How to Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox

Go to the home page on Ubuntu's website and then go to the download section., Select the proper architecture from the drop-down box. , Click the “Begin Download” button to start downloading Ubuntu (gnome). , Download the latest version of...

56 Steps 3 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Go to the home page on Ubuntu's website and then go to the download section.

    Go the VirtualBox website and go to the download section.

    There are versions available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

    If you’re not sure what operating system you’re running, download the Windows version at the top by clicking “x86/amd64”. , Read and accept the license agreement.

    Newer version of installers i.e.
    4.3.16 released on "09 September 2014" does not show license agreement option while installing. ,, Do this by clicking the grey icon near each option and selecting the red X or “Entire feature will be unavailable”.

    Then click “Next” to continue.

    If this is your first time dealing with virtual machines, this will eliminate the need to install custom drivers, which makes installing and uninstalling VirtualBox easier.

    If you’ve worked with virtual machines before, you can choose to keep these options selected. ,,,,, Click “Next”.

    For this example, you’ll be installing Ubuntu.

    Type any name in the Name field (such as Ubuntu or Linux).

    For “Operating System,” choose “Linux.” The version will automatically default to “Ubuntu.” Click “Next” when you’re done. , If you feel this amount isn’t correct, you can move the slider or type a new amount in the box.

    Click “Next” when you’re done. , This opens a second wizard to create a new virtual hard disk. , A fixed size storage is going to be the size of the virtual hard disk on the host OS (e.g.: a virtual disk 8 GB will be 8 GB on the host OS's hard disk).

    A dynamically expanding storage will be only the size of Ubuntu on your hard disk, but will grow in size as files are added to it until it reaches its limit (e.g.: virtual disk is created and has a 1 megabyte file on it.

    The size of the virtual disk is 1 megabyte.

    Then, another 1 megabyte file is added.

    The size of the virtual disk is 2 megabytes.

    This goes on until it reaches the specified size of the disk). , Again, VirtualBox recommends the proper size of your virtual hard disk.

    If you feel this amount isn’t correct, you can move the slider or type a new amount in the box.

    Click “Next” when you’re done. , You will see your new virtual machine in list. , Once you've done this, click the “Settings” button. ,,,, Choose boot order and keep CD/DVD on the top as first priority. , You ubuntu machine is ready to boot now. , Then click the “Start” button ,, Choose your preferred language and press Enter. , You can choose to try ubuntu without installing, you can choose install ubuntu option, you can also check for disk and memory for defects and problems and you can also choose to boot from existing hard disk.

    Choose to INSTALL ubuntu option here.,, Choose your required option and click "Continue". ,,,, This will automatically fill in the login name and computer name.

    Type your password and confirm your password and click "Continue". ,,,, Select "Insert Guest Additions CD Image...". , Click "Install Now."

    ,
  2. Step 2: Select the proper architecture from the drop-down box.

  3. Step 3: Click the “Begin Download” button to start downloading Ubuntu (gnome).

  4. Step 4: Download the latest version of VirtualBox.

  5. Step 5: Start the installation.

  6. Step 6: Choose the “I accept” option and click “Next” to continue.

  7. Step 7: Choose not to install USB support

  8. Step 8: networking

  9. Step 9: or Python support.

  10. Step 10: Deselect the Quick Launch Bar checkbox and click “Next” to continue.

  11. Step 11: Click “Install” to install VirtualBox.

  12. Step 12: Click “Finish” to open VirtualBox.

  13. Step 13: In VirtualBox

  14. Step 14: click the “New” button to start the virtual machine wizard.

  15. Step 15: Give your virtual machine a name and select the operating system you’ll be running.

  16. Step 16: Select the amount of memory your VM will use and click “Next.” When you chose your operating system in the previous step

