Download QEMU manager and Install on windows platform

2. Create Linux Virtual Machine and Install Ubuntu on virtual hard disk

3. Run the Virtual hard disk from windows platform.

4. QEMU manager and Ubuntu ISO image are needed as software requirements.

Steps to Install QEMU manager and Create Virtual Machine

1. Download QEMU manager and install on Windows platform. Screen shot of QEMU manager with virtual machines are shown below.

Click to enlarge

2. Create a new Ubuntu Virtual machine by clicking Options -> Create New Virtual Machine or by clicking the ‘+’ sign.


3. After creating the virtual machine, configure the virtual machine by setting the memory size required and choose the location of the ISO image which is to be installed into the virtual machine. Set the boot option as shown below



4. Once boot parameters are configured properly, click the ‘Run‘ virtual machine icon to launch the virtual machine.


5. QEMU will run the emulator and boot Ubuntu from the ISO image. Follow the onscreen instructions to install Ubuntu



6. Proceed with the standard Ubuntu installation procedure by choosing the keyboard map, region settings as per your preference.


7. Select Guided partition option and click Forward to proceed further

partitionining virtual machine

8. Enter your login option and proceed to install Ubuntu to the virtual hard disk.



9. Once the installation is completed, you will be able to run the virtual machine from the virtual hardisk. Make sure you select the correct boot parameters .


Note : The keyboard shortcut to switch focus and return back to Windows is CTRL +ALT .

Some of the advantages of using QEMU:

1. Easy to use and run with minimal system memory, say 512MB RAM.

2. There are option that allows you to create VMware virtual disk.

3. Plenty of options provided for optimal virtualization.

As for the disadvantage, there is no option for you to save the state of the Virtual machine  or to pause the virtual machine and shut the system.

Have you tried QEMU before? How do you find it?