VirtualBox Guest Additions are a set of enhanced drivers designed specifically for your virtual machine. They significantly improve the performance and functionality of your virtual operating system, particularly when using Windows.
This guide will walk you through the simple process of installing Guest Additions (also known as the Expansion Pack) onto your Windows virtual machine within VirtualBox.
You’ll need to have VirtualBox installed on your host computer along with the Expansion Pack. If you’re not sure how to do that check out this quick guide How To Install VirtualBox On Your Computer.
Installing Guest Additions onto Virtual Machine
To install the Guest Additions on your newly created Windows virtual machine, you’re going to mount the CD ISO as a virtual CD drive.
On the VirtualBox toolbar, click on Devices.
On the menu that opens, click Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
Launch VBox Windows Additions
Once the CD image has been mounted (it only takes a few seconds) open File Explorer on your virtual machine.
Then double left click on VBoxWindowsAdditions (Application) to launch the install wizard.
If you don’t see the Guest Additions CD drive, you may have to click on This PC in the left hand panel (Navigation Pane).
You’ll probably see a User Account Control (UAC) pop up window appear.
Click Yes to continue with the installation.
The Install Wizard.
Installing is pretty much the same as for any other piece of software.
- On the Welcome screen, click the Next button to proceed.
- Although you can change the installation directory, I’d just leave it set to the default location. Click Next.
- On the Choose Components screen, you can leave it as the defaults, click Next.
- And then the Guest Additions should start installing onto your Windows VM. Great.
When the process has finished, you’ll most likely have to re-boot your virtual machine.
Summary
Running Windows (regardless of whether it’s Windows 10 or Windows 11) in VirtualBox is great. It opens up so many possibilities that you may not want to explore on your host (real) computer.
One thing I’d strongly recommend though is to make a backup of the VM. You can use Snapshots, and they will get you out of most situations, but a complete backup is pretty much foolproof.
Related Guides
How to Backup a VirtualBox VM
As soon as you’ve created a VM, back it up. It’ll save you so much time going forward.
Why I Use Virtual Machines and You Should Too
Everyone should have a virtual machine to hand, ready to launch at a moments notice and here’s why.
How to Import VHD File into VirtualBox
If you’re trying to virtualise an older PC using VirtualBox, then this is for you.
How to Setup a Windows 11 VM on VirtualBox
Windows 11 runs great on VirtualBox.
You can use it even if your current PC doesn’t meet the system requirements
You can find this and other related step by step guides in – At Home Computer VirtualBox Guides