  17. Step 17: VirtualBox automatically recommends the proper amount of memory to use.

  18. Step 18: Click “Next” to create a new virtual hard disk

  19. Step 19: then click “Next” again.

  20. Step 20: Select either "Fixed-Size Storage" or "Dynamically Expanding Storage" depending upon your needs.

  21. Step 21: Click “Next” to accept the default name and size of the virtual hard disk.

  22. Step 22: Click “Finish” and wait while VirtualBox creates the new virtual hard disk.

  23. Step 23: Select your new virtual machine.

  24. Step 24: Click “Storage” tab.

  25. Step 25: Click the “CD/DVD icon" having "+" on it and select ISO to mount

  26. Step 26: Ubuntu ISO will be mounted under controller device.

  27. Step 27: Click on the system tab on the left.

  28. Step 28: You may now close the settings window and return to the main window.

  29. Step 29: Select your virtual machine.

  30. Step 30: Ubuntu Virtual machine will start in a separate window.

  31. Step 31: Machine will boot from selected ISO and you will see language option.

  32. Step 32: In next window you will see "Install Options".

  33. Step 33: Once ubuntu has loaded

  34. Step 34: Choose your language and Click “Continue".

  35. Step 35: On next screen

  36. Step 36: ubuntu will give you a checklist and you will be asked if you need to update during install.

  37. Step 37: Next option will ask you if you want to delete all data and install or you can also choose or create your own partitions from option "Something Else".

  38. Step 38: Select your time zone from the map

  39. Step 39: then click “Continue.”

  40. Step 40: Click “Continue” to keep the default keyboard layout or choose your desired one.

  41. Step 41: Type your username in the first text box.

  42. Step 42: Ubuntu will begin the installation now.

  43. Step 43: Once installation is complete

  44. Step 44: click “Restart Now” to finish installation.

  45. Step 45: Machine will restart and Installed Ubuntu will load from hard disk

  46. Step 46: provide password to username and login to main window of ubuntu.

  47. Step 47: Once you have logged in to Ubuntu

  48. Step 48: click on the "Devices" tab in virtualbox.

  49. Step 49: When Ubuntu asks to install a program and it needs a password

  50. Step 50: type your user password.

  51. Step 51: Let the terminal program run

  52. Step 52: and when it has finished

  53. Step 53: press Enter.

  54. Step 54: Reboot your VM and once it has booted

  55. Step 55: click on the "View" menu

  56. Step 56: and click "Auto-resize Guest Display" and you will now have a full-resolution Ubuntu VM on your computer.

Detailed Guide

Go the VirtualBox website and go to the download section.

There are versions available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

If you’re not sure what operating system you’re running, download the Windows version at the top by clicking “x86/amd64”. , Read and accept the license agreement.

Newer version of installers i.e.
4.3.16 released on "09 September 2014" does not show license agreement option while installing. ,, Do this by clicking the grey icon near each option and selecting the red X or “Entire feature will be unavailable”.

Then click “Next” to continue.

If this is your first time dealing with virtual machines, this will eliminate the need to install custom drivers, which makes installing and uninstalling VirtualBox easier.

If you’ve worked with virtual machines before, you can choose to keep these options selected. ,,,,, Click “Next”.

For this example, you’ll be installing Ubuntu.

Type any name in the Name field (such as Ubuntu or Linux).

For “Operating System,” choose “Linux.” The version will automatically default to “Ubuntu.” Click “Next” when you’re done. , If you feel this amount isn’t correct, you can move the slider or type a new amount in the box.

Click “Next” when you’re done. , This opens a second wizard to create a new virtual hard disk. , A fixed size storage is going to be the size of the virtual hard disk on the host OS (e.g.: a virtual disk 8 GB will be 8 GB on the host OS's hard disk).

A dynamically expanding storage will be only the size of Ubuntu on your hard disk, but will grow in size as files are added to it until it reaches its limit (e.g.: virtual disk is created and has a 1 megabyte file on it.

The size of the virtual disk is 1 megabyte.

Then, another 1 megabyte file is added.

The size of the virtual disk is 2 megabytes.

This goes on until it reaches the specified size of the disk). , Again, VirtualBox recommends the proper size of your virtual hard disk.

If you feel this amount isn’t correct, you can move the slider or type a new amount in the box.

Click “Next” when you’re done. , You will see your new virtual machine in list. , Once you've done this, click the “Settings” button. ,,,, Choose boot order and keep CD/DVD on the top as first priority. , You ubuntu machine is ready to boot now. , Then click the “Start” button ,, Choose your preferred language and press Enter. , You can choose to try ubuntu without installing, you can choose install ubuntu option, you can also check for disk and memory for defects and problems and you can also choose to boot from existing hard disk.

Choose to INSTALL ubuntu option here.,, Choose your required option and click "Continue". ,,,, This will automatically fill in the login name and computer name.

Type your password and confirm your password and click "Continue". ,,,, Select "Insert Guest Additions CD Image...". , Click "Install Now."

,

About the Author

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Christopher Ortiz

Specializes in breaking down complex DIY projects topics into simple steps.

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