---
title: Deploy ECK on GKE Autopilot
description: This page shows how to run ECK on GKE Autopilot. It is recommended that each Kubernetes host’s virtual memory kernel settings be modified. Refer to Virtual...
url: https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/pull/4501/deploy-manage/deploy/cloud-on-k8s/deploy-eck-on-gke-autopilot
products:
  - Elastic Cloud on Kubernetes
---

# Deploy ECK on GKE Autopilot
This page shows how to run ECK on GKE Autopilot.
1. It is recommended that each Kubernetes host’s virtual memory kernel settings be modified. Refer to [Virtual memory](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/pull/4501/deploy-manage/deploy/cloud-on-k8s/virtual-memory).
2. It is recommended that Elasticsearch Pods have an `initContainer` that waits for virtual memory settings to be in place.
3. For Elastic Agent/Beats there are storage limitations to be considered.
4. Ensure you are using a node class that is applicable for your workload by adding a `cloud.google.com/compute-class` label in a `nodeSelector`. Refer to [GKE Autopilot documentation.](https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/concepts/autopilot-compute-classes).


## Ensuring virtual memory kernel settings

If you are intending to run production workloads on GKE Autopilot then `vm.max_map_count` should be set. The recommended way to set this kernel setting on the Autopilot hosts is with a `Daemonset` as described in the [Virtual memory](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/pull/4501/deploy-manage/deploy/cloud-on-k8s/virtual-memory) section. You must be running at least version 1.25 when on the `regular` channel or using the `rapid` channel, which currently runs version 1.27.
<warning>
  Only use the provided `Daemonset` exactly as specified or it could be rejected by the Autopilot control plane.
</warning>


## Install the ECK Operator

Refer to [*Install ECK*](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/pull/4501/deploy-manage/deploy/cloud-on-k8s/install) for more information on installation options.

## Deploy an Elasticsearch cluster

Create an Elasticsearch cluster. If you are using the `Daemonset` described in the [Virtual memory](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/pull/4501/deploy-manage/deploy/cloud-on-k8s/virtual-memory) section to set `max_map_count` you can add the `initContainer` below is also used to ensure the setting is set prior to starting Elasticsearch.
```shell
cat <<EOF | kubectl apply -f -
apiVersion: elasticsearch.k8s.elastic.co/v1
kind: Elasticsearch
metadata:
  name: elasticsearch-sample
spec:
  version: 9.2.3
  nodeSets:
  - name: default
    count: 1
    # Only uncomment the below section if you are not using the Daemonset to set max_map_count.
    # config:
    #  node.store.allow_mmap: false
    podTemplate:
      spec:
        # This init container ensures that the `max_map_count` setting has been applied before starting Elasticsearch.
        # This is not required, but is encouraged when using the previously mentioned Daemonset to set max_map_count.
        # Do not use this if setting config.node.store.allow_mmap: false
        initContainers:
        - name: max-map-count-check
          command: ['sh', '-c', "while true; do mmc=$(cat /proc/sys/vm/max_map_count); if [ ${mmc} -eq 262144 ]; then exit 0; fi; sleep 1; done"]
EOF
```


## Deploy a standalone Elastic Agent and/or Beats

When running Elastic Agent and Beats within GKE Autopilot there are storage constraints to be considered. No `HostPath` volumes are allowed, which the ECK operator defaults to when unset for both `Deployments` and `Daemonsets`. Instead use [Kubernetes ephemeral volumes](https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/storage/ephemeral-volumes).
Refer to [Recipes to deploy Elasticsearch, Kibana, Elastic Fleet Server and Elastic Agent and/or Beats within GKE Autopilot](https://github.com/elastic/cloud-on-k8s/tree/main/config/recipes/autopilot).