Why does LXD say KVM support is missing when I create a Windows 11 VM?

November 14, 2026 3 answers
Asked by Mivlet.9r

I'm following a Windows 11 LXD tutorial on Ubuntu. The command lxc init win11 --vm --empty fails because KVM support is missing and there's no /dev/kvm. What should I check?

Answers

sideways__but_ready

Check whether hardware virtualization is enabled in your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. It may be called Intel VT-x or AMD-V. Enable it if it's off, then restart Ubuntu and check whether /dev/kvm appears.

If it's still missing, check that your processor supports virtualization and that the KVM kernel modules are loaded. If Ubuntu is itself running inside a VM, the outer host also needs to expose virtualization to it.

p391!clkcheck_5:

Once /dev/kvm is available, try the LXD init command again. This error happens before Windows installation begins.

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oddly.unbuttoned_6

VirtualBox is another option if you don't need to stick with LXD. It may be easier to set up, though switching tools won't necessarily fix disabled hardware virtualization. Check that setting first either way.

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~check+the!lunchbox

If the host is too limited for a comfortable Windows 11 VM, consider whether an older Windows release suits the job instead. Check its support status and security implications before using it, especially for an internet-connected VM.

That won't resolve the missing KVM device, though. An LXD VM still needs KVM regardless of which Windows version you install.

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