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GNOME Boxes
What it is
GNOME Boxes is a free Linux desktop app for creating and managing local virtual machines, then installing an operating system in one. Its automatic installation options include CentOS Stream, Debian, Fedora, Microsoft Windows, OpenSUSE, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu. Users can limit a virtual machine’s memory and storage, save its state as a snapshot, and restore it later. Boxes supports shared clipboard, file drop, and shared folders between host and guest systems. USB redirection makes devices attached to the local computer available inside a virtual machine. Guest tools can improve input, screen resizing, clipboard sharing, and file transfer; Windows guests use spice-guest-tools, while Linux guests commonly use spice-vdagent. The app uses qemu-kvm, libvirt-glib, and spice-gtk. Processor virtualization extensions improve performance, and GNOME recommends at least 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space for efficient use. Three-dimensional acceleration is available for some supported operating systems. Boxes focuses on local virtual machines; GNOME directs users to Connections for remote machines or displays.
For and against
For
- Automatic installation covers seven listed systems
- Snapshots can be saved and restored
- Memory and storage limits are available
- Supports shared folders and USB redirection
Against
- Linux desktop only
- Focused on local virtual machines
- GNOME recommends 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk
- 3D acceleration is available only for some systems
The verdict
GNOME Boxes brings local virtual machine setup, snapshots, resource controls, and host integration into a desktop app. Check the stated hardware guidance and use Connections for remote machines or displays.
Who it suits
Boxes suits Linux desktop users who want to set up and manage local virtual machines. It is also relevant for users who need snapshots, resource limits, or host-to-guest sharing.
Plans and prices
Boxes
Free application; desktop only
Read 5 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
On the record
- 3D acceleration
- 3D acceleration is available for some supported operating systems.apps.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- GNOME directs users to install the latest version from Flathub; the Flathub listing labels it desktop-only and lists a 46 MiB download.flathub.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- GPU acceleration
- Yesapps.gnome.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Guest tools
- Guest tools can improve input performance, screen resizing, clipboard sharing, and file transfer; Windows guests use spice-guest-tools and Linux guests commonly use spice-vdagent.help.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirements
- Boxes performs best with processor virtualization extensions enabled; GNOME recommends at least 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space for efficient use.help.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Host integration
- Boxes supports shared clipboard, file drop, and shared folders between the host system and virtual machines.apps.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Host platforms
- Linuxapps.gnome.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Local use
- Boxes provides access to local virtual machines; GNOME directs users to Connections for remote virtual machines or remote computer displays.help.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Management interface
- desktopapps.gnome.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Project background
- The GNOME Project was founded in 1997 by Miguel de Icaza and Federico Mena and is backed by the non-profit GNOME Foundation.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Boxes lets users create and manage local virtual machines and install an operating system in one.apps.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Resource controls
- Users can limit virtual machines’ memory and storage use.apps.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Snapshots
- Users can save a virtual machine state as a snapshot and restore it later.help.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- VM snapshots
- Yesapps.gnome.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Support and contributions
- The app page links to online help, an issue tracker, translation contributions, and general app contributions.apps.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The app lists automatic installation for CentOS Stream, Debian, Fedora, Microsoft Windows, OpenSUSE, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu.apps.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- USB access
- USB redirection makes devices plugged into the local computer available inside a virtual machine.help.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Virtualization stack
- Boxes uses qemu-kvm, libvirt-glib, and spice-gtk to manage virtual machines.help.gnome.org · read 5 Oct 2026
