QEMU cheat sheet for the most basic setup

QEMU_cheat_sheat.md

Create system drive

qemu-img create -f qcow2 alpine.qcow2 16G

Install image

Linux

qemu-system-x86_64 \
-enable-kvm \
-cpu host \
-m 4G \
-nic user,model=virtio \
-drive file=alpine.qcow2,if=virtio \
-cdrom alpine-virt-3.18.0-x86_64.iso

macOS

qemu-system-x86_64 \
-accel hvf \
-cpu host \
-m 4G \
-usb \
-device usb-tablet \
-nic user,model=virtio \
-drive file=alpine.qcow2,if=virtio
-cdrom alpine-virt-3.18.0-x86_64.iso

Windows

qemu-system-x86_64 `
-accel whpx,kernel-irqchip=off `
-m 4G `
-usb `
-device usb-tablet `
-nic user,model=virtio `
-drive file=alpine.qcow2,if=virtio `
-cdrom alpine-virt-3.18.0-x86_64.iso

Boot OS

Linux

qemu-system-x86_64 \
-enable-kvm \
-nographic \
-cpu host \
-m 2G \
-nic user,model=virtio \
-drive file=alpine.qcow2,if=virtio

macOS

qemu-system-x86_64 \
-accel hvf \
-nographic \
-cpu host \
-m 2G \
-nic user,model=virtio \
-drive file=alpine.qcow2,if=virtio

Windows

qemu-system-x86_64 `
-accel whpx,kernel-irqchip=off `
-nographic `
-m 2G `
-nic user,model=virtio `
-drive file=alpine.qcow2,if=virtio

Notes

1. Exit -nographic with CTRL-A X
2. When -nograpgic is used initial boot output is hidden
3. Commands above use extra RAM when installing to speed up the process
4. -accel whpx,kernel-irqchip=off workaround for Windows
5. -usb -device usb-tablet automatically frees mouse when in graphical mode