Get started with Yocto Linux on Qemu
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About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  14 Aug 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  14 Aug 2026
Author:Pareena Verma, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-A
Tags: Embedded Linux Linux Yocto Project QEMU
Author:
  • Pareena Verma, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-A
Tags:
Embedded Linux Linux Yocto Project QEMU

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for software developers interested in learning the basics of building Yocto Linux for embedded Arm targets.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Build a minimal Yocto Linux image for generic 64-bit Arm target.
  • Run the built Yocto image on Qemu.

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • Some familiarity with embedded Linux.
  • A linux machine running Ubuntu 22.04 with at least 60 GB of disk space.

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
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You’ll build a minimal Yocto Linux image for a 64-bit Arm target and run it in QEMU. First, you’ll start with Poky, configure a generic Arm build, and use Yocto recipes to produce an image. Then, you’ll launch QEMU with the generated image, verify a successful boot, and use the virtual system as a baseline for further iterations.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
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Which Yocto distribution should I start with here?
Use Poky, the Yocto Project reference distribution. You’ll build a minimal image from Poky before running it under QEMU.
How do I configure Yocto for the 64-bit Arm QEMU machine?
In conf/local.conf, uncomment MACHINE ?= "qemuarm64". This selects the 64-bit Arm machine that you’ll build and run with QEMU.
How do I know the build finished correctly before I run QEMU?
You’ll know the build finished correctly when you have a generated image, and the build completes without errors.
Where can I find the images after the build completes?
You’ll find the images in build-qemu-arm64/tmp/deploy/images/qemuarm64.
Which command launches the image in QEMU without graphics?
Run runqemu qemuarm64 nographic. Linux boots in your console, where you can log in as root.
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