---
name: "virtio_random"
section: "4freebsd"
platform: "linux"
package: "freebsd-manpages"
version: "12.2-2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/virtio_random/4freebsd"
---

# virtio\_random(4freebsd)

VirtIO Entropy driver

## NAME

**virtio\_random** – VirtIO Entropy driver

## SYNOPSIS

To compile this driver into the kernel, place the following lines in your kernel configuration file:

**device virtio\_random**

Alternatively, to load the driver as a module at boot time, place the following line in [loader.conf(5)](/loader.conf/5.md):

```
virtio_random_load="YES"
```

## DESCRIPTION

The **virtio\_random** device driver provides support for VirtIO entropy devices.

The entropy device supplies high-quality randomness from the hypervisor to the guest.

## SEE ALSO

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

## HISTORY

The **virtio\_random** driver was written by Bryan Venteicher ⟨*bryanv@FreeBSD.org*⟩.