Editing Openai/693dbcdd-dc90-8001-af6a-dd1cd177c9e7


{{DISPLAYTITLE:Mount ISO in virt-manager}}

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== gpt-5-2 ==
=== User: How do you mount an ISO in virt-manager? ===
How do you mount an ISO in virt-manager?

=== Assistant: In virt-manager, mounting an ISO is just attaching it as a virtual CD/DVD device. ===
In virt-manager, mounting an ISO is just attaching it as a virtual CD/DVD device. There are two common cases.

==== Attach an ISO to an existing VM ====
# Shut down the VM (hot-plug sometimes works, but shutdown is the reliable path).
# Open virt-manager → select the VM.
# Click “Open” → “Show virtual hardware details” (lightbulb / ⓘ icon).
# Click “Add Hardware”.
# Choose “Storage”.
# Set: - Device type: CDROM device - Bus type: IDE or SATA (either is fine) - Storage: Select or create custom storage - Source path: browse to your .iso
# Click Finish.
# Start the VM.

The ISO will appear as a CD/DVD drive inside the guest.

==== Change / insert ISO while the VM is running ====

If the VM already has a CDROM device:
# Open the VM window.
# Click ⓘ Show virtual hardware details.
# Select the CDROM device in the left pane.
# Change Source path to the new ISO.
# Click Apply.

This works live for most guests.

==== Boot from the ISO (installer / rescue) ====

If you want the VM to boot from the ISO:
# With the VM powered off: - Open Boot Options.
# Enable “Enable boot menu” or move CDROM above Disk in boot order.
# Start the VM and choose the CD/DVD device.

==== Verify inside the guest ====
* Linux: ``<code>bash lsblk mount | grep sr </code>`` Usually appears as /dev/sr0.
* Windows: Shows up automatically as a DVD drive in Explorer.

==== CLI equivalent (useful for scripting) ====

<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">virsh attach-disk vm-name /path/to/file.iso sdb \
  --type cdrom --mode readonly

</syntaxhighlight>

Detach:

<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">virsh detach-disk vm-name sdb

</syntaxhighlight>

===== Common pitfalls =====
* ISO on a path libvirt can’t read (permissions / SELinux).
* Using Disk instead of CDROM device.
* Forgetting to adjust boot order for installers.

If you want, say what guest OS you’re using (Linux distro, Windows, installer vs data ISO) and whether this is a fresh install or an existing VM—I can be precise about bus type and boot settings.

== References ==
<references />


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