Should I use QEMU/virt-manager or Virtualbox for a Windows virtualized instance?

I use Arch Linux, and some apps require me to use Windows. I have tried to get Wine working, but it’s just too much of a hassle. If the only goal of my virtualization setup is to run something like Adobe apps (I’m not doing any gaming on it), will Virtualbox or virt-manager be the quick and easy choice for me? I have tried using Virtualbox, but it didn’t work due to some dkms drivers I think. I also don’t want to use QEMU by itself, as I don’t like using terminal commands and much prefer using a GUI to do things.

root,

You’ll probably start with virt-manager then move to proxmox. This is the way, it’s only a matter of how long before you realize it’s better.

bizdelnick,

Both work. But for desktop use I recommend VirtualBox.

paradox2011,

Just another recommendation for QEMU + Virtmanager. I’ve been using that setup for some time now and its a smooth and responsive experience.

I did have some issues getting USB redirection on EndeavourOS, the virtualization entry on the Arch wiki helped. Check out section 8, SPICE. I didn’t have the same problem in Manjaro, so it appears to be just a missing package/configuration issue with more minimalist Arch-based distros.

FrostyPolicy,
@FrostyPolicy@suppo.fi avatar

For a gui to qemu use Virt-manager or gnome boxes.

xnx,

iirc gnome boxes doesnt support gpu passthrough while virt-manager does, which would be convenient to have for adobe apps.

possiblylinux127, (edited )

Boxes supports it on Linux hosts

xnx,

What? It sorta gpu passthrough? I couldn’t find any way to enable it online

possiblylinux127,

GPU acceleration. You don’t want GPU passthough as then you have 2 cursors and no copy and paste

cetvrti_magi,
@cetvrti_magi@lemmy.world avatar

I recommend going with Virt-manager, it works much better than VirtualBox in my experience.

FrostyPolicy,
@FrostyPolicy@suppo.fi avatar

The reason for better performance is that virt-manager (KVM actually under the hood) is a type 1 hypervisor while virtualbox is a type 2 hypervisor.

Magister,
@Magister@lemmy.world avatar

I used VMware or vbox for 10+ years, or HyperV in Windows.

Lastly in Linux I needed a windows XP install for an old program, I tried QEMU and after booting the install iso, I just created a small script to launch my installed image with some parameters I needed for serial port, and that’s it.

I like QEMU, and will try to use it for any VM now.

possiblylinux127,

Make sure you use KVM for acceleration.

Best option is virtual manager

db2,

You’ve already decided, so just go for it.

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