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x86_64 on Apple Silicon

This tutorial will show you how to create a virtual machine on your Mac Silicon, and how to connect to it with VS Code. After completing the tutorial, you will be able to compile your code with a x86_64 architecture on your Mac.

Prerequisites​

  • A Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3)
  • A minimum of 64 GB free disk space

Download UTM​

UTM lets you virtualize and emulate any architecture on a Silicon Mac.

Download the latest UTM version: Download here

Note that there is a paid version of UTM on the App Store, identical to the one above except for automatic application updates.

Download a linux distribution for our VM​

For this tutorial, we'll be using an Ubuntu Server image, on x86_64 architecture which is similar to the one used on EPITA computers. You can find the ISO image here.

note

You can choose the distribution you want, as long as you take a x86_64 architecture

Creating an emulated virtual machine​

On UTM, click on the Create a new Virtual Machine button. Then Emulate, then Other.

You can then add (by clicking on Browse) your path to the ISO image you've just downloaded.

Click on Continue.

Setting up the virtual machine​

  • Check that you have selected x86_64 in the Architecture drop-down list.

  • Leave System as the default.

  • You can then choose the amount of RAM you wish to allocate to your virtual machine. 6144 MB and 6 cores is recommended.

  • You can then specify the size allocated for your virtual machine. Select 64GB.

  • You can ignore the Shared Directory section.

  • On the summary, you can name the VM as you wish.

Virtual machine installation​

  • Launch your virtual machine.

Basic VM configuration​

You should see a window open.

tip

Use the TAB, Space and Enter keys to navigate the menu

  • Take the first choice from the list.

Your VM should install with check [ OK ] on the left.

You should then see a window with different languages.

  • Choose a language.

  • Then, if an update is available, you can install it if you wish.

  • Next, select the right layout for your keyboard.

  • You'll be able to select the type of installation. Choose the first option Ubuntu Server.

  • You're now on the Network interface. Your network should be automatically selected. You can proceed.

  • Select next on the Proxy tab.

You are now on Ubuntu Archive Mirror. Wait for it to detect the archives.

  • If you get no error, do next.

Advanced VM configuration​

  • Then you can choose the VM partitions. Do Use entire disk. You should see local disk 64GB.

You can encrypt your disk if you wish.

  • Do next and Continue on the Storage Configuration tab.

  • You can now add your VM information.

  • Click on next for the Ubuntu Pro tab.

You're now on the SSH Setup tab.

  • Press space to check SSH server installation.

You are now on the Featured Server Snaps tab.

  • Click next.

You should see a window with Installing the system.

info

The installation process is a bit slow...

  • You can then click on Reboot Now.

  • When you see the error message Unable to unmount, stop your VM. Then go to the UTM interface and click on CD/DVD. Then click on Clear.

  • You can restart your VM and connect to your new VM.

VM preview

Connect VS Code to your VM​

  • Add an SSH key to your VM.

  • Stop your VM.

  • On UTM, click on Edit then Network.

  • Change the Network Mode field to Emulated VLAN.

  • You'll see Port Forward in the navigation bar. Click on it.

  • Enter the following information:

Port Forward

  • Install the Remote Explorer extension on VS Code: Click here

  • You'll see Remote Explorer in the navigation bar. Click on it.

  • Add a new SSH connection with field ssh <username>@127.0.0.1 -p 2200. Replace <username> with the server's name field entered in the menu (here).

  • You'll need to enter your password to connect to your VM.

  • You now have access to your VM's terminal from VS Code and can compile your projects with an x86_64 architecture!

Sources​

For any question you can contact me on Discord: armandb.