Confirmation no simplier way : switch sys-usb template for desktop

User Support
1

Hi,

I’m blocked switching template for sys-usb : it relies on default-dvm template, which relies on fedora-41-xfce, that i want to upgrade to fedora-42-xfce to get rid of fedora-41-xfce (this is its last usage). Template switcher must have the vm down for switching, and this is a desktop :frowning:

I found a workaround : Qubes OS hasn’t another “builtin” feature to do that ?

2

Best way to update is to clone template to version 42, update cloned template and then switch template in every qubes using old one.
Wait and use 2-3 days and if no problem arise then delete old v41 template.

3

After an update, it will show you all services and app qubes based on the template, you can hit update and it will do a restart after.

4

Recently I updated in one computer the sys-usb from fedora-41-xfce to debian-13-xfce. If I recall correctly, I just stopped sys-usb, then changed the template for ‘default-dvm’ to debian-13-xfce, and then restarted sys-usb. It seemed to work with no problems (save for forgetting to install qubes-video-companion for webcam sharing). It should work the same to change to fedora-42-xfce (or any other template).

Edited to add: In my case (this was a desktop computer), I use a dedicated USB controller for the keyboard and mouse that stays with dom0. I definitely recommend this, it makes your life a lot easier, it does not increase attack surface significantly (since it only has known-good devices plugged it), and it is not very expensive. Otherwise you need workarounds, as you found out.

5

Ok, thx, it definitively seems “the simple way” (or at least “the safe way”) to do that. Seems I’m gonna use this method.

6

Thank you @pablob for this hint.
I assume these are internal (PCIx ?) adapters ?
My fault, I did not mentionned : this peculiar machine is a mini PC :cry:

7

Yes, it’s a simple PCIx USB adapter with 2 ports. If you do not have internal slots, then it seems you’d be SOL…

8

Yes, I do agree, this is definitively not the best hardware for Qubes OS, I have to cope with that (I shall add it in HCL btw), and using it with a kvm for two different rooms is a bit tricky :smiley: … so I’ll switch-template-by-cloning, just have to be used to :slight_smile:
Thx

[EDIT] : ended locked out of Qubes OS during switching, saved with ‘e’ at grub startup, so … not so easy, I’ll write myself a procedure next time.