# How to install QEMU Guest Agent

## **How to install on Linux**

On Linux-based operating systems, you can install the agent via the command line using [Secure Shell.](/ncs-documents/ncs-documents-en/compute/compute-instance/ssh-to-linux-compute-instance.md)

### 1. Install the QEMU Guest Agent

* On Debian or Ubuntu-based systems (using apt-get), run the command:

```
sudo apt-get install qemu-guest-agent
```

* On Debian or Ubuntu-based systems (using apt-get), run the command

```
sudo yum install qemu-guest-agent
```

### 2. Start the QEMU Guest Agent service

Depending on the OS, the QEMU Guest Agent may not start immediately after installation and might require you to start it manually. You can start it with the following command:

<pre><code><strong>sudo systemctl start qemu-guest-agent
</strong></code></pre>

### 3. Enable the QEMU Guest Agent to autostart on instance restart

To ensure the QEMU Guest Agent service starts automatically after a restart, use the command:

```
sudo systemctl enable qemu-guest-agent
```

## How to install on Windows

On Windows Server, you can install the agent via [Remote Desktop Protocol](/ncs-documents/ncs-documents-en/compute/compute-instance/remote-desktop-to-windows-instance.md).

### 1. **Download the VirtIO ISO File**

Download the VirtIO driver ISO file from <https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/direct-downloads/latest-virtio/virtio-win.iso> and attach the ISO file to your instance.

<figure><img src="/files/xcbUKiFwrLQQ5BOgqOXV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2. **Open the File on the Instance**

Once the VirtIO file is attached to the instance, it will appear as a DVD drive (e.g., virtio-win-0.1.215). Right-click the drive and select "Open in new window".

<figure><img src="/files/vy8eGQBBbPnk99JJPFZR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Install virtio-win-guest-tools

Double-click the virtio-win-guest-tools.exe file to begin the installation.

<figure><img src="/files/Q69sAsMdpIU6hOSAVEuT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When the Virtio-win setup wizard appears, proceed through the installation by clicking:\
Next >> I accept... >> Next >> Next (no changes needed) >> Install.

<figure><img src="/files/xqhY9LVIj4WsTpt9aE40" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When prompted, click Install to confirm.

<figure><img src="/files/v7Vx0XU5rgkBpjywfAcC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once the installation is complete, click Finish.

<figure><img src="/files/sUW9vXW8I1fi8rszGNe2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/JVG5AQrIKYOZI949LtZz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Verify the QEMU Guest Agent is running

Open the "Services" application to check the status of the QEMU Guest Agent. If the installation was successful, its status should be "Running".

<figure><img src="/files/NQflIi4EmxMuGDa3ZX4g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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