How to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox? - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox is a great way to experience the powerful features of this popular Linux distribution without altering your main operating system. Whether you’re a developer, a student, or simply curious about Linux, setting up Ubuntu on VirtualBox allows you to test and explore in a safe environment. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox, providing detailed instructions and tips to ensure a smooth installation process.

In this article, we will discuss the effective steps needed to Install Ubuntu VirtualBox in no time without having any issues.

Quick Highlights on VirtualBox

• VirtualBox is a highly popular Oracle product.
• VirtualBox can execute a bit faster as it has the AMD & Intel Support.
• Many virtual machines can be developed on VirtualBox.
• VirtualBox has asynchronous input and output disks.
• VirtualBox can provide seamless window support for OS work.

Note: For the installation of VirtualBox, you can check out the article How to install VirtualBox on Windows?

Steps to Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox

Step 1: Before we begin with the installation process, we need to Download ISO for Ubuntu. For that, all the versions of Ubuntu are available on the Official Site.

Step 2: Open VirtualBox and click on the New button.

Step 3: Give a Name to your Virtual Machine and select the Location for it to install.

Step 4: Assign RAM Size to your Virtual Machine.

Step 5: Create a Virtual Hard Disk for the machine to store files.

Step 6: Select the type of Hard disk. Using VDI type is recommended.

Step 7: Either of the Physical Storage types can be selected. Using a Dynamically Allocated Disk is by default recommended.

Step 8: Select Disk Size and provide the Destination Folder to install.

Step 9: After the Disk creation is done, boot the Virtual Machine and begin installing Ubuntu.

Step 10: If the installation disk is not automatically detected. Browse the file location and select the ISO file for Ubuntu.

Step 11: Proceed with the installation file and wait for further options.

Step 12: Click on the Install Ubuntu option, this might look different for other Ubuntu versions.

Step 13: Select Keyboard Layout, if the defaults are compatible, just click on the Continue button and proceed.

Step 14: Select Installation Type. By default, it is set to Normal Installation, which is recommended, but it can also be changed to Minimal Installation if there is no need for all Ubuntu features.

Step 15: Click on the Install Now button and carry on with the installation. Do not get worried about the Erase disk option, it will only be effective inside the virtual machine, and other system files outside the VirtualBox remain intact.

Step 16: Click on the Continue button, and proceed with writing changes on the disk.

Step 17: Select your Location to set the Time Zone.

Step 18: Choose a Name for your computer and set a Password to secure login info.

Step 19: Wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 20: Once the installation process is over, reboot your Virtual Machine.

Step 21: Voila!! You’re finished with the installation process. Now you can use Ubuntu along with Windows, without creating a dual boot.

Steps to Make Full Screen of Ubuntu OS on VirtualBox

Note: After installing Ubuntu in Virtual Box, you may find that the Operating System is not suitable for full-screen mode. If you try to make it large by clicking on maximize button, the visual part remains the same and the outside becomes white/black.

Step 1: To overcome this and make Ubuntu fullscreen in Virtual Box, click on Devices then on Insert Guest Additions CD Image.

Step 2: Now you will be able to see a Disk icon on the Taskbar, click on that and it will open the disk

Step 3: Write right-click inside the folder select Open in the Terminal, and run the following commands. It will ask for the user’s password, enter the password, and wait till completion.

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

Step 4: After updating, run the command

./autorun.sh

Step 5: Now it will ask for the password and after checking the password a new tab will open inside the terminal. Enter Yes there.

Step 6: After installation restart Ubuntu and now you can use Ubuntu in Full-Screen Mode.

So, these are some long steps needed to Download & Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox. You should go through the entire steps for successfully Launching Ubuntu on VirtualBox in Full- Screen Mode. If you miss any step or perform any error, the VirtualBox Installation of Ubuntu will not be successful.

Conclusion

By following this article, you can easily install Ubuntu on VirtualBox and begin exploring all that this versatile operating system has to offer. VirtualBox provides a flexible and user-friendly platform for running multiple operating systems simultaneously, making it ideal for testing and development purposes. Regularly updating your Ubuntu VirtualBox installation and maintaining good virtualization practices will ensure a stable and efficient experience. Enjoy the benefits of both worlds by using Ubuntu on VirtualBox.

How to Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox – FAQs

How to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox?

The steps required to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox, the following steps will be used properly.

1. Install the Ubuntu ISO File from the Ubuntu Official Webpage.
2. Open VirtualBox Application
3. Click on New Section.
4. Upload the Ubuntu ISO File and provide the OS Name.
5. Assign the RAM Space
6. Create a Virtual Hard Disk.
7. Now, the Ubuntu ISO File is ready.
8. Click on the Start button of Ubuntu OS to execute it.
9. Click on the Install Ubuntu button
10. Follow all the on-screen instructions.

What are the prerequisites to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox?

To install Ubuntu on VirtualBox, you need:

• A computer with a compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• VirtualBox software installed on your computer.
• An Ubuntu ISO file, which can be downloaded from the official Ubuntu website.
• At least 4GB of RAM and sufficient disk space (20GB or more) for the virtual machine.

Do installation of Ubuntu on Virtual is different from Normal Disk Installation?

Yes! The installation of Ubuntu on VirtualBox is different from Normal Disk Installation. In Normal Disk Installation, you have to create new primary disk space by separating it from another driver. In the virtual installation process, there are no such complications present. So, it makes the complete process simple to execute.