Ubuntu Server VM on M1 Mac using UTM/QEMU

notes.md

Ubuntu Server on M1 Mac using UTM/QEMU

Prerequisites

1. Download UTM: https://getutm.app
2. Download a Ubuntu Server image: https://ubuntu.com/download/server/arm

Create a VM

1. Under the System tab, select ARM64.
2. Under the Drives tab:
   1. Create a new VirtIO drive to install Ubuntu on. 50GB is a good size to start with.
   2. Create a new USB drive and mark it as "removable". This is the CD drive for the install media.
3. Keep everything else as default and click Save.

Install Ubuntu

1. Select the VM on the left.
2. At the bottom, click the CD/DVD dropdown and click "Browse".
3. Point it to the Ubuntu Server image you downloaded.
4. Start the VM and follow the installation steps.

Problems

Installer not starting

If the installer is stuck on a black screen:

1. Shutdown the VM.
2. Right-click the VM and click "Edit...".
3. Under the Display tab, select Console. This will boot in console mode.

Network not working inside the VM

Apparently, if you boot in console mode and then in graphical mode, Ubuntu may create a new interface. In this case, you'll need to make sure both interfaces are present in the network config. See: utmapp/UTM#3094 (comment)