# Virtualize Linux on a Mac Configure and run Linux guests on Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers. ## Discussion Use [`VZVirtualMachineConfiguration`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZVirtualMachineConfiguration) to create a configuration that represents a specific Linux platform with the devices you want to use with your virtual machine (VM) — like [`VZVirtioSoundDeviceConfiguration`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZVirtioSoundDeviceConfiguration) or [`VZUSBKeyboardConfiguration`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZUSBKeyboardConfiguration). You use this configuration to load a Linux kernel image from disk that — using [`VZLinuxBootLoader`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZLinuxBootLoader) — runs in a [`VZVirtualMachine`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZVirtualMachine) that you control. For more information about running a Linux guest, including how to download kernel and RAM disk images, see [Creating and Running a Linux Virtual Machine](/documentation/Virtualization/creating-and-running-a-linux-virtual-machine). For more information about running GUI Linux virtual machines, see [Running GUI Linux in a virtual machine on a Mac](/documentation/Virtualization/running-gui-linux-in-a-virtual-machine-on-a-mac). ## Topics ### Configurations [`VZVirtualMachineConfiguration`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZVirtualMachineConfiguration) The environment attributes and list of devices to use during the configuration of macOS or Linux VMs. [`VZVirtualMachineStartOptions`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZVirtualMachineStartOptions) The abstract class for VM start options. [`VZGenericPlatformConfiguration`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZGenericPlatformConfiguration) The platform configuration for a generic Intel or ARM virtual machine. [`VZPlatformConfiguration`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZPlatformConfiguration) The base class for a platform configuration. ### Boot loaders [`VZBootLoader`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZBootLoader) The base class that defines the management of the initial process of the guest system. [`VZLinuxBootLoader`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZLinuxBootLoader) An object that loads and configures a Linux kernel as the guest system of your VM. [`VZEFIBootLoader`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZEFIBootLoader) The boot loader configuration the system uses to boot guest-operating systems that expect an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) ROM. [`VZEFIVariableStore`](/documentation/Virtualization/VZEFIVariableStore) An object that represents the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) variable store that contains NVRAM variables the EFI exposes. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)