Guide: Installing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) using UTM

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on Mac computers with Apple Silicon using the UTM virtualization tool.

Phase 1: Preparation and Downloads

1. Install UTM:

   • Visit mac.getutm.app and click the Download button to get the UTM.dmg file.
   • Open the downloaded file and drag the UTM icon into your Applications folder.
   • Launch UTM from your Launchpad.

2. Download Ubuntu ARM ISO:

   • Go to ubuntu.com and navigate to the Ubuntu Server section.
   • Important: You must download the ARM architecture image (Alternative Architectures), as the standard desktop ISO is typically for AMD/Intel (x86_64) and will not run natively on Apple Silicon.

Phase 2: Creating the Virtual Machine

1. Open UTM and click "Create a new virtual machine".
2. Select Virtualize (this allows for native CPU speed).
3. Select Linux.
4. Click Browse and select the Ubuntu ARM live server ISO you downloaded.
5. Configure Hardware:
   • Set the Memory (RAM). 4000 MB (4GB) is default, but you can adjust based on your Mac's capacity.
   • Select the number of CPU cores (e.g., 8 processors).
6. Storage: Set the drive size. 64 GB is the default recommendation.
7. Shared Directory: Click Browse to select a folder (like Downloads) that you want to share between macOS and Ubuntu.
8. Summary: Name your VM (e.g., "Ubuntu 24.04 LTS") and check the box to "Open settings" before saving.
9. In the settings window, confirm your configurations and click Save.

Phase 3: Installing the Ubuntu Server

1. Click the Run (Play) button on your new VM.
2. In the black boot screen, use your arrow keys to select "Try or Install Ubuntu Server" and press Enter.
3. Language & Keyboard: Select your preferred language and keyboard layout (e.g., English or German).
4. Installation Type: Leave as "Ubuntu Server." Use the spacebar to select "Search third-party drivers" if desired, then select Done.
5. Network & Mirror: Leave these as default settings unless you have specific proxy requirements.
6. Storage: Select "Use an entire disk" and confirm the file system summary.
7. Profile Setup: Enter your name, the server name, a username, and a password.
8. SSH & Drivers:
   • Skip the Ubuntu Pro upgrade.
   • Press the spacebar to select "Install OpenSSH server" for remote access.
   • Select Done to begin the installation.
9. Finish: Once the installer says "installation is finished," select Reboot Now.
10. Post-Reboot Cleanup: If the VM hangs during reboot, manually shut down or stop the virtual machine in UTM.
11. Crucial Step: In the UTM interface, go to the CD/DVD section for your VM and click Clear. This removes the installation ISO so the system boots from the virtual hard drive instead of restarting the installer.

Phase 4: Installing the Graphical Desktop (GUI)

Since the ARM image is a server version, you must manually install the desktop environment using the command line.

1. Start the VM and log in with the username and password you created.
2. Run the following commands in order:

Update the package list:

sudo apt update

(Enter your password when prompted).

Install Tasksel:

sudo apt install tasksel

(Press 'Y' when prompted).

Install the Ubuntu Desktop:

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

(This process can take 20–30 minutes; ensure your Mac is connected to power).

3. Once finished, reboot the system:

sudo reboot now

.

Phase 5: Final Configuration & Optimizations

1. Log into the Ubuntu GUI.
2. Enable Shared Folders and Resolution Scaling: Open the Terminal in Ubuntu and run:

sudo apt install spice-vdagent spice-webdavd

.

3. Shut down the virtual machine.
4. Open UTM Settings for your Ubuntu VM:
   • Sharing: Change the selection to Spice WebDAV.
   • Display: Check the box for Retina Mode to enhance the resolution.
5. Click Save and start the VM again.

Verification

• Resolution: Resizing the UTM window should now automatically adjust the Ubuntu desktop resolution.
• Shared Folder: Open the File Explorer in Ubuntu, go to "Other Locations," and select "Spice Client." You will see the files from your Mac's shared folder here. You can now copy and paste files between macOS and Ubuntu.