> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/troubleshooting/virtual-machines.md).

# Virtual Machines

Run Monarch in a virtual machine and troubleshoot display scaling with Niri.

QEMU is the officially supported way to test Monarch in a virtual machine. VirtualBox and VMware Workstation may work, but their virtual graphics devices and Wayland support vary and are not tested as part of the Monarch release process.

For a comfortable test machine, start with:

* 8 GiB of RAM
* 4 virtual CPUs
* A 40 GiB or larger virtual disk
* Hardware virtualization enabled on the host

Boot the ISO and follow the [installation guide](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/getting-started/installation). A full-disk installation is appropriate for an empty virtual disk.

## Display scaling

Monarch uses Niri, not Hyprland. Do not edit `~/.config/hypr/monitors.conf` or follow Hyprland monitor instructions from older releases.

To configure the virtual display:

1. Press **`SUPER + ALT + Space`**.
2. Open **Actions → Hardware → Displays**.
3. Adjust the scale or open the display arrangement tool.

You can also cycle the focused display through Monarch's standard scales with **`SUPER + CTRL + D`**.

From a terminal, list Niri's displays and set a persistent scale:

```bash
monarch display list
monarch display scale <output> 1
```

Replace `<output>` with a name reported by `monarch display list`.

## VirtualBox and VMware

These hypervisors are best-effort only. If the desktop does not resize with the VM window:

1. Install and enable the guest tools provided by the hypervisor.
2. Reboot the guest.
3. Use Monarch's **Displays** panel or `monarch display scale` to correct the scale.

If the compositor fails to start, try another virtual graphics controller or use QEMU before reporting a Monarch installer issue.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Instructions written for Omarchy's Hyprland configuration do not apply to current Monarch installations.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.monarchlinux.com/troubleshooting/virtual-machines.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.