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How to Install VirtualBox on Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prerequisites

Before installing VirtualBox, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

  • A Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11 recommended)
  • At least 4GB of RAM (8GB+ recommended for better performance)
  • Enough free disk space for virtual machines (20GB or more recommended)
  • Administrator access to your computer

Step 1: Download VirtualBox

  1. Go to the official VirtualBox download page.
  2. Under "VirtualBox binaries", click on the "Windows hosts" link to download the installer.

Step 2: Run the Installer

  1. Locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder).
  2. Double-click the installer (VirtualBox-7.1.6-xxxxxx-Win.exe) to launch the setup.
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the installation.

Step 3: Follow the Installation Wizard

  1. The setup wizard will open. Click Next to begin.
  2. Choose the components to install (default settings are fine for most users).
  3. Select where to install VirtualBox (default location is recommended).
  4. You may see a warning about network interfaces—this is normal. Click Yes to proceed.
  5. Click Install to begin the installation.

VirtualBox Installation Wizard

Note: Your internet connection may briefly disconnect during installation as VirtualBox sets up virtual network adapters.

Step 4: Complete the Installation

  1. Once the installation finishes, check the box "Start Oracle VM VirtualBox after installation" if you want to launch it immediately.
  2. Click Finish to exit the installer.

Step 5: Launch VirtualBox

  1. If VirtualBox doesn’t open automatically, find it in your Start Menu or double-click the desktop shortcut.
  2. You should now see the VirtualBox Manager—this is where you’ll create and manage virtual machines.

Optional: Install VirtualBox Extension Pack (Recommended)

The Extension Pack adds useful features like USB 2.0/3.0 support and remote desktop functionality.

  1. Go back to the VirtualBox download page.
  2. Under "VirtualBox Extension Pack", click the link to download it.
  3. Open VirtualBox, go to File > Preferences > Extensions, and click the Add button.
  4. Select the downloaded .vbox-extpack file and follow the prompts to install.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed VirtualBox on your Windows PC. Now you can create virtual machines and install different operating systems like Linux, macOS (with additional setup), or even another Windows version.

In future posts, I’ll cover how to set up your first virtual machine. Stay tuned!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!

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