Install OpenShift Local on Windows or Linux
Developers and DevOps professionals often need a quick and reliable way to run OpenShift clusters on their local systems. If you’re looking to install OpenShift Local on Windows or Linux, this guide walks you through the entire process. Not only is it simple, but it also ensures you’re ready for cloud-native development — without requiring a full-scale cloud infrastructure.
Why Use OpenShift Local?
Before diving into installation, it’s essential to understand why OpenShift Local is preferred by many. OpenShift Local, formerly known as CodeReady Containers (CRC), provides a minimal OpenShift 4 cluster that can run on your laptop. Moreover, it allows testing and development in an environment similar to production, without additional costs.
Practice for OpenShift Certification (EX280)
One of the most practical advantages of using OpenShift Local is its effectiveness in preparing for OpenShift certification exams, especially EX280 – Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration.
Because OpenShift Local provides a fully functional, single-node OpenShift 4 cluster, you can:
Practice core exam objectives like user management, project creation, image streams, routes, and persistent volumes
Simulate real-world CLI and Web UI tasks in a safe environment
Repeat tasks easily without needing full cloud infrastructure
Gain hands-on experience with
occommands and YAML manifests
Although it’s a single-node cluster and lacks some features of a multi-node setup, it still covers the majority of tasks tested in the exam. Therefore, OpenShift Local is an excellent tool for self-paced learning and daily practice before attempting the exam.
System Requirements
To install OpenShift Local, your system must meet the following prerequisites:
For Both Windows and Linux:
8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
4 vCPUs minimum
35+ GB free disk space
Virtualization enabled (BIOS/UEFI)
OpenShift Local archive downloaded from Red Hat Developer Portal
Installing OpenShift Local on Linux
Step 1: Install Required Packages
Make sure you have installed the required dependency for virtualization. You can simply
# dnf install -y libvirt qemu-kvm virt-install
# systemctl start libvirtd
OR simply go ahead and install this group.
# dnf groupinstall "Virtualization"
# systemctl enable --now libvirtdStep 2: Add Current User to libvirt Group
Openshift local must be installed via normal user instead of root.
# usermod -a -G libvirt $(whoami)
# newgrp libvirtStep 3: Download tar file nd pull secret and Set Up CRC
$ wget https://developers.redhat.com/content-gateway/rest/mirror/pub/openshift-v4/clients/crc/latest/crc-linux-amd64.tar.xz
$ tar -xzf crc-linux-amd64.tar.xz
$ cd crc-linux-amd64
$ wget https://console.redhat.com/openshift/create/local
$ crc setup
$ crc start --pull-secret-file pull-secret.txtOnce done you will get below output with required logins and its credentials:
Started the OpenShift cluster.
The server is accessible via web console at:
https://console-openshift-console.apps-crc.testing
Log in as administrator:
Username: kubeadmin
Password: R34ep-uu99p-9LRij-q48ok
Log in as user:
Username: developer
Password: developer
Use the 'oc' command line interface:
$ eval $(crc oc-env)
$ oc login -u developer https://api.crc.testing:6443Installing OpenShift Local on Windows
Step 1: Download OpenShift Local and Pull Secret
Login to the Red Hat Developer Portal and download the CRC windows installer and pull secret file and copy in a directory on your system.
Step 2: Install OpenShift Local
Go ahead and start the setup follow the path it will automatically enable the Hyper and may ask for reboot. Reboot your system if needed.
Step 3: Configure OpenShift Local
Now open a PowerShell or CMD and start configuring the setup.
PS C:\Users\user> crc setup
PS C:\Users\user> crc start --pull-secret-file pull-secret.txtIt will give you below output once you done with setup.
Started the OpenShift cluster.
The server is accessible via web console at:
https://console-openshift-console.apps-crc.testing
Log in as administrator:
Username: kubeadmin
Password: hPZij-52Fks-beAHa-PfF6r
Log in as user:
Username: developer
Password: developer
Use the 'oc' command line interface:
PS> & crc oc-env | Invoke-Expression
PS> oc login -u developer https://api.crc.testing:6443Now you are done with the installation, you can access the OpenShift cluster and work.
https://console-openshift-console.apps-crc.testing
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, setting up OpenShift Local on Windows or Linux is much easier than it seems — especially with this guide. Whether you’re testing a deployment, developing operators, or simulating a production cluster, OpenShift Local provides everything you need right on your machine.
As a final note, remember to frequently update OpenShift Local to benefit from security patches and new features.
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