Step-by-step guide · VirtualBox & Windows

How to Install Windows on VirtualBox
Windows 11 · Windows 10 · Guest Additions

A complete guide to creating a virtual machine, attaching a Windows ISO, configuring memory, processors, EFI and TPM, installing Windows, and preparing the guest system for everyday use.

⏱ 18-minute read 🧰 VirtualBox 7.x 🪟 Windows 11 and 10 💿 ISO installation 👤 Beginner-friendly
Section 01

What Is VirtualBox and Why Install Windows in a Virtual Machine?

Oracle VirtualBox is virtualization software that lets you run one operating system inside another. The main operating system is called the host, while the copy of Windows installed in VirtualBox is the guest operating system. A virtual machine receives its own virtual processor, memory, disk, network adapter, and other devices, while physically using the resources of the host computer.

Installing Windows on VirtualBox is useful for testing software, checking settings, learning, running older applications, preparing tutorials, and performing experiments you would rather not run on your primary PC. You can shut down, delete, or restore the virtual machine to a previously saved snapshot whenever necessary.

🧪

Safer Testing

Test applications, updates, and system settings separately from your primary Windows installation.

↩️

Snapshot Recovery

Save the state of the virtual machine and quickly undo unsuccessful changes.

🖥️

Multiple Operating Systems

Run Windows 11, Windows 10, or other operating systems on one physical computer.

🧰

Training Environment

Explore the registry, services, networking, and administration without risking your working system.

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Important Limitation VirtualBox is suitable for everyday tasks, testing, and training, but it cannot match a physical PC in modern games, professional 3D work, demanding video editing, or workloads that require direct access to a powerful graphics card.
Section 02

System Requirements for Installing Windows 11 or Windows 10 on VirtualBox

A virtual machine shares resources with the host operating system. Your computer must therefore have enough capacity to run both the host and guest Windows smoothly. Windows 11 can technically be installed with 4 GB of RAM and a 64 GB disk, but assigning more resources provides a much more usable experience when the host can spare them.

Component Minimum for Testing Recommended
Host processor 64-bit CPU with Intel VT-x or AMD-V Modern quad-core processor or better
Host memory 8 GB 16 GB or more
Virtual machine memory 4 GB for Windows 11; 2–4 GB for Windows 10 6–8 GB for Windows 11; 4–6 GB for Windows 10
Virtual processors 2 2–4, no more than half of the host threads
Free storage space About 70 GB 100 GB or more on an SSD
Installation image Official Windows x64 ISO A current ISO in the required language and edition

✓ Good Host Configuration

  • 16 GB of RAM or more
  • SSD or NVMe drive with plenty of free space
  • Processor with four or more physical cores
  • Hardware virtualization enabled
  • Current version of VirtualBox

✗ Potential Problems

  • Only 4 GB of RAM in the computer
  • Nearly full system drive
  • Old dual-core processor
  • Virtualization disabled in BIOS/UEFI
  • Virtual disk stored on a slow HDD
💡
How to Allocate Resources Do not assign all available memory and processor threads to the virtual machine. Leave at least 4–8 GB of RAM and at least half of the computing resources for the host, or both the host and guest Windows may become slow.
Section 03

How to Check and Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V Before Starting VirtualBox

Hardware virtualization is required for 64-bit Windows and normal VirtualBox performance. Intel usually calls this feature Intel Virtualization Technology or VT-x, while AMD commonly uses SVM Mode or AMD-V.

Check Virtualization in Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. If Task Manager opens in the compact view, click More details.
  3. Open the Performance tab and select CPU.
  4. Find the Virtualization entry. A value of Enabled means you can proceed with installing VirtualBox.

