AlmaLinux Cloud Image Download: Official Images for AWS, Azure, KVM and More
Looking for an AlmaLinux cloud image for a virtual machine, private cloud or public cloud deployment? Use the official AlmaLinux download resources below to choose a platform-specific image or a Generic Cloud image for cloud-init-enabled environments.
Cloud images are different from installer ISO files. Select the image format intended for your target platform.
Generic Cloud Image
For compatible KVM/QEMU, Proxmox VE, OpenStack and other environments that support cloud disk images and cloud-init workflows.
Get Generic Cloud Image ↗Amazon Web Services
Launch an official AlmaLinux Amazon Machine Image (AMI) through the AWS Marketplace or find community AMIs using AlmaLinux’s official guidance.
View AWS Images ↗Microsoft Azure
Deploy supported AlmaLinux images from Azure Marketplace or follow the official image instructions for your architecture and region.
View Azure Images ↗Google Cloud
Use AlmaLinux image families published for Google Cloud Compute Engine, and check the current supported versions before deployment.
View Google Cloud Images ↗Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Find official AlmaLinux images and deployment instructions for OCI Marketplace, console and supported CLI workflows.
View OCI Images ↗Official AlmaLinux Downloads
Compare cloud images with ISO, container, Vagrant and other image options from the AlmaLinux OS Foundation.
Open Download Portal ↗Which AlmaLinux cloud image should you download?
The correct download depends on where you plan to run AlmaLinux. Public cloud platforms normally provide images through their own image catalogues or marketplaces. A Generic Cloud image is intended for compatible virtualization and cloud platforms and commonly supports cloud-init for first-boot configuration.
- AWS, Azure or Google Cloud: Prefer the official image catalogue or marketplace flow documented by AlmaLinux for that provider.
- Proxmox VE, KVM/QEMU or OpenStack: Start with the Generic Cloud documentation and select a compatible disk format and architecture.
- Oracle Cloud: Follow the official OCI image instructions.
- Installing on a physical server or creating a traditional VM from an installer: You probably want an ISO instead of a cloud disk image. See the AlmaLinux 10.2 download guide.
Platform and image format comparison
| Target environment | Where to get it | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Official AWS guide | AMI, region, architecture and release version |
| Microsoft Azure | Official Azure guide | Marketplace image, region and architecture |
| Google Cloud | Official Google Cloud guide | Image family and supported release |
| Oracle Cloud Infrastructure | Official OCI guide | Marketplace image and supported instance type |
| KVM / QEMU / Proxmox / OpenStack | Generic Cloud guide | Compatible disk format, architecture and cloud-init support |
For KVM and QEMU, the QCOW2 format is commonly used; OpenStack supports several image formats depending on the deployment. Confirm the format expected by your platform before importing a disk. Do not assume an ISO, QCOW2 image and raw disk image are interchangeable.
How to download and verify an AlmaLinux cloud image
- Open the official download source. Use the AlmaLinux download portal or the platform-specific AlmaLinux cloud documentation linked above.
- Select the release and architecture. Confirm the release version, CPU architecture and target platform before downloading.
- Choose the correct image type. For a generic virtualized cloud deployment, follow the Generic Cloud guide and choose the image format supported by your hypervisor or cloud platform.
- Download the checksum and signature files when provided. Keep the image and verification files together. Follow the current official verification instructions for that release.
- Verify the downloaded file. Use the checksum value and filename from the matching official checksum file, not a value copied from an unrelated release or architecture.
- Import or launch the image. Configure networking, SSH keys, cloud-init/user data and security rules for your environment.
Verify a SHA-256 checksum on Linux
After downloading the official image and its matching checksum file, use the filename and checksum format documented by the release. If the checksum file is a standard GNU checksum manifest that includes the image filename, run:
sha256sum -c CHECKSUMIf the official download provides a detached signature, follow the AlmaLinux Generic Cloud verification guide to verify that signature as well. A checksum detects file corruption; signature verification helps establish that the checksum file came from the trusted publisher.
Deploying a Generic Cloud image
Generic Cloud images are designed for automated provisioning rather than the full interactive installer experience. The exact import and first-boot steps vary between Proxmox VE, OpenStack, standalone KVM and other platforms, so use the matching hypervisor documentation alongside the official AlmaLinux image guide.
- Import the downloaded disk image using the platform’s supported workflow.
- Create a VM with compatible firmware, CPU architecture, disk controller and virtual network settings.
- Provide cloud-init configuration or the platform’s supported SSH key/user-data mechanism if required.
- Apply least-privilege firewall rules and expose only required services.
- Boot the instance, confirm console and network access, and apply available security updates.
Common issues and troubleshooting
The VM does not boot
Check that the downloaded image matches the CPU architecture and hypervisor. Review firmware mode, virtual disk controller and CPU feature requirements. For AlmaLinux 10, check the current release notes for architecture-specific requirements before reusing an older VM template.
The instance boots but has no network access
Check the virtual NIC, cloud network/subnet, DHCP or static network settings, routing and security rules. On cloud platforms, also confirm that the instance was launched into the intended network.
SSH login fails
Confirm the configured username, injected SSH public key, cloud-init status, firewall rules and provider console logs. Do not try random credentials or enable password authentication without understanding the security implications.
Checksum verification fails
Confirm that the checksum manifest corresponds to the exact image filename, version and architecture. If it still fails, delete the incomplete download, retrieve the image again from the official source and repeat the verification.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download official AlmaLinux cloud images?
Start at the official AlmaLinux download portal. It links to Generic Cloud images and the supported provider-specific image instructions.
Is an AlmaLinux cloud image the same as an ISO?
No. An ISO is installation media, while a cloud image is a prebuilt disk image or provider-specific image intended for supported cloud or virtualization workflows. Use the format expected by your target platform.
Which image should I use for Proxmox VE?
For a cloud-init workflow on compatible Proxmox VE/KVM infrastructure, begin with the official Generic Cloud documentation. If you prefer a traditional interactive OS installation, use an ISO and follow the VMoreCloud AlmaLinux 10 installation guide.
Are AlmaLinux cloud images free?
AlmaLinux OS images are provided by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, and the official project describes its cloud images as available without an AlmaLinux image license fee. Your cloud provider may still charge for compute, storage, networking, marketplace-related services or other infrastructure resources. Check the provider’s pricing terms.
How do I download AlmaLinux 10.2 ISO instead?
Use our AlmaLinux 10.2 download page for the ISO-focused guide, then follow the AlmaLinux 10 installation tutorial.
Related AlmaLinux guides on VMoreCloud
AlmaLinux 10.2 Download
Find the ISO download options and learn how to select and verify installation media.
How to Install AlmaLinux 10
Follow the installation steps for Proxmox VE, VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V or a physical server.
Official sources and further reading
- AlmaLinux OS — Official download portal
- AlmaLinux Wiki — Cloud Images overview
- AlmaLinux Wiki — Generic Cloud and verification
- AlmaLinux OS Cloud Images — source repository
- OpenStack documentation — obtaining VM images
Conclusion: Use the official AlmaLinux download portal to choose the right cloud image, then follow the documentation for your provider or hypervisor. Verify the download, match the architecture and image format to your environment, and configure secure first-boot access before placing the instance into service.
Editorial note: Cloud image names, release availability, architectures and verification files can change. This guide links to the official project documentation so readers can select the current image for their platform.