How to install VirtualBox on Windows?

VirtualBox is a virtualization platform for running multiple operating systems from a single machine. Let's see how to install this virtualizer on Windows.

Simply put, it's like installing an OS (guest) into another OS (host).

While this sounds like a typical process, it actually isn't, at least not with VirtualBox.

What is virtual box?

VirtualBox is free and open source software developed by Oracle Corporation. It acts as a hypervisor for x86 and AMD64/Intel64 architecture virtualization.

It helps to create a virtual environment for installing multiple guest operating systems (OS) on a single host OS. This technique is known as virtualization.

The main benefit of virtualization lies in the development, deployment and testing of applications in various virtual environments. This way you can test your projects on, say, Mac and Linux while still working on a Windows PC.

Not only that, virtualization has many more benefits for the developer and power user.

Benefits of Virtualization

Simple settings

This process is very easy to start. Just download the software and with a few clicks you can work with a separate operating system.

multitasking

Virtualization gives you the ability to quickly switch between different operating systems. You can use and test applications on multiple platforms without switching to another computer.

Security

You can also set up a threat intelligence sandbox in the guest OS. This helps keep the host OS secure when testing for vulnerabilities with virtualization.

snapshot

You can create full OS snapshots in VirtualBox. They can also be virtualized on another computer. This is similar to using Windows Recovery across platforms and computers. It also helps in quick recovery.

Exchange

This allows you to share files between the host OS and the guest OS. And you won't need additional storage like a separate hard drive for that.

Flexible storage

VirtualBox gives you the option to choose a flexible storage system - dynamically allocated storage. This will gradually take up space as needed over time. This reduces the potential for redundant storage in the virtual machine.

Economy and service

This is the most obvious benefit of virtual machines, as it reduces the significant upfront costs associated with purchasing individual computing resources.

In addition, it is much easier to maintain multiple operating systems installed virtually than it is to maintain and update individual physical servers.

Now that you know the main benefits of virtualization, keep reading to learn about installing VirtualBox on a Windows PC.

Installing VirtualBox

Installing VirtualBox is as simple as you would normally install any other software. Keep reading to find out the exact steps.

Step 1: Go to the download page and click on the Windows host link.

Step 2: Now go to the download folder. Then right-click on the VirtualBox file and select "Open".

Step 3: The previous step will open the installation wizard. After that, click Next.

Step 4: In this step, you can change the installation location by selecting the Browse tab. After that, click Next. The next screen allows you to create shortcuts. It also shows the log file association option, which links files created by VirtualBox to itself.

Step 5: Go through the warning page. Don't worry; it will just shut down your computer during installation. Click "Yes" and then click "Install" on the next screen to begin the installation process.

Step 6: This completes the installation. After that, click Finish to launch the application.

Step 7: Now you can add any virtual OS from the "New" option.

Keep in mind that installing a virtual OS essentially means sharing system resources between two operating systems. Thus, if your machine is struggling with the main OS, it's unlikely that you'll get any benefit from an additional OS that eats up an empty plate.

Output 👩‍🏫

VirtualBox is free and available for all major platforms. This makes virtualization a hassle-free process. Its help section is detailed and can be used to clear up any remaining confusion.

While powerful enough for personal and corporate use, Parallels has a premium option for those who are still looking for an alternative. It was primarily designed for Mac to host Windows, but now offers much more. For example, you can use Parallels to virtualize Windows on Chrome OS.

Another premium alternative is VMware Fusion which allows you to run Windows or another operating system on Mac devices.

You may also be interested in How to install Linux Mint on VirtualBox.

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