How to Install VirtualBox on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 10, 2025

Have you ever wanted to run another operating system — like Linux or an older version of Windows — without replacing your current one? That’s exactly what VirtualBox allows you to do!

In this comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll show you how to install VirtualBox on Windows 11 step by step, set up your first virtual machine, and configure it for optimal performance.

Whether you’re a developer, student, or tech enthusiast, VirtualBox makes experimenting easy and safe — no dual booting or system risk required. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

🧭 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

Goal Install and set up Oracle VM VirtualBox on Windows 11
Skill Level Beginner-friendly
Software Needed Oracle VM VirtualBox (Free)
File Size ~100 MB
Installation Time 5–10 minutes
OS Compatibility Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise

💡 What Is VirtualBox?

Oracle VM VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization tool that lets you create and run virtual machines (VMs) — simulated computers — on your Windows 11 system.

It means you can run another operating system (like Ubuntu Linux, macOS, or even Windows 10) inside your current Windows 11 desktop, as if it were just another app.

🧠 Why Use VirtualBox?

Here’s what makes VirtualBox so powerful and popular:

  • 🖥️ Run multiple OSes — Test or use different operating systems simultaneously.

  • 🔬 Safe testing environment — Try software, scripts, or updates without affecting your real PC.

  • 💼 Developer-friendly — Perfect for developers testing apps across multiple environments.

  • 🎓 Educational use — Learn about operating systems and networking hands-on.

  • 💾 Snapshot feature — Save and restore VM states instantly.

⚙️ System Requirements for VirtualBox on Windows 11

Before installing VirtualBox, make sure your PC meets these requirements:

Component Minimum Requirement
Processor 64-bit CPU with virtualization support (Intel VT-x / AMD-V)
RAM 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
Storage 30 GB free space
Operating System Windows 11 (Home, Pro, or Enterprise)
Internet Connection Needed for downloading VirtualBox and guest OS ISO files

🧩 Check if Virtualization Is Enabled in BIOS

VirtualBox relies on your CPU’s hardware virtualization features. These are usually disabled by default, so it’s important to check.

🪜 Steps to Check Virtualization Status:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Performance tab → CPU section.

  3. Look for Virtualization: Enabled at the bottom-right.

If it says Disabled, you’ll need to enable it from the BIOS or UEFI firmware.

🧰 How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS

  1. Restart your PC.

  2. Continuously press the BIOS key (usually Del, F2, or Esc) during boot.

  3. Find the Advanced, CPU Configuration, or System Configuration tab.

  4. Enable Intel VT-x (for Intel CPUs) or AMD-V (for AMD CPUs).

  5. Save changes and exit (usually F10).

Your PC will reboot — virtualization should now be active!

🪄 Method 1: Download VirtualBox on Windows 11

🪜 Steps:

  1. Visit the official Oracle VirtualBox website:
    👉 https://www.virtualbox.org

  2. Click Downloads in the menu.

  3. Under VirtualBox platform packages, click Windows hosts.

  4. Save the .exe installer to your computer.

💡 Tip: Avoid downloading from third-party sites — they may include outdated or unsafe versions.

🧰 Method 2: Install VirtualBox on Windows 11

Once downloaded, installing VirtualBox is quick and straightforward.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Locate the downloaded file (e.g., VirtualBox-7.0.XX-Win.exe).

  2. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator.

  3. The Oracle VM VirtualBox Setup Wizard will open. Click Next.

  4. Choose your installation options:

    • Keep default settings unless you want to change the installation folder.

    • Ensure VirtualBox Networking and USB Support are selected.

  5. Click Next → Yes → Install when prompted.

  6. Wait for the installation to complete.

  7. Once done, click Finish to launch VirtualBox.

🧱 Method 3: Install VirtualBox Extension Pack (Optional but Recommended)

The Extension Pack adds useful features like:

  • USB 2.0/3.0 device support

  • VirtualBox Remote Desktop (VRDP)

  • Host webcam passthrough

  • Disk encryption

🪜 Steps:

  1. Go back to the VirtualBox Downloads page.

  2. Under VirtualBox Extension Pack, click All supported platforms to download.

  3. Double-click the downloaded .vbox-extpack file.

  4. VirtualBox will open and prompt you to install the extension — click Install.

  5. Accept the license terms and wait for the installation to finish.

🧠 How to Verify Installation

Once everything’s installed, confirm it’s working properly.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open VirtualBox from the Start menu.

  2. You should see the VirtualBox Manager window.

  3. Click Help → About VirtualBox to verify your version.

If no error appears, your installation is successful!

💾 Method 4: Create Your First Virtual Machine (VM)

Now that VirtualBox is installed, let’s create your first VM.

🧰 What You’ll Need:

  • A bootable ISO file of your desired operating system (e.g., Windows 10, Ubuntu, Linux Mint).

  • Sufficient disk space and RAM.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open VirtualBox and click New.

  2. Enter a Name for your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu 22.04”).

  3. Choose Type (Linux, Windows, etc.) and Version.

  4. Click Next.

🔧 Allocate Memory (RAM)

  • Minimum: 2 GB

  • Recommended: 4 GB or more (depending on your system)

💾 Create a Virtual Hard Disk

  1. Select Create a virtual hard disk now → Next.

  2. Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) → Next.

  3. Choose Dynamically allocated (saves real disk space).

  4. Set disk size (20–50 GB recommended).

  5. Click Create.

Your virtual machine is now set up — next, you’ll install an OS on it.

