[Solved] libvirtd not starting after clearing TPM

arvxndrana · 2026-03-16 12:40:46

Hello everyone,

I did something that nobody should do, which is fixing something that is not broken.

I tried to fix the following error from my `journalctl -b` log by clearing the TPM of my laptop's UEFI and turning the TPM off in my Acer-Aspire E5-475 laptop.

Mar 16 17:39:28 laptop kernel: platform MSFT0101:00: failed to claim resource 1: [mem 0xfed40000-0xfed40fff]
Mar 16 17:39:28 laptop kernel: acpi MSFT0101:00: platform device creation failed: -16
Mar 16 17:39:28 laptop kernel: ACPI Warning: GPE type mismatch (level/edge) (20250807/evxface-791)

The solution worked in getting rid of that message in the logs but, now i am unable to start libvirtd.service.

I tried enabling TPM and that didn't work either.

I tried removing the `/var/lib/systemd/credentials/libvirtd.service.cred` as suggested by LLM. Didn't work either.

I also tried creating a new primary key from gentoo wiki https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Trusted_Pl … rimary_Key but, it didn't work.

I think that the above commands did more harm than help as i just tried them without going too much into details. If thats the case could you please explain a little bit on what is happening here as I am really not sure.

I have the latest kernel "linux 6.19.8.arch1-1" and have an up-to-date system. If you require more information about my system, please ask, i can provide them because i don't know what information is necessary.

Thank you for your time.

Output of: `sudo systemctl status libvirtd.service`

× libvirtd.service - libvirt legacy monolithic daemon
     Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/libvirtd.service; disabled; preset: disabled)
     Active: failed (Result: exit-code) since Mon 2026-03-16 17:41:04 +0545; 19min ago
 Invocation: b9c704719b064daabfd051c85c2a26cc
TriggeredBy: × libvirtd-ro.socket
             × libvirtd.socket
             × libvirtd-admin.socket
       Docs: man:libvirtd(8)
             [url]https://libvirt.org/[/url]
    Process: 2831 ExecStart=/usr/bin/libvirtd $LIBVIRTD_ARGS (code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS)
   Main PID: 2831 (code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS)
   Mem peak: 1.9M
        CPU: 25ms

Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 5.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Start request repeated too quickly.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.

Output of `journalctl -xeu libvirtd.service`:

Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 1804.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop libvirtd[2818]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop libvirtd[2818]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop (libvirtd)[2818]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop (libvirtd)[2818]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop (libvirtd)[2818]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 1804 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 1.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 1941.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop libvirtd[2825]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop libvirtd[2825]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop (libvirtd)[2825]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop (libvirtd)[2825]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop (libvirtd)[2825]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:02 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 1941 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 2.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2078.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop libvirtd[2827]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop libvirtd[2827]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop (libvirtd)[2827]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop (libvirtd)[2827]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop (libvirtd)[2827]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2078 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 3.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2215.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop libvirtd[2829]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop libvirtd[2829]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop (libvirtd)[2829]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop (libvirtd)[2829]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop (libvirtd)[2829]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:03 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2215 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 4.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2352.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop libvirtd[2831]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop libvirtd[2831]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop (libvirtd)[2831]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop (libvirtd)[2831]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop (libvirtd)[2831]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2352 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 5.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Start request repeated too quickly.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 17:41:04 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 2489 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 18:13:04 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4140.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop libvirtd[9151]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop libvirtd[9151]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9151]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9151]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9151]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4140 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 1.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4277.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop libvirtd[9161]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop libvirtd[9161]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9161]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9161]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9161]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4277 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 2.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4414.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop libvirtd[9164]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop libvirtd[9164]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9164]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9164]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop (libvirtd)[9164]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 18:13:05 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4414 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 3.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4551.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop libvirtd[9166]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop libvirtd[9166]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop (libvirtd)[9166]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop (libvirtd)[9166]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop (libvirtd)[9166]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4551 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 4.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: Starting libvirt legacy monolithic daemon...
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has begun execution.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4688.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop libvirtd[9170]: WARNING:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:324:Esys_Load_Finish() Received TPM Error
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop libvirtd[9170]: ERROR:esys:src/tss2-esys/api/Esys_Load.c:112:Esys_Load() Esys Finish ErrorCode (0x000001df)
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop (libvirtd)[9170]: libvirtd.service: TPM key integrity check failed. Key most likely does not belong to this TPM.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop (libvirtd)[9170]: libvirtd.service: Failed to set up credentials: Object is remote
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop (libvirtd)[9170]: libvirtd.service: Failed at step CREDENTIALS spawning /usr/bin/libvirtd: Object is remote
░░ Subject: Process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The process /usr/bin/libvirtd could not be executed and failed.
░░ 
░░ The error number returned by this process is 66.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=243/CREDENTIALS
░░ Subject: Unit process exited
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ An ExecStart= process belonging to unit libvirtd.service has exited.
░░ 
░░ The process' exit code is 'exited' and its exit status is 243.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 18:13:06 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4688 and the job result is failed.
Mar 16 18:13:07 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Scheduled restart job, restart counter is at 5.
░░ Subject: Automatic restarting of a unit has been scheduled
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ Automatic restarting of the unit libvirtd.service has been scheduled, as the result for
░░ the configured Restart= setting for the unit.
Mar 16 18:13:07 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Start request repeated too quickly.
Mar 16 18:13:07 laptop systemd[1]: libvirtd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
░░ Subject: Unit failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ The unit libvirtd.service has entered the 'failed' state with result 'exit-code'.
Mar 16 18:13:07 laptop systemd[1]: Failed to start libvirt legacy monolithic daemon.
░░ Subject: A start job for unit libvirtd.service has failed
░░ Defined-By: systemd
░░ Support: [url]https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel[/url]
░░ 
░░ A start job for unit libvirtd.service has finished with a failure.
░░ 
░░ The job identifier is 4825 and the job result is failed.

Edit: better formatting for output

Last edited by arvxndrana (2026-03-17 02:30:34)

arvxndrana · 2026-03-17 02:28:59

The following commands from gentoo wiki work fine as an alternative of the `sudo systemctl enable --now libvirtd.service` command.

sudo systemctl enable --now virtnetworkd.service
sudo systemctl enable --now virtqemud.service
sudo systemctl enable --now virtstoraged.socket
sudo systemctl enable --now virtlogd.service

https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Libvirt#systemd

Also, the `libvirtd.service` has been deprecated for a long time now but, i had no issue starting it before clearing the TPM, hence the existence of this post.

From Red Hat Documentation,

the monolithic libvirt daemon, libvirtd, has become deprecated

https://docs.redhat.com/en/documentatio … ing-rhel-9

m9henri · 2026-03-18 17:57:03

I'm having the same problem right now, I'm trying to use virtual machines in virt-manager but I can't connect to NAT network, and systemctl status virtnetworkd doesn't show errors.

Manix · Today 08:25:51

I had the same issue. The root cause was a deleted /var/lib/systemd/credential.secret (systemd's master key). Running sudo systemd-creds setup regenerated it, but then libvirtd failed with "Decryption failed" because /var/lib/libvirt/secrets/secrets-encryption-key was still encrypted with the old key.

Fix: delete the old libvirt key so it gets regenerated with the new master key:

sudo rm /var/lib/libvirt/secrets/secrets-encryption-key

Arch Linux

#1 2026-03-16 12:40:46

[Solved] libvirtd not starting after clearing TPM

#2 2026-03-17 02:28:59

Re: [Solved] libvirtd not starting after clearing TPM

#3 2026-03-18 17:57:03

Re: [Solved] libvirtd not starting after clearing TPM

#4 Today 08:25:51

Re: [Solved] libvirtd not starting after clearing TPM

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