How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS or UEFI

  1. Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing Del, F2, F10, F12, or the key specified by the manufacturer.
  2. Open a section such as Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Security.
  3. Enable Intel Virtualization Technology, VT-x, SVM Mode, or AMD-V.
  4. Save the settings with Save & Exit and boot Windows.
  5. Check the virtualization status in Task Manager again.
⚠️
Do Not Change Unrelated BIOS Settings The names and locations of these options differ across ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, Lenovo, HP, Dell, and other systems. Change only the virtualization setting, and do not disable Secure Boot or TPM on the physical computer unless you have a specific reason.
Section 04

Where to Download VirtualBox, Extension Pack, and an Official Windows ISO

Download installation files only from official websites. Third-party download sites may provide outdated releases, advertising-based installers, or modified ISO images.

File 01

VirtualBox Platform Package

On the download page, select the package for your host operating system. A standard Windows PC requires Windows hosts.

Required
File 02

VirtualBox Extension Pack

An optional package that adds extra features. Its version must exactly match the installed VirtualBox version.

Optional
File 03

Windows 11 or 10 ISO

Download an official multi-edition ISO from Microsoft and select the required language. Modern PCs normally use the x64 version.

Required

Official Download Pages

📦 Download Oracle VirtualBox Packages for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus the Extension Pack 🪟 Download Windows 11 Official Windows 11 ISO image from Microsoft 💿 Download Windows 10 Microsoft's official Windows 10 disk image page
🔑
Windows License You can download the ISO image without paying, but a permanently activated system requires a valid license for the corresponding Windows edition. During setup, you can normally enter a key immediately or select I don't have a product key and activate Windows later.
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Choosing a Windows Version Standard support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 is preferable for a new virtual machine, while Windows 10 is mainly useful for compatibility testing, lab work, or environments covered by a separate Extended Security Updates program.
Section 05

How to Install VirtualBox on Windows 10 or Windows 11

  1. Close applications that actively use the network or virtual adapters, then launch the downloaded VirtualBox installer as a standard user.
  2. Click Next on the welcome screen.
  3. Keep the default components unless you know you need a different setup. You can also leave the installation path unchanged.
  4. Confirm installation of the networking components. Your network connection may briefly disconnect while VirtualBox adds virtual adapters.
  5. If the installer offers to add required dependencies, accept and follow the prompts.
  6. Click Install, approve the User Account Control prompt, and wait for installation to finish.
  7. Leave the option to start VirtualBox enabled and click Finish.

How to Install the Extension Pack

  1. Check your VirtualBox version under Help → About VirtualBox.
  2. Make sure the Extension Pack version number exactly matches the main application.
  3. Double-click the file with the .vbox-extpack extension, or open the extension manager from VirtualBox settings.
  4. Review the license, click Install, and approve the administrator prompt.
✅
The Extension Pack Is Optional The main VirtualBox package is sufficient for a normal Windows installation, internet access, and Guest Additions. Install the Extension Pack only when you need its additional features, and review the terms of its separate license.
Section 06

How to Create a Windows Virtual Machine in VirtualBox 7.x

Recent VirtualBox releases can perform an unattended installation of the guest operating system. For maximum control, you can disable automation and go through the standard Windows installer manually.

Step 1. Create a New Virtual Machine

  1. Start VirtualBox and click New or Create.
  2. Enter a descriptive name, such as Windows 11 Test or Windows 10 Lab.
  3. Select the folder where the virtual machine files will be stored. Prefer an SSD with enough free space.
  4. In the ISO Image field, select the Windows ISO you downloaded.
  5. Check that VirtualBox detected the correct type and version: Microsoft Windows and either Windows 11 (64-bit) or Windows 10 (64-bit).

Step 2. Choose Unattended or Manual Installation

✓ Unattended Installation

  • The wizard creates a user account in advance
  • Setup requires fewer manual actions
  • Guest Additions can be installed automatically
  • Convenient for quickly creating a test environment

Manual Installation

  • Full control over the Windows edition and partitions
  • All standard Windows Setup stages remain visible
  • Better for preparing screenshots and tutorials
  • Requires selecting Skip Unattended Installation

For your first installation, select Skip Unattended Installation so you can see the standard Windows wizard and choose the edition, disk partition, region, and privacy settings yourself. Unattended mode saves time when you later create additional test machines.

