openshift-docs/modules/virt-adding-a-boot-source-web.adoc

// Module included in the following assemblies:
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// * virt/vm_templates/virt-creating-vm-template.adoc

:_content-type: PROCEDURE
[id="virt-adding-a-boot-source-web_{context}"]
= Adding a boot source for a virtual machine template

A boot source can be configured for any virtual machine template that you want to use for creating virtual machines or custom templates. When virtual machine templates are configured with a boot source, they are labeled *Source available* on the *Templates* page. After you add a boot source to a template, you can create a new virtual machine from the template.

There are four methods for selecting and adding a boot source in the web console:

* *Upload local file (creates PVC)*
* *URL (creates PVC)*
* *Clone (creates PVC)*
* *Registry (creates PVC)*

.Prerequisites
* To add a boot source, you must be logged in as a user with the `os-images.kubevirt.io:edit` RBAC role or as an administrator. You do not need special privileges to create a virtual machine from a template with a boot source added.

* To upload a local file, the operating system image file must exist on your local machine.

* To import via URL, access to the web server with the operating system image is required. For example: the Red Hat Enterprise Linux web page with images.

* To clone an existing PVC, access to the project with a PVC is required.

* To import via registry, access to the container registry is required.

.Procedure

. In the {product-title} console, click *Virtualization* -> *Templates* from the side menu.
. Click the options menu beside a template and select *Edit boot source*.
. Click *Add disk*.
. In the *Add disk* window, select *Use this disk as a boot source*.
. Enter the disk name and select a *Source*, for example, *Blank (creates PVC)* or *Use an existing PVC*.
. Enter a value for *Persistent Volume Claim size* to specify the PVC size that is adequate for the uncompressed image and any additional space that is required.
. Select a *Type*, for example, *Disk* or *CD-ROM*.
. Optional: Click *Storage class* and select the storage class that is used to create the disk. Typically, this storage class is the default storage class that is created for use by all PVCs.
+
[NOTE]
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Provided boot sources are updated automatically to the latest version of the operating system. For auto-updated boot sources, persistent volume claims (PVCs) are created with the cluster's default storage class. If you select a different default storage class after configuration, you must delete the existing data volumes in the cluster namespace that are configured with the previous default storage class.
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. Optional: Clear *Apply optimized StorageProfile settings* to edit the access mode or volume mode.

. Select the appropriate method to save your boot source:

.. Click *Save and upload* if you uploaded a local file.

.. Click *Save and import* if you imported content from a URL or the registry.

.. Click *Save and clone* if you cloned an existing PVC.

Your custom virtual machine template with a boot source is listed on the *Catalog* page. You can use this template to create a virtual machine.