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This page explains how to manage individual virtual machines.
Add a VM (3.4 UI)
Navigate to KVM > VM host name > Add VM and fill out the form:
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If you wish, input a VM name.
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Choose between Use any available core(s) or Pin VM to specific core(s). If choosing the latter, specify core identities.
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Input the amount of RAM needed.
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For advanced settings like Domain, Zone, Resource pool, or Architecture, click on Show advanced and make your modifications.
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Optionally, you can Define interfaces.
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Add disks if necessary by selecting Add disks.
When done, click Compose machine to spawn the VM.
You’ll find the newly composed VM in the Machines tab after a brief period, during which it undergoes auto-commissioning. Resources are automatically deducted from the selected VM host.
Add a VM (3.3-- UI)
From the VM host’s details view, select Take action > Compose. Choose your preferred Storage pool and select Compose machine.
When adding multiple disks, the last disk in the list will function as the boot disk.
Your new machine will be auto-commissioned, and its resources will be deducted from the VM host.
Delete a VM (UI)
To delete a VM, choose Machines > machine > Take action > Delete.
Add a VM (CLI)
Creating a basic VM is as simple as running:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID
Specify VM resources (CLI)
You can specify the resources for your VM using the cores and memory options:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID cores=4 memory=8G
Define VM architecture (CLI)
To define the architecture for your VM, add the architecture option:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID architecture=amd64
Set storage parameters (CLI)
Disk and storage configuration can also be defined when you create a VM:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID disks=1:size=20G
Specify interfaces (CLI)
Network interfaces can be specified during VM creation:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID interfaces=0:space=default
Find VM host IDs (CLI)
To find the ID for your VM host, you can use the following command:
maas $PROFILE vm-hosts read
Delete a VM (CLI)
To delete a VM, execute:
maas $PROFILE machine delete $SYSTEM_ID
CLI summary
Here’s a quick summary of the CLI commands covered:
- Creating a basic VM:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID - Specifying resources:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID cores=4 memory=8G - Setting architecture:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID architecture=amd64 - Adding storage:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID disks=1:size=20G - Defining interfaces:
maas $PROFILE vm-host compose $VM_HOST_ID interfaces=0:space=default - Finding VM host IDs:
maas $PROFILE vm-hosts read - Deleting a VM:
maas $PROFILE machine delete $SYSTEM_ID
Additional background material on VM hosting is available for those interested in a deeper understanding.