Step 3. Allocate Memory and Processors

  1. For Windows 11, assign at least 4096 MB. If the host has 16 GB of RAM, consider 6144–8192 MB.
  2. For Windows 10, you can start with 4096 MB.
  3. Assign 2 virtual processors. You can use 4 on a powerful computer, but do not move the wizard's slider into the red zone.
  4. Do not enable EFI manually at this stage if the wizard has already detected Windows 11 and configured the profile automatically.

Step 4. Create the Virtual Disk

  1. Select the option to create a new virtual hard disk.
  2. Use 80–100 GB for Windows 11 and at least 64–80 GB for Windows 10.
  3. Choose dynamically allocated storage if the wizard offers the option. The file will grow as the guest operating system uses more space.
  4. Review the final settings and click Finish.
Important: the virtual disk size is its maximum capacity, not necessarily the amount of physical storage the file consumes immediately. A dynamically allocated disk grows gradually, but it normally does not shrink automatically after you delete files inside guest Windows.
Section 07

VirtualBox Settings for Windows 11: EFI, TPM 2.0, Memory, and Graphics

If you select the Windows 11 (64-bit) profile in the wizard, VirtualBox normally applies suitable settings automatically. Even so, it is worth checking the configuration before the first boot.

Settings Section Recommended Setting Notes
System → Motherboard EFI enabled Windows 11 should boot in UEFI mode.
System → TPM TPM 2.0 Required for the standard Windows 11 compatibility check.
System → Processor 2–4 CPUs Do not assign all host threads to the virtual machine.
Display → Screen VBoxSVGA, 128 MB video memory Suitable for modern Windows guest systems.
Storage ISO attached to the optical drive Without installation media, the VM will display a boot error.
Network NAT The simplest option for giving guest Windows internet access.

How to Open Virtual Machine Settings

  1. Shut down the virtual machine completely if it is currently running.
  2. Select it in the VirtualBox list and click Settings or Configure.
  3. Check the System, Display, Storage, and Network sections.
  4. Save the changes by clicking OK.
⛔
Do Not Bypass Windows 11 Checks Without a Reason Current VirtualBox releases can provide EFI and a virtual TPM 2.0 to the guest operating system. Configure the virtual machine correctly first, and only consider bypassing requirements when you are deliberately testing an unsupported scenario.
Section 08

How to Install Windows 11 or Windows 10 in VirtualBox Step by Step

Boot from the ISO Image

  1. Select the virtual machine and click Start or Launch.
  2. If VirtualBox asks for a startup disk, select the Windows ISO and confirm.
  3. Wait for Windows Setup to appear. If prompted, press any key to boot from the virtual DVD.

Select the Language, Edition, and Installation Type

  1. Select the language, time format, and keyboard layout, then click Next.
  2. Click Install now.
  3. Enter a product key or select I don't have a product key.
  4. Select the edition for which you have a license, such as Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
  5. Accept the license terms.
  6. Select Custom: Install Windows only.

Install Windows on the Virtual Disk

  1. In the drive list, select Drive 0 Unallocated Space.
  2. Click Next. Windows Setup will automatically create the required system partitions.
  3. Wait while Setup copies files and restarts the virtual machine several times.
  4. After the first restart, do not press a key to boot from the ISO again, or Setup will start over.

Complete the Initial Windows Setup

  1. Select your country or region and confirm the keyboard layout.
  2. A NAT connection is normally detected automatically. If networking is unavailable, you can fix it after setup finishes.
  3. Sign in with a Microsoft account or use the local-account option available for the selected Windows edition and version.
  4. Set the computer name, PIN, and privacy options.
  5. Wait for the Windows desktop to appear.
🔄
If Setup Starts Again from the Beginning Shut down the virtual machine, open Settings → Storage, and remove the ISO from the virtual optical drive. Then start the machine from its virtual disk.
Section 09

How to Install VirtualBox Guest Additions After Installing Windows

Guest Additions is a package of drivers and system components for guest Windows. It improves graphics and mouse integration and enables automatic display resizing, a shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, and easier use of shared folders.

