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The whole reason you’re using it in the first place.

Here’s what you oughta know about setting up your first virtual machine in Virtualbox.

Virtualbox running a Windows 11 VM on Windows 11

Virtualbox is your gateway to running more than just Windows on your PC. Or running more than one Windows!

I’m referring to the image file, commonly referred to as an ISO.

Virtualbox is clever enough to interpret the image file without this.

Score one for extra simplicity.

Downloading the Fedora 40 ISO to use in Virtualbox

Downloading an ISO to use in Virtualbox, taking care to get the right architecture to match the host machine.

You do need to remember, also, that you’ll need to match your architecture.

Virtualbox on Windows 11 will be able to build x86 and x64 virtual machines, but not ARM64.

Open up Virtualbox on your PC and take these actions.

A Fedora 40 VM inside Virtualbox

In a matter of minutes, you can have a new virtual machine spun up ready to go.

From the main Virtualbox window, select it and go for the big greenStartbutton.

It’s exactly the same as running it on a physical machine.

This is installedinsideyour virtual machine, rather than during the setup process.

Virtualbox virtual machine setup

ClickDevicesfrom the menu bar in your virtual machine window, and selectInsert Guest Additions CD image.

If you’re using a Windows virtual machine, simply open up the ‘CD’ and launch the installer.

It’ll go through a similar process to any other Windows software you’d install this way.

Setting up a virtual machine in Virtualbox

If you’re using Linux, you’ll need to take these actions.

The same benefits will now be available to your Linux virtual machines.

Setting up a virtual machine in Virtualbox

Installing Virtualbox Guest Additions on a Linux VM

Virtualbox Guest Additions aren’t mandatory, but you’ll want it installed to have the best experience.

Windows 11 new PC install

Windows 11 clean install

Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora running on WSL on a Snapdragon X Elite laptop

Windows 11 answer file

Toshiba USB Drive

Windows 10 to 11 upgrade preparation

Microsoft Edge Vertical Tabs

Claude AI app by Anthropic is seen displayed on a smartphone screen.

Microsoft 365 Copilot rebrand for Microsoft Office

Xbox controller with WD-40

Elden Ring Nightreign

The rare Caine Trailblazer operator skin, obtainable from the Return to Verdansk event in Call of Duty: Warzone

Dune: Awakening

DOOM: The Dark Ages

Windows 11 system features

Monument Valley image