Where Does Qubes OS Store Qubes?
Qubes OS stores qube images in /var/lib/qubes with appvms and templates separated, plus qubes.xml and backups.
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Qubes OS centers storage on /var/lib/qubes: appvms for qube private images, vm-templates for templates, vm-kernels for kernels, qubes.xml for the domain registry, and a backups folder for XML change snapshots. Backup profiles live in /etc/qubes/backup.
Pool drivers (file, reflink, LVM thin) decide how that tree physically materializes. Check the pool setup before raw-copying anything; the supported path is always the backup tool, not file surgery.
Where Qubes OS stores this, by platform
/var/lib/qubes
appvms, vm-templates, vm-kernels, qubes.xml, backups. Backup profiles in /etc/qubes/backup. Use the backup tool; raw copies only suit identical pools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up Qubes OS qubes?
Use the Qubes backup tool to an external target; it captures qubes plus dom0 config. Raw /var/lib/qubes copies work only between identical pool layouts.
How should I partition disk for Qubes OS?
Give /var/lib/qubes its own large partition or thin pool at install. Templates plus appvms grow fast, and a cramped root pool stalls the whole system.
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