  1. Start the installed copy of Windows and sign in.
  2. In the virtual machine window menu, select Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
  3. Open File Explorer in guest Windows and browse to the mounted virtual CD.
  4. Run VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe.
  5. Approve the User Account Control prompt and keep the default components selected.
  6. Allow Oracle drivers to be installed if Windows displays a warning.
  7. Restart guest Windows after the installation finishes.

How to Confirm That Guest Additions Are Working

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Update Guest Additions Along with VirtualBox After a major VirtualBox update, mount the Guest Additions image again, update the components inside guest Windows, and restart it. Version mismatches can cause graphics, shared-folder, and mouse-integration problems.
Section 10

Configure VirtualBox After Installing Windows: Network, Folders, Clipboard, and Snapshots

Shared Clipboard and Drag-and-Drop

  1. With the virtual machine running, open the Devices menu.
  2. For Shared Clipboard, select Bidirectional if you need to copy text in both directions.
  3. You can also select a bidirectional mode for Drag and Drop.
  4. If these features do not work, reinstall Guest Additions and restart the guest operating system.

Create a Shared Folder Between the Host and Guest Windows

  1. Create a dedicated folder on the host, such as D:\VirtualBox-Share.
  2. Shut down the virtual machine and open Settings → Shared Folders.
  3. Add the folder, enable Auto-mount, and optionally enable Make Permanent.
  4. After Windows starts, find the shared resource under Network or as a mapped network drive.
🔒
Shared Folders Reduce Isolation If you use the virtual machine to inspect suspicious files, do not connect folders containing important data, or configure them as read-only. Malware inside guest Windows may modify host files that are accessible through the share.

Virtual Network Modes

Mode When to Use It How It Works
NAT Normal internet access Simple and safe default configuration; the guest is hidden behind the host.
Bridged Adapter The virtual machine must be a separate device on the local network Receives its own IP address from the router and is visible to other devices.
Host-only Adapter Isolated communication with the host computer only Internet access is normally unavailable without additional configuration.
Not attached Completely offline operation The virtual network adapter is disconnected.

Create a Snapshot Before Experiments

  1. Shut down or save the state of the virtual machine correctly.
  2. Open the Snapshots section for the selected machine.
  3. Click Take and enter a name such as Clean Windows after updates.
  4. Create a new snapshot before installing drivers, testing questionable software, or modifying the registry.
  5. To roll back, select the required snapshot and click Restore.
💾
A Snapshot Is Not a Backup Snapshots depend on the virtual machine's underlying files. For important data, also copy the complete VM folder or export the machine as an OVF/OVA file to another drive.
Section 11

VirtualBox Cannot Install or Start Windows: Common Errors and Fixes

Windows 11 or 64-Bit Versions Are Missing from the List

The usual causes are disabled hardware virtualization, an outdated VirtualBox release, or an incompatible host architecture. Check VT-x/AMD-V in Task Manager and BIOS/UEFI, then install the current VirtualBox version.

“VT-x/AMD-V Is Not Available” or “AMD-V Is Disabled” Error

Enable Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, SVM Mode, or AMD-V in BIOS/UEFI. After changing the setting, shut down the computer completely and turn it back on if a normal restart is not enough.

Windows 11 Says This PC Does Not Meet the Requirements

  1. Shut down the virtual machine.
  2. Make sure Windows 11 (64-bit) is selected as the operating system type.
  3. Enable EFI and select virtual TPM 2.0 in the system settings.
  4. Assign at least 4 GB of RAM, 2 processors, and a virtual disk of at least 64 GB.
  5. Restart the installation using a current Windows 11 ISO.

“No Bootable Medium Found” Error

The ISO is not attached or does not contain a bootable structure. Open Settings → Storage, select the virtual optical drive, and attach an official ISO file. Also check the boot order in the System section.

