A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Windows 10 Virtual Machine on VirtualBox
In today’s technology-driven world, virtualization has become an essential tool for testing software, running multiple operating systems, and experimenting in a safe environment. VirtualBox, a free and open-source virtualization software, allows users to create and manage virtual machines effortlessly. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to set up a Windows 10 virtual machine on VirtualBox.
Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox
Before you can create a Windows 10 virtual machine, you need to download and install VirtualBox on your computer. VirtualBox is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Visit the official VirtualBox website (https://www.virtualbox.org/) to download the appropriate version for your platform. Follow the installation instructions provided on the website to install VirtualBox on your computer.
Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO Image
Next, you’ll need a Windows 10 ISO image to install the operating system on your virtual machine. You can download the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft’s website (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10). Make sure to select the correct edition and language for your needs.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
- Open VirtualBox and click on the “New” button in the top left corner of the window.
- In the “Name and operating system” window, enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g., “Windows 10”) and select “Microsoft Windows” as the type and “Windows 10 (64-bit)” as the version (assuming you downloaded the 64-bit version of Windows 10).
3. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 4: Allocate Memory (RAM)
- In the “Memory size” window, allocate the amount of RAM you want to assign to your Windows 10 virtual machine. It’s recommended to allocate at least 2GB of RAM for optimal performance.
- Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 5: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
- Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create.”
2. Choose the default option “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” and click “Next.”
3 .Select “Dynamically allocated” and click “Next.”
4. Specify the size of the virtual hard disk. The default size should be sufficient, but you can increase it if you anticipate needing more space.
5. Click “Create” to create the virtual hard disk.
Step 6: Install Windows 10
- With your newly created virtual machine selected in the VirtualBox Manager, click on “Settings.”
2. Go to the “Storage” tab.
3. Under “Controller: IDE,” click on the empty disk icon next to “Empty.”
4. Select “Choose a disk file” and navigate to the location where you downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file. Select the ISO file and click “Open.”
5. Click “OK” to save the settings.
6. Start your virtual machine by selecting it in the VirtualBox Manager and clicking the “Start” button.
7. The Windows 10 installation wizard should boot up. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on your virtual machine.
Step 7: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Optional)
VirtualBox Guest Additions are additional software packages that enhance the performance and usability of your virtual machine. To install VirtualBox Guest Additions:
- In the running Windows 10 virtual machine, go to the “Devices” menu in the VirtualBox window.
2. Select “Insert Guest Additions CD image.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install VirtualBox Guest Additions.
- Restart your virtual machine after installation.
Congratulations! You have successfully set up a Windows 10 virtual machine on VirtualBox. You can now use this virtual machine to run Windows 10 applications, test software, and perform various tasks in a virtual environment. Enjoy exploring the capabilities of virtualization with VirtualBox and Windows 10.
