---
title: "Configuring and Managing the vNIOS Instance in the KVM Environment"
canonical: "https://docs.infoblox.com/space/NKHOIG/1174208659/Configuring%20and%20Managing%20the%20vNIOS%20Instance%20in%20the%20KVM%20Environment"
format: markdown
---
After the deployment, use the KVM administration tool such as Virtual Machine Manager to open the KVM console for the deployed instance. Sign in to Infoblox Grid Manager and install the required licenses, set the network settings and set up the Grid. For information about setting up a Grid, refer to the *[Infoblox NIOS Documentation](https://docs.infoblox.com/space/NIOS/35400616/NIOS)*.

**Note**: When configuring a vNIOS in KVM, ensure that the **Copy Host CPU configuration (host- passthrough)** is enabled as shown in the figure below. If the Host Passthrough is not enabled, Federation features (such as Cloud Grid Management) do not work.

* Host Passthrough Configuration in KVM*

![image-20250703-082552.png](media://4375f8a6-aba4-43e7-b349-460f963a49d5)

 For more information about IPAM Federation, see the *IPAM Federation* topic in the *[Infoblox NIOS Documentation](https://docs.infoblox.com/space/NIOS/35400616/NIOS)*.

# Managing vNIOS Instances

You can use the following commands to manage the vNIOS for KVM instances through a GUI virt-manager:

- `virsh console <VM name>`: To access the VM console.
- `virsh start <VM name>`: To start a VM.
- `virsh list` and `virsh list --all`: To list VMs defined on the host.  
Note that the `--all` option includes VMs that are currently offline.
- `virsh undefine <VM name>`: To remove the VM definition from the KVM environment.  
Use this command only after the VM has been shut down.