# Install Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK
Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK requires an Ubuntu 22.04 host computer.
Note
If the host computer uses Windows or macOS operating system software,
[install a virtual machine](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70023-41).
Subsequent steps must be run in the virtual machine running Ubuntu
22.04 LTS.
The Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK workflow has been validated with
Ubuntu 22.04 running on bare metal or inside a Virtual Machine in the
following configurations.
Note
Ubuntu 22.04 running inside a VM on macOS on Arm ^®^ architecture isn’t supported.
| Download method | Prerequisites | Version available |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Direct Download](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/api/download/software/sdks/Qualcomm_AI_Runtime_Community/All/2.41.0.251128/v2.41.0.251128.zip) | No prerequisites for download | 2.41.0.251128 (SDK updated every quarter) |
| [Qualcomm Package Manager](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-15B/topic/qairt-install.html#qualcomm-package-manager) |
| SDK updated every month |
## Default versions
The following table lists the default Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK version for your target device OS.
Default Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK versions
| OS | Default version |
| --- | --- |
| Qualcomm Linux (v1.7) | 2.41.0.251128 |
| Ubuntu (x08) | 2.40.0.251030 |
## Direct download
[Download the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/api/download/software/sdks/Qualcomm_AI_Runtime_Community/All/2.41.0.251128/v2.41.0.251128.zip).
Once downloaded, extract or unzip the SDK.
Note
This example uses version `2.41.0.251128` of the SDK. To use a different version of the
QAIRT SDK, update the steps below with the version you are using.
Note
The SDK version hosted at the above link updates quarterly.
unzip v2.41.0.251128.zip
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cd qairt/2.41.0.251128
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export QAIRT_ROOT=`pwd`
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Once finished, proceed to [Set up Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-15B/topic/qairt-setup.html)
## Qualcomm Package Manager
Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK is available for download through
Qualcomm Package Manager (QPM). This section demonstrates how to
download Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK using QPM.
To download QPM3, install QPM3 from [https://qpm.qualcomm.com/#/main/tools/details/QPM3](https://qpm.qualcomm.com/#/main/tools/details/QPM3)
Note
To download Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK from Qualcomm
Package Manager, ensure that you have registered for a Qualcomm ID.
If you don’t have a Qualcomm ID, you will be prompted to register.
Then follow the instructions below to download and install the SDK.
Note
This example uses version `2.41.0.251128` of the SDK. To use a different version of the
QAIRT SDK, update the steps below with the version you are using.
1. Go to [Qualcomm Package Manager](https://qpm.qualcomm.com/#/main/tools/find)
and sign in using your Qualcomm ID.
2. Go to the **Tools** tab and search for *Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK* in
the left pane. From the filtered results, select **Qualcomm AI Runtime - Community Edition**.

3. Choose *v2.41.0.251128* from the Version drop-down list.
If using the Qualcomm Package Manager desktop tool,
the **Extract** button is present instead of **Download**.
This automatically installs the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK.
If you are using the web interface, the **Download** button
will download the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK zip file.

4. Install Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK using the QPM CLI tool.
1. Sign in using QPM CLI.
qpm-cli --login
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Password:
[Info] : Login is successful
[Info] : Fetching product catalog ....
[Info] : Product catalog refreshed successfully
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2. Activate your SDK license.
qpm-cli --license-activate qualcomm_ai_runtime_sdk
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[Info] : Activating license : qualcomm_ai_runtime_sdk
[Info] : License activation is successful ActivationId=[f██████████b]
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3. Download, extract, and install the SDK.
qpm-cli --install qualcomm_ai_runtime_sdk --version 2.41.0.251128
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[Info] : Current logged in user is
[Info] : Downloading qualcomm_ai_runtime_sdk 2.41.0.251128 ....
-------------------------------------------------------
Access to and use of tools managed by the Qualcomm Package Manager are subject to the terms and conditions of the corresponding agreement(s) in place with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates.
Unauthorized access or use is prohibited. Information such as tool version, operating system, user ID, company ID, IP address, computer mac address, date, timestamp, or features and functions of our tools that you use may be collected for internal business purposes or tool improvements and is subject to the Qualcomm Privacy Policy [http://www.qualcomm.com/site/privacy].
By accessing or using this tool, you agree to the foregoing.
Copyright (c) 2018-2025 Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Accept and continue with installation [y/n] :
[Warning] : Install can't be used for ExtractOnly Type products, proceeding with extract command instead
[Info] : Config File Present
[Info] : Step 1 of 7: Checking environment
[Info] : Step 2 of 7: Checking previous version
[Info] : Step 3 of 7: Checking dependencies
[Info] : Step 4 of 7: Preparing system
[Info] : Step 5 of 7: Extracting files
[Info] : Step 6 of 7: Configuring system
[Info] : Step 7 of 7: Finishing installation
[Info] : SUCCESS: Installed qualcomm_ai_runtime_sdk.Core at /opt/qcom/aistack/qairt/2.41.0.251128
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Last Published: Feb 27, 2026
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