Virtualization opens up incredible opportunities for the user to test programs, learn new operating systems, and safely work with suspicious files. Oracle VM VirtualBox is one of the most popular solutions in this area due to its freeness, cross-platform and wide functionality. Installing this software product on a computer will not be difficult even for a beginner, if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions.
The installation process takes only a few minutes, but requires attention to detail, especially when choosing components and network settings. VirtualBox allows you to run guest OSes on top of your main system, creating an isolated environment. It's an ideal tool for developers, system administrators, and enthusiasts who want to try out Linux, old Windows, or specific software without risking their host computer.
In this article we will analyze all the stages: from downloading the distribution to the first setup of the virtual device. You'll learn about critical parameters that are often overlooked and can avoid common mistakes. Make sure that VT-x/AMD-V virtualization is enabled on your PC in the BIOS, otherwise the program will not be able to launch any virtual machine.
Preparing for installation and system requirements
Before you run the installer, you must ensure that your hardware meets the minimum requirements. VirtualBox it is quite demanding on resources, since it actually launches a second full-fledged operating system in parallel with the main one. For comfortable work, it is recommended to have a multi-core processor and sufficient RAM.
Particular attention should be paid to support for hardware virtualization. This is a technology built into Intel and AMD processors that allows software to efficiently manage processor resources for virtual machines. Without this feature enabled in the BIOS/UEFI, starting the guest OS will be impossible or extremely unstable.
It is also important to free up space on your hard drive. The program itself is lightweight, but the virtual disks you create can take up tens of gigabytes. It is recommended to have at least 20-30 GB of free space to start experimenting with.
- 💻 Processor: 64-bit CPU with support VT-x or AMD-V.
- 💾 RAM: minimum 4 GB for the host system + 2-4 GB for the dedicated virtual machine.
- 📀 Disk space: from 500 MB for software + space for guest OS images.
- 🖥️ Screen: resolution of at least 1024x768 pixels.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus software may be blocking driver installation VirtualBox. During installation, it is recommended to temporarily disable protection or add the program to exceptions.
Checking for virtualization in Windows is done through the Task Manager. Open the tab Performance and look at the status of the "Virtualization" line. If it says Disabled, you will need to restart your computer and change the settings in the BIOS.
Downloading the distribution from the official website
The software should be downloaded exclusively from the developer’s official resource. Using third-party file hosting services or torrent trackers carries the risk of infecting the system with modified versions containing malicious code. Official website Oracle provides the latest stable version without any hidden add-ons.
On the main page of the site you will see a large download button. Often nearby it is offered to download Extension Pack is an additional package that expands the functionality of the basic version. It is required to work with USB devices version 2.0 and 3.0, disk encryption and PXE support.
After downloading the main installer, check its integrity. For this purpose, checksums (SHA256) are indicated on the website. You can compare the hash amount of the downloaded file through the command line by entering the command:
certutil -hashfile VBoxSetup.exe SHA256Matching the strings ensures that the file was not corrupted during upload and has not been modified by third parties. This is a standard security procedure for any system software.
Step-by-step program installation process
Run the downloaded executable file VirtualBox-<version>-Win.exe. An installation wizard window will appear, prompting you to select an interface language. By default, Russian is selected, which greatly simplifies further configuration for inexperienced users.
At the next stage, the wizard will prompt you to select components to install. It is important here not to uncheck unnecessary boxes if you are not confident in your actions. In particular, the component Oracle VM VirtualBox USB Support critical for forwarding flash drives and other peripheral devices into a virtual environment.
☑️ Installation checklist
The system will warn you that the network connection will be temporarily disconnected during the installation process. This is normal behavior because VirtualBox installs its virtual network adapters. Just click "Yes" to continue.
At the end of the process, the system may ask you to confirm the installation of device drivers. Be sure to agree with this action, otherwise the program will not function correctly. Once all operations are completed, you will need to restart your computer to apply the changes.
| Component | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| USB Support | Drivers for USB 2.0/3.0 | Required |
| Networking | Virtual network adapter | Required |
| Python Support | Python script support | Optional |
| Shortcuts | Shortcuts on the desktop | Recommended |
⚠️ Attention: If you have Kaspersky or ESET antivirus installed, they may block the creation of a virtual network adapter. In this case, the installation should be carried out after temporarily disabling the protection.
