VergeOS Guest OS Compatibility

Reference guide for supported guest operating systems on VergeOS, including Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD versions with recommended interfaces and minimum requirements.

VergeOS, built on Linux KVM technology, provides extensive compatibility for x86_64 guest operating systems. This includes Windows, Linux distributions, FreeBSD, and virtual appliances designed for KVM environments. While any x86_64-compatible operating system should work without issues, this guide outlines commonly tested configurations.

OS Support

While this list represents commonly tested configurations, VergeOS's KVM foundation enables support for nearly any x86_64 operating system or KVM-compatible virtual appliance. Contact support for guidance on specific operating systems or virtual appliances not listed here.

Virtual Appliances

Virtual appliances packaged for KVM environments are fully compatible with VergeOS. This includes OVA/OVF formats from vendors who support KVM-based deployments.

Microsoft Windows

Windows Desktop Versions

Version	Recommended Interface	Minimum RAM	Notes
Windows 11	VirtIO	4 GB	Best performance with latest VirtIO drivers
Windows 10	VirtIO	2 GB	Supports all editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise)
Windows 8.1	VirtIO/IDE	2 GB	May require legacy hardware support
Windows 7	IDE/SATA	2 GB	Legacy OS - Limited driver support

Windows Server Versions

Version	Recommended Interface	Minimum RAM	Notes
Server 2025	VirtIO	2 GB	Optimal performance with latest drivers
Server 2022	VirtIO	2 GB	Optimal performance with latest drivers
Server 2019	VirtIO	2 GB	Supports all roles and features
Server 2016	VirtIO	2 GB	Recommended for production use
Server 2012 R2	VirtIO/IDE	2 GB	Extended support ends 2023
Server 2008 R2	IDE/SATA	2 GB	Legacy support only

Linux

Enterprise Linux Distributions

Distribution	Versions	Recommended Interface	Minimum RAM	Notes
RHEL	7, 8, 9, 10	VirtIO	2 GB	Native VirtIO support
SUSE Enterprise	11, 12, 15, 16	VirtIO	2 GB	Built-in driver support
Oracle Linux	6, 7, 8, 9, 10	VirtIO	2 GB	UEK kernel recommended

Community Enterprise Linux

Distribution	Versions	Recommended Interface	Minimum RAM	Notes
AlmaLinux	8, 9, 10	VirtIO	2 GB	RHEL binary compatible
Rocky Linux	8, 9, 10	VirtIO	2 GB	Native driver support
CentOS	7, 8	VirtIO	2 GB	Built-in VirtIO support
CentOS Stream	8	VirtIO	2 GB	Rolling release model

Debian-based Distributions

Distribution	Versions	Recommended Interface	Minimum RAM	Notes
Debian	8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13	VirtIO	1 GB	Native driver support
Ubuntu LTS	20.04, 22.04, 24.04, 26.04	VirtIO	2 GB	Recommended for production
Ubuntu	12.04 - 19.04	VirtIO	1 GB	Older releases - limited support

FreeBSD

Version	Support Status	Recommended Interface	Minimum RAM	Notes
FreeBSD 14	Full	VirtIO	1 GB	Best performance with VirtIO
FreeBSD 13	Full	VirtIO	1 GB	Production ready
FreeBSD 12	Full	VirtIO	1 GB	Production ready
FreeBSD 11	Limited	VirtIO/SATA	1 GB	Legacy support
FreeBSD 10	Limited	SATA	1 GB	Basic compatibility

Driver Support

For optimal performance, VirtIO drivers are recommended where supported. Windows guests may require additional driver installation, while most modern Linux distributions include native VirtIO support.

Technical Considerations

System Requirements

• RAM requirements vary by operating system and workload
• Always consult vendor documentation for production sizing
• Consider additional overhead for virtualization

Storage Interface Options

• VirtIO: Modern interface offering best performance (recommended)
• SATA: Compatible with most operating systems, requires Q35 machine type
• IDE: Available for legacy operating system support, requires i440FX machine type

Architecture Support

• VergeOS supports 64-bit (x86_64) operating systems
• 32-bit operating systems are not officially supported

Performance Optimization

• Install and configure VirtIO drivers where supported
• Windows guests require additional VirtIO driver installation
• Most modern Linux distributions include VirtIO support
• Keep guest operating systems and drivers updated