---
name: "virtio_balloon"
section: "4"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/virtio_balloon"
---

# virtio\_balloon(4)

VirtIO Memory Balloon driver

## NAME

**virtio\_balloon** – VirtIO Memory Balloon driver

## SYNOPSIS

**device** **virtio\_balloon**

In [loader.conf(5)](/loader.conf/5.md): **virtio\_balloon\_load="YES"**

## DESCRIPTION

The **virtio\_balloon** device driver provides support for VirtIO memory balloon devices.

The memory balloon allows the guest to, at the request of the hypervisor, return memory allocated to the hypervisor so it can be made available to other guests. The hypervisor can later signal the balloon to return the memory.

## SEE ALSO

[virtio(4)](/virtio/4.md)

## HISTORY

The **virtio\_balloon** driver first appeared in FreeBSD 9.0.

## AUTHORS

Bryan Venteicher ⟨*bryanv@FreeBSD.org*⟩