Installing Extension Pack for advanced features
After installing the main program, you must install the extension package. Without it, you won't be able to use USB devices inside the virtual machine, which severely limits functionality. Download the file with the extension .vbox-extpack from the same page where you got the installer.
Run the downloaded file. The virtual machine manager menu will open and prompt you to install the package. Agree to the license agreement (it's free for personal and educational use) and enter the administrator password if the system prompts for access rights.
The package installation process takes a few seconds. After successful completion in the program window in the menu File → Virtual Media Manager or new options related to USB and encryption will appear in the settings.
Always use an Extension Pack of the same version as the main VirtualBox. Version incompatibility can lead to virtual machine startup errors or USB incorrect operation.
Creating your first virtual machine
Now that the software platform is ready, you can start creating a virtual computer. Click the button "Create" in the main program window. The wizard will prompt you to enter the name of the new machine and select the type of operating system you plan to install.
Selecting the OS type (for example, Linux or Microsoft Windows) is important not so much for the installation itself, but for the automatic configuration of the recommended parameters. The program itself will select the optimal amount of RAM and type of virtual hard disk.
At the memory configuration stage, do not allocate more than 50% of the available RAM of your physical machine. If you have 8 GB of RAM, it is safer to allocate 2-3 GB to the virtual machine. The remaining memory is needed by the host system for stable operation.
The next step is to create a virtual hard disk. It is recommended to select a type VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and storage format Dynamic. A dynamic disk takes up space on a physical HDD only when it is full, which saves space.
A dynamic virtual disk grows in size along with the data it writes, but never shrinks automatically. Deleting files inside the guest OS will not free up space on the physical disk without additional steps.
Setting parameters and starting the system
Before the first launch, you need to configure some parameters of the created machine. Select it in the list and click Customize. In the section System You can change the boot order, giving the optical drive or network priority if the OS will not be installed from an ISO image.
In the section Display Be sure to increase the video memory to the maximum (usually 128 MB) and enable 3D acceleration. This will make the guest system interface more responsive and allow graphic elements to be displayed correctly.
To connect the installation disk image, go to the section Carriers. There you will see a virtual optical drive. Click on the disk icon and select the image file (.iso) with the operating system that you prepared in advance.
⚠️ Attention: Don't forget to enable the option I/O APIC in the system settings if you plan to install modern 64-bit operating systems. Without this item, the OS may simply not boot.
After all the settings, click the button "Run". A separate window will open in which the process of loading the virtual computer will begin. Further actions depend on the operating system you are installing.
Installing Guest Additions
After successfully installing the operating system inside a virtual machine, the interface may look unusual and the screen resolution will be low. To fix this and be able to forward folders, you need to install Guest Additions.
From the running virtual machine window menu, select Devices → Mount the Guest OS Additions disk image. A virtual CD will appear inside the guest system. Launch it and follow the installer instructions.
This driver provides:
- 🖥️ Automatically change screen resolution when stretching the window.
- 📁 Forwarding shared folders between host and guest.
- 📋 Shared clipboard (copying text between systems).
- 🖱️ Mouse integration (without cursor capture).
Without installing these add-ons, working in a virtual environment will be extremely inconvenient. After installation, you will need to reboot the guest OS, after which it will adapt to the size of your window.
What should I do if Guest Additions are not installed?
Often the problem lies in the lack of a kernel compiler and header files in Linux distributions. In Ubuntu, this is solved with the command: sudo apt-get install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r). On Windows, you may need to install security certificates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to run VirtualBox without virtualization enabled in BIOS?
No, modern versions of VirtualBox require hardware virtualization support (VT-x for Intel or AMD-V for AMD). Without this, the function to start a virtual machine will not be available, and the program will display a corresponding error at startup.
How to transfer a file from the main computer to the virtual one?
The easiest way is to use the "Shared Folders" feature in the VirtualBox settings, after installing Guest Additions. You can also use network interaction or simply drag the file with the mouse if Drag'n'Drop is enabled in the machine settings.
Does the virtual machine take up disk space when it's turned off?
Yes, the virtual hard disk takes up space on the physical drive regardless of the state of the machine. If you select a dynamic disk, it will take up space equal to the amount of data actually written, but not more than the limit you set.
Is it safe to test viruses in VirtualBox?
The virtual machine is isolated from the main system, which makes testing relatively safe. However, it is recommended to disable shared folders and network access for the host machine so that in the event of a leak, the malware does not spread to the main computer.