Installing Ubuntu 24.04 on Mac using UTM

Introduction

• Objective: Install Ubuntu 24.04 on a Mac (M1, M2, M3 chips).
• Tool used: UTM (similar to VirtualBox).

Installing UTM

• Search for UTM on your browser.
• Click on the first link: mac.getutm.app.
• Click on the Download button to download the UTM.dmg file.
• Once downloaded, open UTM.dmg.
• Drag and drop the UTM icon into the Applications folder.
• Open UTM from Launchpad.

Downloading Ubuntu ISO

• Search for Ubuntu in your browser.
• Click on the first link: ubuntu.com.
• Choose to download Ubuntu Server (ARM architecture needed for M1/M2).
  • Click on Alternative Architectures
  • Select ARM architecture and download the Ubuntu 24.04 live server.
• Ensure you do not download the AMD image.

Creating a Virtual Machine in UTM

• Open UTM and click on Create a New Virtual Machine.
• Select Virtualize and then choose Linux.
• Browse and select the downloaded ARM-based ISO file.
• Adjust hardware settings:
  • Memory: Default is 4000 MB (adjust based on Mac capacity).
  • Processors: Set according to your Mac's cores available (up to 8).
  • Storage: Default is 64 GB (adjust as necessary).
• Set shared directory (e.g., Downloads folder).
• Name the VM (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04 LTS).
• Click Save to create the VM.

Installing Ubuntu Server

• Click on Run to start the installation.
• Use arrow keys to select Try or Install Ubuntu Server.
• Follow the prompts:
  • Select language (e.g., English).
  • Choose keyboard layout (change if necessary, e.g., German).
  • For installation type, ensure Ubuntu Server is selected.
  • Enable Search for third-party drivers.
• Accept default for network configuration and proxy settings.
• Choose storage configuration: Use entire disk.
• Set up profile:
  • Machine name (e.g., CodeBind).
  • Username (e.g., CodeBind) and password.
• Choose to install OpenSSH for remote access.
• Continue through prompts to complete installation.

Rebooting and Logging In

• After installation, select Reboot Now. If it doesn't reboot, manually shut down the VM and restart.
• Log in using the username and password set during installation.

Installing Ubuntu Desktop GUI

• Open terminal in Ubuntu.
• Execute the following commands:
  1. sudo apt update
  2. sudo apt install tasksel
  3. sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop
• Wait for the installation (20-30 minutes) without interruption.
• Reboot the system using sudo reboot now after installation.

Enhancing User Experience

• After logging in, install Spice tools for shared folder and better resolution:
  • Command: sudo apt install spice-vdagent spice-webdavd
• Adjust UTM settings:
  • Enable sharing of the Downloads folder.
  • Enable Retina Mode for better resolution.
• Restart the VM and log in to Ubuntu.

Conclusion

• Successfully installed Ubuntu 24.04 with GUI on Mac using UTM.
• Shared folders between Mac and Ubuntu allow easy file transfer.
• Encouragement to explore further and enjoy using Ubuntu.