How to Install Linux in VirtualBox

Your friends always talk about Install Linux in VirtualBox, or maybe you’re just not sure whether Windows or Linux is better for you. You want to give Linux a try, but you’re not sure if you’ll like it. Is there a way you could try it out first? Lucky for us, there is. You can install a Linux-based OS inside Windows 10 with the help of VirtualBox. You could run Linux and Windows at the same time, but VirtualBox gives you a much cleaner start if you decide to give up on Linux after a few days.

What Is VirtualBox?

Before we start, it’s important to remember that your computer needs to have enough system resources to run both the VM and your regular operating system. If you don’t, you’re likely to have a slow and hard time. Here are the minimum requirements we think a VM needs to run well:

Using the idea of virtual machines, VirtualBox is a program that lets you install and run different operating systems (OS) inside your current OS. A VM is a virtual computer that can run programs and operating systems, as the name suggests.

How to Install Linux in VirtualBox

Download Linux

Next, you’ll need to track down a version of Linux that suits your needs. This is easier said than done. There are a vast number of distributions that you can choose from. You can start with this article for help defining your specific needs and refer to this one for a quick rundown of some popular options. Once you find the version you want to try, download the installation file. You should end up with an ISO file in your Downloads folder.

Set Up Your Virtual Machine

1. Name and operating system. Give the VM a name, choose Linux from the Type dropdown, and select the Linux version as indicated. Go with Other Linux if your distribution isn’t listed.
2. Memory size. Select the memory size. This will siphon RAM from your system for the VM, so don’t overdo it. This number can be changed easily later under the VM settings menu.
3. Hard drive. Since we’re starting fresh, leave it on the default Create a virtual hard drive now.
4. Hard drive file type. There are multiple choices here for advanced users. Choose VDI for now unless you know you will need one of the other options.
5. Storage on physical hard drive. Based on your decision earlier, select either Dynamically allocated for an expandable drive file or Fixed size for a static drive file. As the description states, please note that a dynamic drive file will expand as needed, but will not shrink again automatically when space on it is freed.
6. File location and size. Since you’re making a virtual hard drive within your existing file space, you can give this file a name and choose where it is stored. Adjust the slider or type in a specific number in the box to the right to specify the virtual hard drive size.

Install the Linux OS

We’ve set up the environment for the new guest operating system, but it still needs to be installed. On the left, choose your new VM, and at the top, click Start. In the next window, you’ll be asked to choose a disk to start up the VM. Click on the icon next to the dropdown to open a file explorer window, then find the Linux ISO you downloaded earlier. Click Start once you’ve chosen the file.

FAQs