Would you like to virtualize an operating system for free using VirtualBox? Let’s see together how to create a virtual machine on VirtualBox.
Guide index:
- 1Attention!
- 1How to create a virtual machine on VirtualBox
Attention!
The following procedure is valid for any operating system you decide to install in the virtual machine. In point 2) you will simply have to enter the name of the OS you are going to virtualize in the “Name” box. VirtualBox will offer you a quantity of RAM and a space to dedicate to the hard disk recommended for each operating system.
How to create a virtual machine on VirtualBox
Do you need a program that is not available for the operating system installed on your computer? Do you use macOS or Linux and need to use software that can only be used by Windows? Would you like to try a different operating system from the one you have in your pc? No problem, fortunately VirtualBox makes it possible to create virtual machines for free to meet all these needs. Don’t worry as the process is within your reach. Let’s see it together immediately!
1) Open VirtualBox and click on “New” to create a new virtual machine.
2) In the “Name” box, enter the name of the operating system you are going to install (in my case “Windows”). The system automatically completes the “Type” and “Version” fields, recognizing the suitable version from the system configurations. In case you need it, you can manually change what is selected. For example, when writing Windows, the system automatically takes Windows 7 (64-bit). If you want to install Windows 10 (64-bit) instead, manually change the selection in the “Version” field. Click on the “Continue” button .
3) Decide the amount of RAM you want to allocate for the virtual machine you are creating . Note that this amount of memory will only be occupied when the machine is turned on. Usually, the recommended amount of memory is a good choice ; never go below this quota, otherwise you could run into problems in running the virtual machine. If, on the other hand, you want to increase the dedicated Random Access Memory you can move the cursor on the bar or enter the precise amount in the box on the right. As soon as you have made your choice, click on the “Continue” button .
Note that the total RAM is equal to the amount installed on your PC (in my case 8192 MB, equal to 8 GB). The more you dedicate to the virtual machine, the less, when you turn it on, you will have it available for the operating system on which you have installed it.
4) Select the option “Create a new virtual hard disk now” and click on the “Create” button .
5) Select the “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” option and click on “Continue” .
6) Choose from the physical hard drive storage options. If you choose “Dynamically allocated”, the hard disk will only use the physical disk space that fills up, until the specified maximum size is reached. If you choose “Specified size”, however, the virtual hard disk will directly occupy the size of your choice, but it will be faster to use. Unless you have specific needs, I recommend that you select “Dynamically allocated” . Click then on the “Continue” button .
7) Choose the size of the virtual hard disk . Again, the recommended space is a good choice ; do not go below this quota, under penalty of the possibility of running into problems in the execution of the virtual machine. If, on the other hand, you want to increase the size of the virtual hard disk you can move the cursor on the bar or enter the precise amount in the box on the right. As soon as you have made your choice, click on the “Create” button .
The overall size of the hard drive is equal to the size of the hard drive mounted on your PC.
8) The newly created virtual machine will be visible from the main VirtualBox screen. Now the chosen operating system remains to be installed on it .
The procedure is completed. The virtual machine has been created and the resources it needs have been dedicated to it. Simple, isn’t it?
