How to install Windows 11 on VirtualBox

July 22, 2024

In this article we have explained how to install Windows 11 on VirtualBox. This video given below will provide a step-by-step explanation to run Windows 11 on your machine using VirtualBox, regardless of the operating system you’re currently using.

What is VirtualBox?

VirtualBox is one of the best and know powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product which you can use for enterprise as well as for home.
It allows you to run operating systems from different platforms at a same time on your computer. This means you can run Windows on a Mac, or Mac on windows including other Operating system like linux, ubuntu and many more.

Benefits of VirtualBox.

What are the Convenience of Virtualbox?

It allows you to test with different operating systems and applications in a safe a environment of virtuabox.

This means you can test new software, updates, or major changes without any thought of risking your main operating system.

How much it cost to buy license of Virtualbox?

It’s free and open-source software, it allows users to run multiple operating systems without any paid plan.

This is particularly beneficial for small businesses and individual users who want to do and test somethings on different operating systems but they don’t have enough money to buy license.

However, I suggest if possible, then donate them. They are offering something really great as compare to VMWare Virtuabox.

How to use Oracle VM VirtualBox?

VirtualBox is user-friendly with a simple interface, making it accessible even for those who are not so tech-savvy.

It provides a range of features that enhance performance and usability. And we have explained everything on the given video.

What are the requirements for Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox?

Before we start the installation, it’s important to ensure that you have the following requirements:

1. Storage and RAM.

You’ll need a computer with enough storage to run new operating system and any applications you plan to install.

Additionally, your computer should have enough memory to run operating system and the virtual machine simultaneously.

As a general rule, your computer should have at least 4GB of RAM, though 8GB or more is recommended for better performance.

2. Latest Version of VirtualBox.

To ensure compatibility and smooth workflow, make sure to have latest version of VirtualBox installed on your computer.

You can download it from the official VirtualBox website. Make sure to check for updates as new versions most probably comes with important bug fixes and feature enhancements.

3. How to install Windows 11 ISO File?

You need the Windows 11 ISO file, which is a disk image that contains all the data and system files that will be installed on your virtual machine.

You can download the Windows 11 ISO file directly from the given link of Download windows 11 iso All in one.

Download Windows 11 ISO

How to Setup VirtualBox?

1. Virtual Machin Name and Operating System.

Double click on VirtualBox icon and open it.

Once VirtualBox is open you will get a list of existing virtual machines (if have created any).

Now click on the “New” button at the top of the window.

A new window will show up by asking to fill the details about new virtual machine.

Type the name of your virtual machine.

Select the folder location to save your Virtual Machine. You can create new Folder location by click on “other” and afterwards select the location.

Create the folder and select it.

Now you need to add ISO Image. Click on “Other” and select your ISO Image.

Click on edition tab and select you windows 11 Addition.

Click on “Next”.

2. Unattended Guest OS Install Setup.

In username box you have to add your user’s name for your virtual Machine.

For password you can select anything for now like 1 and same you have to type in Repeat Password.

Hostname box will take the default name you have given to your Virtual Machine. Make sure not to leave any space in between any words.

Now click on Next.

3. Hardware.

Here you’ll be asked to select the amount of RAM and Processors you want to allocate to the virtual machine.

A slider allows you to adjust the amount of RAM and Processor.

You can leave these options to default if you aren’t thinking to do some work on your Windows 11 virtual Machine.

Remember, the more RAM and Processor you allocate to your virtual machine, the less will be available for your main operating system.

So, choose wisely to maintain a balance.

4. Virtual Hard Disk.

Here you have to assign Virtual Hard disk to your windows 11 virtual Machine.

As I said before, if you are thinking to install some application to test them on Windows 11.

Then assign more Hard disk to your windows 11 virtual Machine.

Or you can leave the option to default.

The Slider will allow you to adjust the amount of Virtual Hard Disk you want to assign.

Click on “Next”.

5. Summary.

In summary you can see the settings you have assigned to your windows 11 virtual Machine. You can make changes to the settings by click on “BACK” Button.

What are the VirtualBox Settings for Windows 11?

When it comes to run Windows 11 on VirtualBox there are several settings you can tweak to optimize its performance. Let’s look into settings.

*Note: Before you start Making any changes you need to understand these will only work when you Virtual Machine is not running.

1. General Settings.

a) Basic Tab.

In General Settings you get the Name option to change the name of your Virtual Machine.

Here you can see the type and version. Which I would not suggest you to change it.

b) Advanced Tab.

In Advanced tab you can see the snapshot folder location and the place your Virtual Machine saved.

In Shared Clipboard and Drag Drop. Select Bidirectional to copy and past all the information between your main computer to your windows 11 Virtual Machine.

2. System Settings.

a) Motherboard.

In this option you will get Base Memory option where you can increase or decrease the RAM size. For Windows 11, it’s recommended to allocate at least 4 GB of RAM.

b) Processor.

Here you get the same option. You can increase or decrease the processor Cores for your windows 11 virtual Machine. By understanding the numbers of cores, you have your main PC.

3. Display Settings.

The ‘Display‘ tab is where you can optimize the graphical performance of your Virtual Machine by changing the options in Graphic Controller.

Here, you can increase the Video Memory to the maximum allowable limit.

Enabling 3D acceleration can also improve the performance of graphical applications on your VM.

4. Storage Settings.

The ‘Storage‘ tab is where you manage the VM’s storage devices.

Here, you can add or remove storage devices, and choose the type of storage (HDD, SSD, etc.). For Windows 11, it’s recommended to allocate at least 50GB of storage.

5. Audio Settings.

If you plan on using audio in your Virtual Machine, you can configure the audio settings in the ‘Audio’ tab.

Here, you can enable audio output and audio input, choose the audio driver, and the audio controller.

6. Network Settings.

The ‘Network‘ tab is where you manage the Virtual Machine network settings. You can choose between different types of network adapters, and configure advanced settings like port forwarding.

Other then network adaptor you can see the MAC address of your Windows 11 Virtual Machine by opening the Advanced option.

7. USB Settings.

If you need to use USB devices with your VM, you can enable USB support in the ‘USB’ tab. Here, you can choose the USB version, and add specific USB devices to the VM.

a) Shared Folders.

If you need to share files between your host machine and your windows 11 Virtual Machine then you can set up shared folders in the ‘Shared Folders’ tab.

You simply have to click on folder icon with plus icon.

Add the folder Path by pasting the location or Click on upside down arrow next to folder path box.

You will get “Other” Click on other and add the folder.

allow full access to your virtual Machine. Simply click on OK.