virt-sysprep
Prepare VM images for cloning
TLDR
List available operations
$ virt-sysprep --list-operations
Remove sensitive data$ sudo virt-sysprep -a [path/to/image.qcow2]
Dry run by domain name$ sudo virt-sysprep -d [vm_name] -n
Run specific operations$ sudo virt-sysprep -d [vm_name] --operations [operation1,operation2]
Set hostname and machine-id$ sudo virt-sysprep -d [vm_name] --enable customizations --hostname [host_name] --operation machine-id
SYNOPSIS
virt-sysprep [OPTIONS]
DESCRIPTION
virt-sysprep resets, unconfigures, or customizes a virtual machine image for cloning or deployment. It removes machine-specific data like SSH keys, logs, and persistent device names.
This prepares VM images for use as templates by removing identity information that should be unique per machine.
PARAMETERS
-a, --add IMAGE
Add disk image-d, --domain VM
Specify VM by name-n, --dry-run
Show what would be done without making changes--operations OPS
Run only specified operations--list-operations
List all supported operations--hostname NAME
Set hostname--enable FEATURE
Enable specific feature
CAVEATS
VM must be shut down. Root privileges typically required. Some operations may break the VM if used incorrectly. Always backup images before processing.
SEE ALSO
virt-clone(1), virt-customize(1)