Oracle’s VirtualBox is a free, open source virtualization platform that allows users to run multiple virtual computers on a single physical computer. Virtual machines can be used to try out different operating systems and applications without changing settings or data on the host computer. This article will help you learn how to install VirtualBox on Windows 11 and 10.
Why VirtualBox? Well, there are many reasons for it. Firstly, it’s free, open source, highly customizable, easy to install and configure. Most importantly, it is cross-platform, which means it can be installed and used on a variety of host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Now, let’s understand the prerequisites for installing VirtualBox.
Prerequisites for installing VirtualBox on Windows
Before setting up a virtual machine on Windows 11 or 10, you should know some prerequisites, such as requirements, free space, and drivers.
1. Request
To run VirtualBox on a Windows PC, your system must meet the following minimum requirements:
- CPU: x86 compatible hardware (most modern Intel and AMD CPUs are supported)
- RAM: The minimum requirement of the host operating system (Windows 11: 4GB) plus the minimum requirement of the operating system you want to virtualize.
- Disk Space: Virtualized OS minimum space requirement plus up to 50 MB for VirtualBox installation
- Supported operating systems for your virtual machine: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2012 (including R2), Windows NT, Ubuntu Desktop, and macOS X.
Check out the full list of operating systems supported by VirtualBox if yours is not listed above.
2. Empty space
Having enough free space on your hard drive is essential to install and run VirtualBox and virtual machines on your computer. If you plan to run multiple VMs concurrently, you will need to have enough free space to accommodate the aggregate size of all VMs.
Alternatively, you may want to create a ‘Virtual Hard Disk’ for each virtual machine, allowing you to store files and data on the virtual machine. This will require additional hard drive space. Most importantly, the more free space you have on your hard disk, the better your virtual machine will perform.
3. Drivers
VirtualBox comes with generic drivers that allow the virtual machine to access and use hardware components on your PC, such as network adapters and graphics cards.
But if you have a device or software that needs a specific driver, you’ll have to install that driver manually.
How to Install VirtualBox on Windows
Installing VirtualBox on Windows is pretty straightforward. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Visit the Oracle VirtualBox download page using the link below.
Step 2: Click the Windows server link. Save the installer file anywhere you want.
Step 3: Navigate to the installer file and double-click it.
Step 4: An installation wizard will pop up; Click next.
Step 5: On the next screen, customize what you want to install. You can also change the installation location. For this article, we will make the default settings without changing any settings. Click next.
Step 6: In the next screen, you will see a list of shortcuts and file associations that the installation will create. Select or deselect the options you want to include and click Next.
Step 7: The next screen will appear warning about Network Interfaces. Setup installs a virtual network adapter. Click Yes.
Note: After clicking Yes, you may experience temporary network disconnection.
Step 8: If any dependencies are missing, VirtualBox will install them. Click Yes.
Step 9: Finally, click Install in the ‘Ready to Install’ screen.
The installation process will take some time depending on your system speed.
Step 10: During the installation process, you may get a Windows Security prompt. Click Install.
Step 11: Once the installation is complete, click Finish to close the wizard after installation.
Note: Check the box that says ‘Start Oracle VM VirtualBox after installing’ if you want to try VirtualBox right away.
Your go. You have successfully installed VirtualBox on your PC.
If you are a proficient user and want more from VirtualBox, you must use the VirtualBox extension pack. However, before we continue, let’s first understand the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack. Read on.
How to install Virtualbox Extension Pack on Windows 11 and 10
Oracle’s VirtualBox comes in two packages: a basic version and an extension pack. The basic package includes all the open source components, while the expansion pack enhances VirtualBox’s capabilities with features such as VRDP support, host webcam streaming, AES encrypted disk image support, built-in cloud, etc
Here’s how to install the VirtualBox Extension Pack on Windows 10 and 11.
Step 1: Visit the Oracle VirtualBox download page using the link below.
Step 2: In the ‘VirtualBox Extension Pack’ section, click the ‘All Platforms Supported’ link to download the latest package. Save the installer file anywhere you want.
Step 3: Navigate to the installer file and double-click it.
Step 4: Click Next in the pop-up window.
Step 5: On the next screen, customize what you want to install. We will go with the default installation settings. Click next.
Step 6: You will now see a list of shortcuts and file associations that the installation will create. Select or deselect the options you want and click Next.
Step 7: The next screen will appear warning about Network Interfaces. Setup installs a virtual network adapter. Click Yes.
Note: After clicking Yes, you may experience temporary network disconnection.
Step 8: If any dependencies are missing, VirtualBox will install them. Click Yes.
Step 9: Click Install.
Step 10: During the installation, you may get a Windows Security prompt, click Install.
Tip: Check the ‘Always trust software from Oracle Corporation’ box to avoid this pop-up.
Step 11: Once done, click Finish.
Tip: To start VirtualBox after installation, check the box ‘Start Oracle VM VirtualBox 7.0.4 after installation.’
As you can see, the installation process of the base pack and the extension pack is similar. If you have any further questions, check out the FAQ section below.
FAQ for installing VirtualBox on Windows
1. Does VirtualBox affect your computer?
VirtualBox is safe and will not have any negative effects on your computer. However, when you run a virtual machine on your computer using VirtualBox, it can consume a significant amount of resources such as CPU, memory, and disk space.
2. Can you install VirtualBox without admin rights?
Administrator rights are required on your computer to install VirtualBox. However, you do not need administrator rights to access your virtual machine.
3. Does VirtualBox need a license?
VirtualBox is free and open source software so no license is required. You can download and use it without paying to buy a license. However, if you want to use certain features that are part of the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack, you will need to purchase a license from Oracle.
4. Does VirtualBox use UEFI or BIOS?
Depending on how the host and virtual machine is set up, VirtualBox may use UEFI or BIOS to start the virtual machine. By default, VirtualBox will try to start the virtual machine using EFI. If EFI is not available, it will fall back to the BIOS.
5. Do I need an ISO file for VirtualBox?
Yes, you will need an ISO file if you want to install the operating system on a virtual machine.
Run OS in parallel
Now that you know how to install any operating system you want on your server easily, let’s see how to install Windows 11 on VirtualBox easily and efficiently. We hope this article helps.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
