Frequently asked questions
SlateVM, clearly explained.
What is SlateVM?
An AI-first hypervisor: a virtual machine app with a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server built into its core, so you and your AI agents can create and operate real macOS, Linux, and Windows VMs.
Which computers can run SlateVM?
Macs with Apple silicon (macOS 14 or later), Windows PCs (x64 and ARM64), and Linux machines (x64 and ARM64).
Which guests run on which host?
On a Mac: macOS, Linux, and Windows. On Windows: Linux and Windows. On Linux: Linux and Windows. macOS guests require a Mac.
What does a Windows host need?
Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education with the built-in hypervisor (Hyper-V) turned on. Windows Home editions are not supported.
What does a Linux host need?
An x64 or ARM64 machine with hardware virtualization (KVM) and libvirt. The .deb (apt) targets Ubuntu 24.04 on x64 and Ubuntu 26.04 on ARM64 and installs everything it needs; the AppImage runs on other distributions with glibc 2.39 or newer, using your distribution’s libvirt, QEMU, and swtpm. Your account must be in the libvirt and kvm groups.
Is the AI contract the same everywhere?
Yes. The same 46 MCP tools, schemas, and error codes on every host. If a host can’t do something, the tool returns a clear error instead of a different API.
Which AI clients work?
Any client that supports MCP. SlateVM’s AI Control turns on popular desktop chat apps, coding agents, and editors with one switch; others can use the manual configuration on the download page.
Does each VM have its own window?
Yes. Every VM runs in its own process and window and can have its own desktop shortcut. Closing the window doesn’t stop the VM.
Can installs be hands-off?
Yes. Linux and Windows guests can install unattended to a ready system with an SSH-ready account and guest tools.
Does SlateVM send my data anywhere?
No. VMs, consoles, and AI control stay on your machine. SlateVM contacts our servers only to check for updates and to validate your license.
How do updates work?
SlateVM checks for signed updates. On Mac, Windows, and the Linux AppImage it installs them in-app; the Linux .deb updates with sudo apt upgrade. Every platform ships the same version number.
How is SlateVM licensed?
One subscription covers up to 3 devices on any mix of Mac, Windows, and Linux, with a 14-day free trial.