virt-install

Create a VM with 1GB RAM, 12GB storage, and start Debian installation

$ virt-install -n [vm_name] --memory [1024] --disk path=[path/to/image.qcow2],size=[12] -c [path/to/debian.iso]

$ virt-install -n [vm_name] --arch x86_64 --virt-type kvm --machine q35 --boot uefi --memory [4096] --disk path=[path/to/image.raw],size=[16] -c [path/to/fedora.iso]

$ virt-install -n [vm_name] --memory [512] --disk none --controller type=usb,model=none --sound none --autoconsole none --install no_install=yes -c [path/to/live.iso]

$ virt-install -n [vm_name] --cpu host-model,topology.sockets=1,topology.cores=4,topology.threads=2 --memory [16384] --disk path=[path/to/image.qcow2],size=[250] -c [path/to/os.iso]

$ virt-install -n [vm_name] --memory [2048] --disk path=[path/to/image.qcow2],size=[20] -l [https://download.fedoraproject.org/.../] -x "inst.ks=[https://path/to/kickstart]"

virt-install [options]

virt-install creates new virtual machines using libvirt. It provisions VM configuration, storage, and initiates OS installation from various sources including ISO images, network locations, or PXE boot.
The tool supports advanced configurations including UEFI boot, CPU pinning, NUMA topology, and various device passthrough options. It integrates with QEMU/KVM, Xen, and other libvirt-supported hypervisors.

-n, --name _name_

Name for the new virtual machine

Memory allocation in MB

Disk specification (path, size, format)

CD-ROM/ISO image for installation

Installation source URL

CPU model and topology configuration

Boot configuration (uefi, bios, etc.)

Hypervisor type (kvm, qemu, xen)

Machine type (q35, pc, etc.)

Additional kernel arguments

Console auto-connect behavior

Requires libvirt daemon running and appropriate virtualization backend. KVM requires hardware virtualization support. UEFI boot requires OVMF firmware package. Network installations require connectivity to installation sources.

virt-clone(1), virsh(1), virt-manager(1), qemu-img(1)