VirtualBox is a free virtualisation software that can be used to create virtual machines, virtual computers.
When installing VirtualBox onto a Windows computer, it has to be installed in two parts. First there’s the VirtualBox software itself, and then you’ll need to install what’s called the extension pack.
I’ll show you how to do both below. It’s really not difficult to do but you will need to have virtualisation enabled on your computer.
If you’re running Windows 11, then it should be enabled by default. On Windows 10 PCs, it’s a little more hit and miss. How To Enable Virtualisation On A PC.
Download VirtualBox And Extension Pack.
To install VirtualBox, you’ll need to download it first. There are actually two downloads that you’ll need to get but they’re both available on the same download page.
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Firstly you’ll need to download VirtualBox itself (obviously) and secondly you’ll need what’s called the Extension Pack. You’ll need that when setting up virtual machines.
To install VirtualBox onto a Windows computer, click Windows Hosts.
Then download the Extension Pack. Click the Accept and Download button.
What Is The VirtualBox Extension Pack.
The VirtualBox Extension Pack is an add-on that enhances the VirtualBox capabilities.
It provides additional features such as USB 2.0/3.0 support, VirtualBox RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), and disk encryption.
It’s installed separately because it has a different licence agreement.
The Extension Pack is free to use on a home computer and while you may not need all the features, the USB support is probably going to be important.
How To Install VirtualBox On A Windows Computer.
Installing VirtualBox onto your computer is reasonably easy and straightforward, with just a couple of issues to note.
- Launch the installation file from within your web browser.
- Or navigate to the setup file and launch it from there.
- On The “Welcome to the Oracle VM VirtualBox” setup screen, click the Next button.
- Accept the licence terms and click Next.
Installation Settings.
- On the Install Features screen, you can leave everything set to the defaults. Click the Next button to continue.
- Warning: Network Interface. It’s written in red and looks very scary but all it’s warning you about is that you may lose your Internet connection for a few seconds. Click the Yes button.
- Missing Dependencies Python Core. Unless you want to run Python scripts to control VirtualBox, you can safely ignore this message. Click the Yes button.
- Select what shortcuts you want and click Next.
- Finally click the Install button.
After a few moments (depending on the speed of your PC) VirtualBox will finish installing.
Select “Start Oracle VirtualBox” and click the Finish button.
How To Install The VirtualBox Extension Pack.
Once VirtualBox is installed onto your PC, you’ll want to add the Extension Pack to it.
On The VirtualBox Welcome Screen –
- Click the 3 horizontal lines beside the Tools. On the menu that opens, click Extensions.
- Then click the Install button
- Navigate to where you downloaded the Extension Pack to (probably the Downloads folder), select it and then click the Open button.
- VirtualBox will show a warniing about installing extension packs downloaded from anywhere other than the official downloads page. Click the Install button.
- Accept the license agreement. You’ll need to scroll down the the bottom of the license to get the I Agree button to work.
- The Extension Pack will be installed and you’ll be returned to the Tools screen.
- Click the 3 horizontal lines beside the Tools. On the menu that opens, click Welcome to return to the start screen.
Summary.
That’s all there is to it. VirtualBox is installed along with its extension pack and ready to create virtual machines.
Have fun.
Set Up VirtualBox Virtual Machines.
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