In this article, we will discuss how to install an operating system on a virtual machine using VirtualBox. This can be useful for testing various programs in an isolated environment, so the operation or testing of an application does not affect the main system. Additionally, VirtualBox can be useful if you need another computer (server) on your local network, allowing you to use existing hardware by running a “virtual workspace” on it.
We will demonstrate the installation of Windows 10 on VirtualBox, but you can use this example to install any other Windows, Linux, or even Mac operating system. The setup procedure remains unchanged. You only need the appropriate installer.
1) The first thing we need to do is download the VirtualBox application. You can download VirtualBox from the official website.
You will also need the installer of the operating system you want. You can download Windows installers from our website, where we have all popular versions available. You can download them on the following page.
2) After downloading, install the VirtualBox application and launch it. You will see a startup window like this. To create a new virtual operating system, click the “New” button.
3) Next, you will see the following window where you need to name your virtual OS. In this example, we will install Windows 10. The folder where the virtual OS file will be created is set by default, but you can choose any other directory if you wish.
The “Type” and “Version” options are automatically determined by the name of the virtual machine. However, you can select any other OS from the drop-down menu, including Linux and Mac.
Choose the amount of RAM based on the available hardware on your computer. Anything marked with a green bar is generally acceptable for proper operation.
For the “Hard Disk” option, select “Create a new one” since we are installing a virtual operating system from scratch in this example.
4) Next, you will see a window for partitioning the hard disk. Configure this based on your needs and what you plan to do with the virtual system. In this example, we will specify 50GB, which is more than enough for the system itself, with over 10GB to spare.
You can leave the type as VDI and choose dynamic storage, as it will automatically increase the virtual disk size if you run out of space after the initial partitioning. After completing the settings, click “Create”.
5) In the next step, you need to select the operating system installer on your hard disk that you downloaded earlier. Go to Settings => Storage => Empty => Next to “Optical Drive,” click the hard disk icon => Choose a disk file.
Then select your Windows ISO file.
Now, start your virtual machine with Windows 10. Click “Start.”
6) The operating system installation will then begin. The installation process is the same as installing on actual hardware.
– Select your language
– Accept the license agreement
– Custom Install
– Select your hard disk and click Next
7) That’s it. You can turn your virtual operating system on and off from the main menu of VirtualBox by selecting the respective OS from the list. You can install multiple operating systems, and they will all appear in the list on the left side of the window. You can run them separately or simultaneously.
Additionally, if you are installing Windows and plan to use it for an extended period, you need to activate the virtual system just like a regular one. You will need a license key for this. You can purchase product keys for various Windows versions in our online store at the lowest prices. We offer multiple payment options, instant key delivery to your email automatically, guaranteed support, and free 24/7 technical assistance. Learn more in our catalog on the following page.
