Installing Ubuntu On Windows 10/11 Using VirtualBox

There are a variety of ways to install a Linux system. For example, if you are currently running Windows as your primary operating system, then you may be able to dual boot Linux alongside Windows, but this method is not beginner-friendly. Any error in the installation process may cause you a lot of headaches, and in some cases, you won't even be able to boot Windows anymore!. So I am going to show you how to install Linux as a virtual machine.

Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Debian. As per Wikipedia, "Ubuntu is released every six months, with long-term support (LTS) releases every two years. As of 7 February 2024, the latest release and also the most recent long-term support release is 22.04.3, which is supported until 2027 under public support and until 2032 as a paid option".

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL MACHINE?
A virtual machine is a software or a virtual environment that provides the same functionality as physical computers (eg, a computer system with its own CPU, memory, network interfaces, and storage capacity). A virtual machine is used to run software or OS like a physical computer.

Oracle VM VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization platform developed by Oracle Corporation. The user can install the VirtualBox on Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris, and OpenSolaris. It enables users to install other operating systems by creating virtual machines. It supports the creation and management of guest virtual machines running Windows, Linux, as well as limited virtualization of macOS guests on Apple hardware. For some guest operating systems, a "Guest Additions" package of device drivers and system applications is available, which typically improves performance, especially that of graphics.

This guide will show you various steps on how to install Ubuntu on Windows 10 using VirtualBox.

Process of installing a virtual machine

The process of installing a virtual machine is straightforward; you only need to follow the following steps:

Install VirtualBox (or VMware Player).
Download an ISO image of any Linux distribution.
Open up VirtualBox and begin the installation process.

System Requirements

Before downloading and installing Ubuntu on windows 10/11 using VirtualBox, the following requirements are essential.

Operating System Version - Microsoft Windows 10/11 (32-bit or 64-bit).
Random Access Memory (RAM) - Minimum 4 GB RAM recommended.
Free Disk Space - Minimum 25 GB free space recommended.
Good Internet Connection to download the VirtualBox and Ubuntu ISO file.
Note: If your PC is HP is possible you need to activate the HP BIOS Virtualization Technology

Download and Install VirtualBox

To download the latest version of VirtualBox, visit the official VirtualBox website and download the VirtualBox platform packages for Windows hosts.

Navigate the folder where you have downloaded your VirtualBox and double-click on the downloaded "VirtualBox" file to run it.

"Oracle VM VirtualBox 7.0.14 Setup" window will appear on the screen and click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Choose the location where you want to install the VirtualBox and click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Download Ubuntu

To download the latest version of Ubuntu, i.e. Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS, visit the official Ubuntu website in your web browser.

By clicking on the "Download" button, you can download the latest version of Ubuntu, i.e. Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS (long term support).

Creating a Virtual Machine

Now, it is time to create a Virtual Machine. Follow the instructions below to proceed.

Choose a name for your virtual machine (Ubuntu_SI) with its location. Based on the name you entered, VirtualBox will try to predict the "Tipo" and "Versión". Otherwise, from the drop-down menu, select "Linux" as the type and "Ubuntu" as the version and click on the "Siguiente" button.

With the help of the slider, choose the amount of memory (RAM) to be allocated to the virtual machine. (The recommended memory size is 2048 MB (2 GB). This memory will only be used while using a virtual machine).

Appear the "Disco duro virtual" dialog and click on the "Siguiente" button to proceed.

Appear the "Resumen" dialog and click on the "Terminar" button to proceed.

Install Ubuntu Using VirtualBox

Now, your virtual machine has been successfully created and it is time to install Ubuntu on it. Follow the instructions below to proceed.

The name of your virtual machine will now appear on the left side of the VirtualBox Manager. Click on the "Iniciar" button in the toolbar to launch your VM.

This time, you have to select your Ubuntu ISO file that you downloaded earlier. Now, select your Ubuntu ISO file in the textbox DVD. Click on the "Montar y reintentar inicio" button to proceed.

Now, select the language and click on the "Instalar Ubuntu" button to proceed.

Select your desired "Disposición del teclado" and click on the "Continuar" button to proceed.

Use the default option as "Instalación normal" with the "Descargar actualizaciones al instalar Ubuntu" and click on the "Continuar" button.

Select the default option as the "Borrar disco e instalar Ubuntu" and click on the "Instalar Ahora" option to proceed.

A warning prompt will appear on the screen and click on the "Continuar" button to ignore this warning.