The Virtual Machine Is Slow and Shows a Green Turtle Icon

On a Windows host, VirtualBox may run in a compatibility mode on top of Hyper-V when Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Virtual Machine Platform, WSL 2, or virtualization-based security features are active. The VM can still run, but performance may be lower.

⚠️
Do Not Disable Hyper-V Blindly Disabling the hypervisor can stop WSL 2, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and some Windows security features. Update VirtualBox, drivers, and Windows first. Disable conflicting components only when you do not need them and have confirmed that they are causing the performance issue.

To temporarily prevent the hypervisor from starting, run this command as administrator:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

To restore the standard Hyper-V startup behavior:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto

Restart the computer after running either command.

No Internet Access in Guest Windows

  1. Shut down the virtual machine and open Settings → Network.
  2. Make sure the network adapter is enabled and NAT is selected.
  3. Open Device Manager in Windows and check the network adapter.
  4. Reinstall Guest Additions and restart the virtual machine.
  5. If the problem appeared after installing VirtualBox, restart the host Windows system as well.

Black Screen, Freezing, or Graphics Problems

  1. Shut down the machine, open Display, and select the VBoxSVGA graphics controller.
  2. Set video memory to 128 MB.
  3. Temporarily disable 3D acceleration if the problem started after enabling it.
  4. Update VirtualBox and Guest Additions to matching versions.
  5. Check the machine log through Show Log if the problem continues.
Section 12

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Windows on VirtualBox

Q Can I install Windows on VirtualBox for free?▼
The main VirtualBox package is free and open source. You can also download a Windows ISO from Microsoft without paying, but permanently activating the guest operating system requires a valid Windows license. The Extension Pack uses a separate license, whose terms should be reviewed before use, especially in an organization.
Q Can VirtualBox run on Windows Home?▼
Yes. VirtualBox does not require Windows Pro and can run on Windows Home when the processor supports hardware virtualization, virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI, and the computer has enough RAM and free storage.
Q How much RAM should I assign to Windows 11?▼
The minimum is 4 GB, but 6–8 GB is better for a browser, updates, and several applications. The host operating system must also retain enough memory. On a computer with only 8 GB of total RAM, assigning 4 GB to the VM can noticeably slow the host; 16 GB in the physical PC is a more practical amount.
Q Should I leave the ISO attached after installation?▼
No. After installation is complete, you can remove the ISO from the virtual optical drive. Windows will normally still boot from the virtual disk if the ISO remains attached, but a changed boot order may cause Setup to start again.
Q Can I move a virtual machine to another computer?▼
Yes. You can copy the complete virtual-machine folder while the VM is fully powered off, or export it in OVF/OVA format. After moving it, check the network adapters, shared folders, and Windows activation because the guest system may detect a virtual hardware change.
Q Is it safe to run suspicious files in VirtualBox?▼
A virtual machine improves isolation, but it is not an absolute guarantee. For dangerous files, disable shared folders, the shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, and networking; do not connect USB drives containing important data; and create a snapshot in advance. Professional malware analysis requires a purpose-built isolated laboratory.
Q Which is better for Windows: VirtualBox or Hyper-V?▼
VirtualBox offers a straightforward interface, portable virtual machines, and support for several host operating systems. Hyper-V is more deeply integrated with Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education and is often preferred for enterprise virtualization. The right choice depends on the required features, compatibility, and whether you use WSL 2, Windows Sandbox, or other Microsoft Hyper-V components.

Conclusion

Installing Windows on VirtualBox requires three main components: enabled hardware virtualization, a current VirtualBox release, and an official Windows ISO. Create a VM with 2–4 virtual processors, assign at least 4 GB of RAM and a disk of 64 GB or more for Windows 11, verify EFI and TPM 2.0, and then perform a normal installation from the ISO.

After the first sign-in, install Guest Additions, configure the display, network, and shared folders, and create a snapshot before experimenting. If VirtualBox is slow, check hardware virtualization, available host resources, and whether Hyper-V is also active on the Windows host.