How to Check if Linux Is Running on a Virtual Machine or Physical Machine

Table of Contents

When working with Linux servers—whether for deployment, development, or system administration—you may wonder if your system is running on a physical machine or a virtual machine (VM).

With virtualization technologies like KVM, VMware, VirtualBox, and QEMU, many Linux systems are deployed on virtual machines rather than bare-metal servers.

This guide shows you how to check if Linux is running on a physical machine or a VM using simple commands.

1. Check with `dmidecode`
#

The easiest way to distinguish between a VM and a physical server is by using the dmidecode command, which reads the system’s DMI (Desktop Management Interface) table.

Run:

sudo dmidecode -s system-manufacturer

On a physical machine, you’ll see the manufacturer name (e.g., Dell, Lenovo, HP).
On a virtual machine, you’ll see entries like QEMU, innotek Gmbh (VirtualBox), or VMware.

Example on physical hardware:

$ sudo dmidecode -s system-manufacturer
Dell Inc.

Example on a VM:

$ sudo dmidecode -s system-manufacturer
QEMU

👉 The dmidecode command is very useful because it reveals hardware-related details such as manufacturer, serial number, and system model.

2. Use the `virt-what` Utility
#

Another reliable method is to use the virt-what tool, a small shell script that detects virtualization technologies.

Install `virt-what`
#

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install virt-what

On CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum install virt-what

Run the command
#

virt-what

If the system is running on a physical machine, it will return nothing.
If it’s running inside a virtual machine, it will output the virtualization type:

$ virt-what
kvm

3. Other Useful Checks
#

Check Linux Kernel Version (software info):
```
uname -a
```
This shows kernel and system info, but not hardware type.
Check CPU info (hints of virtualization):
```
lscpu | grep Hypervisor
```
If you see a Hypervisor vendor, the system is virtualized.

✅ Conclusion
#

Now you know how to check if Linux is running on a virtual machine or a physical machine.

Use dmidecode to get manufacturer details.
Use virt-what to quickly detect virtualization technology.
For extra confirmation, check CPU info with lscpu.

These methods are essential for system administrators who need to confirm the environment before performing hardware-sensitive configurations or optimizations.

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