> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/guest-os-compatibility.md).

# VergeOS Guest OS Compatibility

VergeOS, built on Linux KVM technology, provides extensive compatibility for x86\_64 guest operating systems. This includes Windows, Linux distributions, FreeBSD, and virtual appliances designed for KVM environments. While any x86\_64-compatible operating system should work without issues, this guide outlines commonly tested configurations.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Virtual Appliances**

Virtual appliances packaged for KVM environments are fully compatible with VergeOS. This includes OVA/OVF formats from vendors who support KVM-based deployments.
{% endhint %}

## Microsoft Windows Support

### Windows Desktop Versions

| Version     | Recommended Interface | Minimum RAM | Notes                                         |
| ----------- | --------------------- | ----------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Windows 11  | VirtIO                | 4 GB        | Best performance with latest VirtIO drivers   |
| Windows 10  | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Supports all editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise) |
| Windows 8.1 | VirtIO/IDE            | 2 GB        | May require legacy hardware support           |
| Windows 7   | IDE/SATA              | 2 GB        | Legacy OS - Limited driver support            |

### Windows Server Versions

| Version        | Recommended Interface | Minimum RAM | Notes                                   |
| -------------- | --------------------- | ----------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Server 2025    | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Optimal performance with latest drivers |
| Server 2022    | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Optimal performance with latest drivers |
| Server 2019    | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Supports all roles and features         |
| Server 2016    | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Recommended for production use          |
| Server 2012 R2 | VirtIO/IDE            | 2 GB        | Extended support ends 2023              |
| Server 2008 R2 | IDE/SATA              | 2 GB        | Legacy support only                     |

## Linux Support

### Enterprise Linux Distributions

| Distribution    | Versions   | Recommended Interface | Minimum RAM | Notes                   |
| --------------- | ---------- | --------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------- |
| RHEL            | 7, 8, 9    | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Native VirtIO support   |
| SUSE Enterprise | 11, 12, 15 | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Built-in driver support |
| Oracle Linux    | 6, 7, 8, 9 | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | UEK kernel recommended  |

### Community Enterprise Linux

| Distribution  | Versions | Recommended Interface | Minimum RAM | Notes                   |
| ------------- | -------- | --------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------- |
| AlmaLinux     | 8, 9     | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | RHEL binary compatible  |
| Rocky Linux   | 8, 9     | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Native driver support   |
| CentOS        | 7, 8     | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Built-in VirtIO support |
| CentOS Stream | 8        | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Rolling release model   |

### Debian-based Distributions

| Distribution | Versions            | Recommended Interface | Minimum RAM | Notes                            |
| ------------ | ------------------- | --------------------- | ----------- | -------------------------------- |
| Debian       | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12    | VirtIO                | 1 GB        | Native driver support            |
| Ubuntu LTS   | 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 | VirtIO                | 2 GB        | Recommended for production       |
| Ubuntu       | 12.04 - 19.04       | VirtIO                | 1 GB        | Older releases - limited support |

## FreeBSD Support

| Version    | Support Status | Recommended Interface | Minimum RAM | Notes                        |
| ---------- | -------------- | --------------------- | ----------- | ---------------------------- |
| FreeBSD 13 | Full           | VirtIO                | 1 GB        | Best performance with VirtIO |
| FreeBSD 12 | Full           | VirtIO                | 1 GB        | Production ready             |
| FreeBSD 11 | Limited        | VirtIO/SATA           | 1 GB        | Legacy support               |
| FreeBSD 10 | Limited        | SATA                  | 1 GB        | Basic compatibility          |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Driver Support**

For optimal performance, VirtIO drivers are recommended where supported. Windows guests may require additional driver installation, while most modern Linux distributions include native VirtIO support.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Additional OS Support**

While this list represents commonly tested configurations, VergeOS's KVM foundation enables support for virtually any x86\_64 operating system or KVM-compatible virtual appliance. Contact support for guidance on specific operating systems or virtual appliances not listed here.
{% endhint %}

## Technical Considerations

{% hint style="info" %}
**System Requirements**

* RAM requirements vary by operating system and workload
* Always consult vendor documentation for production sizing
* Consider additional overhead for virtualization
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Storage Interface Options**

* VirtIO: Modern interface offering best performance (recommended)
* SATA: Compatible with most operating systems, requires Q35 machine type
* IDE: Available for legacy operating system support, requires i440FX machine type
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Architecture Support**

* VergeOS supports 64-bit (x86\_64) operating systems
* 32-bit operating systems are not officially supported
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Performance Optimization**

* Install and configure VirtIO drivers where supported
* Windows guests require additional VirtIO driver installation
* Most modern Linux distributions include VirtIO support
* Keep guest operating systems and drivers updated
  {% endhint %}


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