🧩 Method 5: Install an Operating System on the Virtual Machine

Once your VM is ready, it’s time to install the guest OS.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Select your newly created VM in VirtualBox Manager.

  2. Click Start.

  3. A pop-up window will ask for a startup disk — click the folder icon and browse to your OS ISO file.

  4. Click Start again.

  5. The OS setup will launch inside a new window.

  6. Follow the installation instructions (just like installing on a real PC).

Once complete, your virtual OS is ready to use!

⚡ Method 6: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Highly Recommended)

Guest Additions improve the experience by adding:

  • Seamless mouse integration

  • Better video resolution

  • Shared clipboard

  • Shared folders between host and guest

🪜 Steps:

  1. Start your VM.

  2. In the VM window, go to the top menu → Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD Image.

  3. Inside the virtual OS, open the mounted drive and run VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe (for Windows guests) or follow on-screen commands (for Linux).

  4. Restart your VM after installation.

Now your virtual machine will feel smoother and more integrated with your Windows 11 desktop.

🧰 Optional: Configure Shared Folders and Clipboard

📁 To Share a Folder:

  1. Open VirtualBox Manager → select your VM → Settings.

  2. Go to Shared Folders → Add new shared folder icon.

  3. Choose a folder path and enable:

    • Auto-mount

    • Make Permanent

  4. Start the VM and access your host files easily.

📋 To Enable Shared Clipboard:

  1. In the VM menu bar, click Devices → Shared Clipboard → Bidirectional.

  2. You can now copy and paste between host and guest OS.

🔄 Method 7: Update VirtualBox (When Needed)

Keeping VirtualBox updated ensures compatibility with new OS releases and improved stability.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open VirtualBox → Click Help → Check for Updates.

  2. Download the latest version if available.

  3. Run the installer (it will upgrade automatically).

🧹 How to Uninstall VirtualBox (If Needed)

If you ever want to remove VirtualBox from Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed apps.

  2. Search for VirtualBox.

  3. Click the three dots → Uninstall.

  4. Follow the on-screen steps.

To completely remove configuration files:

  • Delete the VirtualBox VMs folder in your Documents directory.

🧮 Comparison Table: Key VirtualBox Features

Feature Description
Snapshots Save VM states and restore anytime
Shared Clipboard Copy/paste between host and VM
Shared Folders Access host files inside VM
Seamless Mode Run VM apps alongside Windows apps
Networking Modes NAT, Bridged, Host-only, Internal
Cross-Platform Support Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris

🧠 Troubleshooting Common VirtualBox Issues

❌ 1. VirtualBox Won’t Start VM

  • Ensure virtualization is enabled in BIOS.

  • Disable Hyper-V (it conflicts with VirtualBox).

    • Run in CMD as admin:

      dism.exe /Online /Disable-Feature:Microsoft-Hyper-V

❌ 2. No Internet Access Inside VM

  • Check VM → Settings → Network → ensure NAT or Bridged Adapter is selected.

❌ 3. USB Devices Not Working

  • Install the Extension Pack and enable USB Controller in VM settings.

❌ 4. Screen Resolution Too Low

  • Install Guest Additions to enable full-screen resolution.

⚙️ VirtualBox vs Other Virtualization Software

Feature VirtualBox VMware Workstation Player Hyper-V (Windows)
Price Free Free (basic) / Paid (Pro) Free (Windows Pro+)
Ease of Use ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Snapshots ✅ ✅ ✅
Cross-Platform ✅ ❌ ❌
Best For Students, developers Professionals IT admins

🧠 Pro Tips for Using VirtualBox Efficiently

  • 💾 Use dynamic storage to save disk space.

  • ⚡ Allocate at least 2 CPU cores for better VM performance.

  • 🧹 Take snapshots before big changes or experiments.

  • 🌐 Use Bridged Network if you want your VM to appear as a separate device on your network.

  • 🔄 Backup your VM folder to avoid losing data.

🧭 Conclusion

Installing VirtualBox on Windows 11 is straightforward — and it unlocks a world of possibilities.

With just a few clicks, you can run Linux, macOS, or older Windows versions inside your Windows 11 PC without affecting your main system.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to:

  • Download and install VirtualBox

  • Enable virtualization

  • Create and configure virtual machines

  • Install Guest Additions for better performance

Now you’re ready to explore multiple operating systems, test software safely, and supercharge your technical learning — all from your Windows 11 desktop.

❓ FAQs About Installing VirtualBox on Windows 11

1. Is VirtualBox free for Windows 11 users?

Yes, Oracle VM VirtualBox is completely free and open-source for personal and educational use.

2. Does VirtualBox work on Windows 11 Home?

Yes. It works on all editions of Windows 11 (Home, Pro, Enterprise).

3. How much RAM should I allocate to a virtual machine?

Allocate at least 2 GB for lightweight OSes and 4 GB or more for Windows-based VMs.

4. Can I run VirtualBox if Hyper-V is enabled?

No — you’ll need to disable Hyper-V for VirtualBox to function properly.

5. Is it safe to use VirtualBox?

Yes, VirtualBox is safe and sandboxed — it doesn’t affect your actual Windows 11 installation.

✅ Final Tip: Take regular snapshots of your virtual machines. If something goes wrong, you can restore them in seconds — it’s like having a “save point” for your entire operating system.

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