KVM image on LVM

Date: 14.05.2020

Virtualization has transformed the world of computing, offering flexibility, resource optimization, and cost-effectiveness. We’ll explore the process of converting qcow2/raw images to LVM logical volumes, giving you greater control over your virtualization resources.

KVM is an excellent choice for virtualization on Linux, and when paired with LVM, it offers even more benefits. LVM allows you to manage your storage resources more efficiently, making it a valuable tool.

Converting qcow2/raw Images to LVM Logical Volumes

Step 1: Convert the Image Format (if Necessary)

If your image is in qcow2 format, you’ll need to convert it to raw format:

Step 2: Create a Physical Volume for LVM

Next, create a physical volume for LVM. Replace /dev/sdb with the appropriate device for your system:

Step 3: Create a Volume Group

Now, create the volume group that will hold your logical volumes. Replace pool1 with the desired name:

Step 4: Create a Logical Volume

Create a logical volume with the same size as the image. Replace <name> and <size> as needed. If you require a different size, you can use lvresize to adjust it later:

Step 5: Transfer the Image to the LVM Logical Volume

Use dd to transfer the raw image to the LVM logical volume. Adjust the block size according to your requirements:

Step 6: Edit KVM Configuration

To make use of your new LVM logical volume in KVM, you need to update the XML configuration for the corresponding virtual machine. Locate the <disk> section and replace it with: