Run virtual machines in Gnome Boxes
Boxed

© Lead Image © yarruta, 123RF.com and gnome photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash
In the past, using virtual machines required expensive programs such as VMware or open source add-ons such as VirtualBox. Gnome Boxes brings a convenient virtualization option to the Linux desktop.
If you want to set up a virtual machine (VM) with a graphical user interface on Linux, you might be inclined to go with VirtualBox or VMware's commercial offerings. These applications, which have been established for years, offer many functions. However, due to their full version's proprietary licenses, they are not found in the package sources of popular Linux distributions.
With VirtualBox, you would have to install the Extension Pack alongside the program to use the application's full functionality. In addition, it is important to pay attention to licences. VirtualBox's source code is released under the GPL v2.0, but you can only use the proprietary add-on free of charge [1] for personal use or testing purposes.
Boxes Out of the Box
Because Gnome Boxes, a front-end tool for Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), is created within the framework of the Gnome Desktop Environment [2], it does not require the installation of any additional software (see the "SPICE Mix" box). With KVM directly integrated into the Linux kernel, Boxes does not have to worry about virtualization. The software simply provides the VM with the environment, using existing libraries and applications such as libvirt and Qemu [3].
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.