If you want to try Linux without replacing your current operating system, installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox is one of the easiest and safest methods. It allows you to run Ubuntu inside Windows 11 as a virtual machine, so you can explore Linux, test software, or practice commands without affecting your main system.
The best part? You don’t need a separate computer or dual-boot setup. Everything runs in a window on your PC.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox in Windows 11 step by step.
How to Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox in Windows 11
Before we begin, you’ll need to download a few essential files, including VirtualBox and the Ubuntu ISO file. Once everything is ready, the setup process is straightforward and only takes a few steps.
1. Download and Install VirtualBox on Windows 11
To get started, you need virtualization software that will allow you to run Ubuntu on your system. VirtualBox is free, lightweight, and widely used for this purpose.
- Open your web browser and visit the official VirtualBox website.
- Download the latest version of VirtualBox for Windows hosts.
- Once downloaded, open the installer file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and keep the default settings.
- Click Install and wait for the setup to complete.
- After installation, launch VirtualBox on your PC.
2. Download the Ubuntu ISO File
Next, you’ll need the Ubuntu installation file, which comes in ISO format. This file will be used to install Ubuntu inside VirtualBox.
- Open your browser and go to the official Ubuntu website.
- Download the latest Ubuntu Desktop ISO version.
- Save the file to an easily accessible location on your computer.
- Wait for the download to finish before proceeding.
3. Create a New Virtual Machine
Now that you have both VirtualBox and the Ubuntu ISO file, it’s time to create a virtual machine where Ubuntu will be installed.
- Open VirtualBox and click on the New button.
- Enter a name like “Ubuntu” for your virtual machine.
- Select Type: Linux and Version: Ubuntu (64-bit).
- Click Next to continue.
- Allocate at least 4 GB (4096 MB) of RAM for better performance.
- Click Next and choose Create a virtual hard disk now.
- Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click Next.
- Choose Dynamically allocated and click Next.
- Set the disk size to at least 25 GB, then click Create.
4. Attach the Ubuntu ISO File
Before installing Ubuntu, you need to connect the ISO file to your virtual machine so it can boot from it.
- Select your Ubuntu virtual machine in VirtualBox.
- Click on Settings, then go to the Storage tab.
- Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon.
- Click the disk icon on the right and choose Choose a disk file.
- Select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Click OK to save the settings.
5. Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox
Now comes the main part—installing Ubuntu inside the virtual machine.
- Select your Ubuntu VM and click Start.
- The Ubuntu installer will load—select Install Ubuntu.
- Choose your language and click Continue.
- Select your keyboard layout and proceed.
- Choose Normal Installation and click Continue.
- Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu (this only affects the virtual disk).
- Click Install Now, then confirm the changes.
- Choose your time zone and click Continue.
- Enter your name, username, and password.
- Click Continue and wait for the installation to complete.
6. Remove ISO and Start Using Ubuntu
After installation, you need to remove the ISO file so the virtual machine boots into Ubuntu instead of the installer.
- Once installation is complete, click Restart Now.
- When prompted, remove the installation medium (ISO).
- In VirtualBox, go to Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive.
- Press Enter to continue.
- Your virtual machine will now boot into Ubuntu.
Final Thoughts
Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox in Windows 11 is a great way to explore Linux without making permanent changes to your system. It’s safe, flexible, and perfect for beginners as well as developers who want to test applications in a Linux environment.
Once everything is set up, you can use Ubuntu just like a regular operating system—install apps, browse the web, or learn Linux commands—all within your Windows PC.
