# Kata Containers installation guides

The following is an overview of the different installation methods available. 

## Prerequisites

Kata Containers requires nested virtualization or bare metal. Check 
[hardware requirements](/src/runtime/README.md#hardware-requirements) to see if your system is capable of running Kata 
Containers.

## Packaged installation methods

Packaged installation methods uses your distribution's native package format (such as RPM or DEB).

*Note:* We encourage installation methods that provides automatic updates, it ensures security updates and bug fixes are
easily applied.

| Installation method                                  | Description                                                         | Automatic updates | Use case                                                 |
|------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| [Using official distro packages](#official-packages) | Kata packages provided by Linux distributions official repositories | yes               | Recommended for most users.                              |
| [Using snap](#snap-installation)                     | Easy to install                                                     | yes               | Good alternative to official distro packages.            |
| [Automatic](#automatic-installation)                 | Run a single command to install a full system                       | **No!**           | For those wanting the latest release quickly.            |
| [Manual](#manual-installation)                       | Follow a guide step-by-step to install a working system             | **No!**           | For those who want the latest release with more control. |
| [Build from source](#build-from-source-installation) | Build the software components manually                              | **No!**           | Power users and developers only.                         |

### Official packages

Kata packages are provided by official distribution repositories for:

| Distribution (link to installation guide)                | Minimum versions                                                               |
|----------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| [CentOS](centos-installation-guide.md)                   | 8                                                                              |
| [Fedora](fedora-installation-guide.md)                   | 34                                                                             |

### Snap Installation

The snap installation is available for all distributions which support `snapd`.

[Use snap](snap-installation-guide.md) to install Kata Containers from https://snapcraft.io.

### Automatic Installation

[Use `kata-manager`](/utils/README.md) to automatically install a working Kata Containers system.

### Manual Installation

Follow the [containerd installation guide](container-manager/containerd/containerd-install.md).

## Build from source installation

*Note:* Power users who decide to build from sources should be aware of the
implications of using an unpackaged system which will not be automatically
updated as new [releases](../Stable-Branch-Strategy.md) are made available.

[Building from sources](../Developer-Guide.md#initial-setup)  allows power users
who are comfortable building software from source to use the latest component
versions. This is not recommended for normal users.

## Installing on a Cloud Service Platform

* [Amazon Web Services (AWS)](aws-installation-guide.md)
* [Google Compute Engine (GCE)](gce-installation-guide.md)
* [Microsoft Azure](azure-installation-guide.md)
* [Minikube](minikube-installation-guide.md)
* [VEXXHOST OpenStack Cloud](vexxhost-installation-guide.md)

## Further information

* [upgrading document](../Upgrading.md)
* [developer guide](../Developer-Guide.md)
* [runtime documentation](../../src/runtime/README.md)