I messed up my template

queen · July 12, 2026, 10:23pm

I messed up my template. But I can’t reinstall it because it’s already installed.

I’m assuming this is due to this bug:

github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues

Add `qvm-template install` option to save with different name

opened 10:49AM - 30 Jun 26 UTC

deeplow

C: core ux P: default

### The problem you're addressing (if any) `qvm-template install` (and the Templ…ate Manager) only allow installing with the exact name they came with, but it happens that the user has already customized the original template and they'd like a fresh copy. This is currently not possible and they have to either clone the existing and if switch all qubes based on it to now point to the clone, only then to re-install the template. The other use-case where this would be helpful is with salt formulas that want to set up clean custom templates (with different names), but cannot fetch templates from qvm-template because the user already has a template with the original name. ### The solution you'd like Provide an option to `qvm-template install` to install with a different name. ### The value to a user and who that user might be 1. Help users wanting a new template 2. Help salt formula developers making sure the templates they are using are unused but also don't mess with the user's existing templates. ### Completion criteria checklist (This section is for developer use only. Please do not modify it.)

Now my question: How can I avoid this from the start?

I’m reinstalling Qubes OS and the TemplateVM as well.

What do I do next?
Can I create a “debian-minimal-2” TemplateVM from the “debian-minimal” TemplateVM?
And then create an AppVM from “debian-minimal-2”?

fb2043 · July 13, 2026, 12:35am

No need to reinstall QubeOS. Just delete the messed up template (make sure to temporarily assign your AppVMs to another template) and then re-install it. You can also clone the messed up template beforehand if you wish to keep it.

Can I create a “debian-minimal-2” TemplateVM from the “debian-minimal” TemplateVM?

Yes, by cloning the template. I have dozens of templates created in this way

unman · July 13, 2026, 9:38am

Somewhat easier to use qvm-template
qvm-template reinstall TEMPLATE-NAME
which reinstalls in place even if qubes using the template are running.

I never presume to speak for the Qubes team.
When I comment in the Forum I speak for myself.

rustybird · July 13, 2026, 12:36pm

If you haven’t restarted a VM too often since it became messed up, you can also revert its storage to a previous good state:

For a TemplateVM, it’s the ‘root’ volume though that should be reverted instead of (or in addition to) the ‘private’ volume.

kuhbs · July 13, 2026, 1:06pm

Do not ever modify templates provided by Qubes OS - don’t even start them (except for updates via Qubes Update Manager thingy).

Clone them to new templates, give them a custom name, and then use those customized templates.

Its not a good idea to customize the original templates. Always clone, and customize those.