> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.platform9.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.platform9.com/private-cloud-director/getting-started/self-hosted/airctl/enable-kubernetes-management-plane.md).

# Enable Kubernetes Management Plane

This section explains how to enable the Kubernetes management plane on an existing Self-Hosted <code class="expression">space.vars.product\_name</code> deployment using the `airctl` CLI tool.

## What the Kubernetes Management Plane Is

The Kubernetes management plane runs on the <code class="expression">space.vars.product\_name</code> management cluster and lets you provision, upgrade, scale, and manage <code class="expression">space.vars.product\_name</code> Kubernetes clusters.

For what <code class="expression">space.vars.product\_name</code> Kubernetes provides and how clusters work once this is enabled, see the [<code class="expression">space.vars.product\_name</code> Kubernetes Overview](/private-cloud-director/kubernetes-clusters/k8s-overview.md).

The Kubernetes management plane is optional and opt-in. If you did not enable it during installation (see [Install](/private-cloud-director/getting-started/self-hosted/self-hosted-install.md)), you can add it later to a running deployment with the steps below.

{% hint style="info" %}
The base management plane must be fully deployed and healthy before you enable the Kubernetes management plane. To confirm, run `airctl status`.
{% endhint %}

## Enable on an Existing Deployment

Run the following command on one of the management cluster hosts to install the Kubernetes management plane on the existing deployment:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Bash" %}

```bash
airctl start --k8s-only
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

The `--k8s-only` flag installs only the Kubernetes management plane and leaves the rest of the running management plane untouched.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The Kubernetes management plane uses additional resources on the management plane. Ensure your management cluster nodes meet the recommended sizing before enabling it. See [Pre-requisites](/private-cloud-director/getting-started/self-hosted/self-hosted-pre-requisites.md).
{% endhint %}

## Verify the Installation

Once the command completes, confirm that the Kubernetes management plane is deployed:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Bash" %}

```bash
airctl status
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

The **Kubernetes management plane** should report `Ready` in the output.


---

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