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How to manage images

MAAS deploys machines from a repository of operating system images called a SimpleStreams source. There are two image streams:

  • Stable – fully tested, production-ready (default).
  • Candidate – newer, less tested; use when you need support for a newer OS not yet in stable.

Each image includes Ubuntu or CentOS, a bootloader, an initramfs, and release notifications.

  • Images sync hourly at the region level.
  • Rack controllers cache files as needed for deployment.

Switch image streams

You can change streams at any time.

UI

  • Images > Change source > Custom
  • Set URL to:
    • Stable: http://images.maas.io/ephemeral-v3/stable
    • Candidate: http://images.maas.io/ephemeral-v3/candidate

CLI

BOOT_SOURCE_ID=$(maas $PROFILE boot-sources read)

Manage images

Images must be downloaded before deployment. Choose which ones to keep locally.

UI

  • Main menu > Images > Select/Unselect > Save selection

CLI

maas $PROFILE boot-sources read  # list boot sources
maas $PROFILE boot-source-selections create $SOURCE_ID     os="ubuntu" release="$SERIES" arches="$ARCH"     subarches="$KERNEL" labels="*" # select boot sources
maas $PROFILE boot-resources read # list images
maas $PROFILE boot-resources import # select images

Additional CLI management

Delete a boot source

maas $PROFILE boot-source delete $SOURCE_ID

Update a boot source

maas $PROFILE boot-source update $SOURCE_ID     url=$URL keyring_filename=$KEYRING_FILE

Add a new boot source

maas $PROFILE boot-sources create     url=$URL keyring_filename=$KEYRING_FILE

:bulb: Use /usr/share/keyrings/ubuntu-cloudimage-keyring.gpg if the new source mirrors the official streams.

Use a custom mirror

UI

  • Images > Change source > Custom > enter URL > Connect
  • For advanced settings, choose Show advanced options
  • Use a local mirror (see below) for faster imports

Use a local mirror

A local SimpleStreams mirror improves sync performance.

Install SimpleStreams

sudo apt install simplestreams

Define helper variables

KEYRING_FILE=/usr/share/keyrings/ubuntu-cloudimage-keyring.gpg
IMAGE_SRC=https://images.maas.io/ephemeral-v3/stable
IMAGE_DIR=/var/www/html/maas/images/ephemeral-v3/stable

Mirror kernels

sudo sstream-mirror --keyring=$KEYRING_FILE $IMAGE_SRC $IMAGE_DIR 'arch=amd64' 'release~(bionic|focal)' --max=1 --progress
sudo sstream-mirror --keyring=$KEYRING_FILE $IMAGE_SRC $IMAGE_DIR 'os~(grub*|pxelinux)' --max=1 --progress
  • Use --dry-run to preview.
  • Images save to $IMAGE_DIR.
  • New boot source URL: http://<myserver>/maas/images/ephemeral-v3/stable/.

Verify and update

  • Open the URL above to confirm access.
  • Schedule regular updates with cron.

Configure MAAS to use your mirror

URL=https://$MIRROR/maas/images/ephemeral-v3/stable/
KEYRING_FILE=/usr/share/keyrings/ubuntu-cloudimage-keyring.gpg

Replace $MIRROR with your mirror server hostname.

Safety nets

  • Production use: stick to the stable stream.
  • Candidate images may contain bugs — only use if you need newer OS support.
  • Check mirrors after setup to confirm availability.

Next steps

Previous Manage machine groups Next Build Ubuntu images

Last updated 2 months ago. Help improve this document in the forum.