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5.2. Using KVM virtio Drivers for New Storage Devices

This procedure covers creating new storage devices using the KVM virtio drivers with virt-manager.
Alternatively, the virsh attach-disk or virsh attach-interface commands can be used to attach devices using the virtio drivers.

Important

Ensure the drivers have been installed on the guest before proceeding to install new devices. If the drivers are unavailable the device will not be recognized and will not work.

Procedure 5.2. Adding a storage device using the virtio storage driver

  1. Open the guest virtual machine by double clicking the name of the guest in virt-manager.
  2. Open the Show virtual hardware details tab by clicking .
  3. In the Show virtual hardware details tab, click the Add Hardware button.

  4. Select hardware type

    Select Storage as the Hardware type.
    The Add new virtual hardware wizard with Storage selected as the hardware type.

    Figure 5.1. The Add new virtual hardware wizard

  5. Select the storage device and driver

    Create a new disk image or select a storage pool volume.
    Set the Device type to Disk device and the Bus type to VirtIO to use the virtio drivers.
    The Add new virtual hardware wizard Storage window, with "Create a disk image on the computer's hard drive" selected.

    Figure 5.2. The Add New Virtual Hardware wizard

    Click Finish to complete the procedure.

Procedure 5.3. Adding a network device using the virtio network driver

  1. Open the guest virtual machine by double clicking the name of the guest in virt-manager.
  2. Open the Show virtual hardware details tab by clicking .
  3. In the Show virtual hardware details tab, click the Add Hardware button.

  4. Select hardware type

    Select Network as the Hardware type.
    The Add new virtual hardware wizard with Network selected as the hardware type.

    Figure 5.3. The Add new virtual hardware wizard

  5. Select the network device and driver

    Set the Device model to virtio to use the virtio drivers. Choose the required Host device.
    The Add new virtual hardware wizard Network window, with Device model set to virtio.

    Figure 5.4. The Add new virtual hardware wizard

    Click Finish to complete the procedure.
Once all new devices are added, reboot the virtual machine. Virtual machines may not recognize the devices until the guest is rebooted.