# How to use multipass? A tutorial Multipass from Linux distributor Canonical is a **solution for [virtualization](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/configuration/virtualization/)**, which lets users easily create and manage [Ubuntu](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/ubuntu-the-linux-system-for-everyone/) VMs ([virtual machines](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/virtual-machines/)) on different operating systems. ## What is Multipass? Multipass is a **lightweight virtualization software** designed specifically for developers and system administrators who want to test or use Ubuntu in an isolated environment or create a new Ubuntu environment with a single command. It allows you to create, start and manage Ubuntu VMs with minimal effort and offers a simple command line interface (CLI). When [comparing virtualization software](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/configuration/best-virtualization-software/), Multipass stands out above all due to its **Ubuntu focus** and a quick VM setup. Its **native cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux further sets it apart from other solutions**, such as [KVM](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-kvm/), for example. ## Requirements for the use of Multipass To use Multipass, the following requirements must be met: - **[Operating system](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-an-operating-system/):** Multipass supports Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS and [Linux distributions](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/configuration/linux-distributions/). - **Hardware:** A system with a 64-bit processor and at least 4 GB [RAM](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-ram/) is recommended to run the virtual machine efficiently. - **Administrator rights:** Administrator rights are required for installing and operating Multipass. ## How to install Multipass step by step The installation of Multipass **varies depending on the operating system**. ### Installation on Windows On Windows, you need a dedicated installation program to install Multipass. #### Step 1: Download the installation program Visit the [official Multipass website](https://multipass.run/install "Multipass website") and download the installation program for Windows. #### Step 2: Run the installation program Next, ensure that your local network is set to **private**, as Multipass cannot start on Windows if the network is public. Once this is done, double-click the downloaded file to launch the installation program and follow the instructions provided by the installation wizard. #### Step 3: Complete the installation Once installation is complete, you can use Multipass via the command prompt or [PowerShell](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/windows-powershell/). ### Installation on macOS On macOS, you can download Multipass using the **Homebrew** package manager. If you haven’t installed Homebrew yet, follow this [Homebrew installation](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/tools/homebrew-mac-installation/) before installing Multipass. #### Step 1: Download via Homebrew Firstly, launch your terminal and run the following command to update Homebrew and install Multipass: ```bash brew install --cask multipass ``` Homebrew should now automatically download and install Multipass. #### Step 2: Check the installation You can check if Multipass has been successfully installed by entering the command `multipass version` in the terminal. ### Installation on Linux Various installation methods are available for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions: #### Option 1: Installation on Ubuntu via APT Update the package management system *APT* and install Multipass on Ubuntu with the following commands: ```bash sudo apt update sudo apt install multipass ``` #### Option 2: Installation on other distributions via Snap If your distribution supports the package management *Snap*, you can install Multipass by executing the command below: ```bash sudo snap install multipass ``` No matter which installation method you use for Multipass on Linux, you can verify that the virtualization tool has been installed correctly by running the command `multipass version` in your terminal. ## How to create a virtual machine with Multipass? Once Multipass is installed, you can start creating and managing Ubuntu VMs. ### Step 1: Create a virtual machine To create a new VM, use the `launch` command. This command downloads the latest Ubuntu image and starts a new VM. You can specify a custom name for the VM using the optional `--name` parameter, which is recommended to avoid a random, less meaningful name being generated. ```bash multipass launch --name test-vm ``` ### Step 2: Determine Ubuntu version To use a specific version of Ubuntu, you can first list all available versions with this command: ```bash multipass find ``` You’ll receive a list of different Ubuntu versions and their aliases. To view more information about a specific version, use the command `multipass info [versionname/alias]`. You can then specify your favorite version in the `launch` command. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is installed here: ```bash multipass launch --name test-vm 22.04 ``` ### Step 3: Check the status of the VMs To display a list of all active VMs, use the following command which displays all running VMs, their status, [IP address](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-an-ip-address/) and other relevant information. ```bash multipass list ``` ### Step 4: Connect to a VM To access a running VM, use the `shell` command: ```bash multipass shell test-vm ``` The command launches an SSH session to the specified VM so that you can work with it directly. ### Step 5: Manage and control VMs Multipass offers a number of commands to manage your VMs: - **Suspend a VM:** `multipass suspend test-vm` - **Start a previously suspended VM:** `multipass start test-vm` - **Deleting a VM:** `multipass delete test-vm` - **Remove all deleted VMs:** `multipass purge` (deleted VMs remain in *deleted* state until they are finally removed this way). This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/configuration/multipass/](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/configuration/multipass/) for AI/LLM consumption.