Part 1: How to Set Up a Virtual Machine on Windows Using VirtualBox
In Part 1, I will show you how to install and set up VirtualBox.
What is Virtualization Software?
Virtualization software allows you to virtualize a computer system on a host OS/machine. The host OS is the main operating system installed on your computer. For example, you can run a Linux operating system on a computer that natively runs Windows 10.
Popular virtualization software applications include:
The software we are going to use in this article is VirtualBox.
What is a Virtual Machine?
A virtual machine is a virtual computer system that runs on top of a host OS, while using the host computer’s resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage. A virtual machine will provide the same experience as a physical computer.
Pre-Requisites
- A Computer (obviously)
- An AMD or Intel processor
- At least 512 MB of RAM
- VirtualBox is 102 MB, but you will need to allocate space for a VM (Virtual Machine)
Step 1: Install VirtualBox
To install VirtualBox, open up a browser, and go to virtualbox.org.
Now that you’re here, click on “Download VirtualBox 6.1” (or whatever the latest version is).
Click on “Windows hosts.”
Download it to any directory you like and press save.
Step 2: Installing the Extension Pack
While you’re waiting for VirtualBox to install, go ahead, and install the “Extension Pack.”
Click on “All Supported Platforms.”
The Extension Pack will expand the capabilities of your Virtual Machine with features like:
- Support for USB 2.0 and 3.0 — This will allow the virtual machine to communicate with USB peripherals that are plugged into your host computer’s USB ports including, but not limited to webcams, microphones, and flash drives.
- Host Webcam Support — You will be able to use your host webcam on your virtual machine. The benefit of this feature is the ability to use a webcam on a virtual machine without drivers, as the extension pack will automatically have them installed. For example, if I am using a webcam on my Windows host machine, I can use the same webcam on a Linux virtual machine without needing to install any extra software or drivers.
- Remote Control — This allows you to take control of your virtual machine from a remote computer using a remote desktop client.
Step 3: Set Up VirtualBox
After VirtualBox is done installing, go ahead and open it up.
Press “Next.”
Here, it asks you where to install.
I recommend leaving everything the way it is and proceeding with the rest of the setup.
Press “Next.”
These options might be confusing for some, so allow me to break it down for you.
- Create start menu entries — This will create a shortcut in the Start Menu.
- Create a shortcut on the desktop — This will create a shortcut in the Desktop directory.
- Create a shortcut in the Quick Launch Bar — This will create a shortcut in the Quick Launch bar.
- Register file associations — Any files that are associated with VirtualBox will only open with VirtualBox (I strongly recommend you keep this checked).
Press “Next”
This part of the setup will install drivers for Internet access on VirtualBox and will temporarily disconnect you from the internet for a couple of seconds. Proceed with installation.
Press “Yes.”
This will start the installation.
Press “Install.”
It shouldn’t take long, but if in any case if it does, just be patient and let it install.
Step 4: Set Up the Extension Pack
Once your extension pack is done downloading, go ahead and click on it
It should automatically open up VirtualBox.
Go ahead and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
It will take a second or two to install.
Conclusion
Awesome! We have successfully set up VirtualBox. Stay tuned for Part 2 (coming soon), where I demonstrate how to set up the virtual machine. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when Part 2 comes out.
