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VirtualBox, a versatile and open-source full virtualizer, supports a wide range of uses, from servers to desktops and embedded systems. Its power and flexibility make it suitable for both enterprise and home environments.
VirtualBox enables users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously for various use cases. It allows you to operate more than one OS at a time.
This way, software written for one operating system can run on another, such as Windows software on Linux or macOS, without needing to reboot.
Overcome hardware limitations by configuring virtual hardware for your guest operating systems. This means you can easily run older systems such as DOS or OS/2, even if your current computer’s hardware is not natively supported.
Software vendors can use virtual machines to ship entire software configurations. For example, setting up a full mail server solution on a physical machine can be time-consuming.
Package intricate software setups into VirtualBox virtual machine appliances. Then, deploy complex services, such as a mail server, with the simplicity of an import.
To run VirtualBox on your machine, you need:
- Reasonably powerful x86 hardware. Any recent Intel or AMD processor should do.
- Memory. To ensure smooth virtualization, allocate sufficient RAM based on your guest operating system. You’ll need enough memory for both your host OS to run comfortably and for each guest OS’s minimum requirements. For example, running Windows 8.1 on a Windows 7 machine typically demands at least 2 GB of RAM for a positive experience. Be aware that guest operating systems may refuse to install or malfunction if they don’t receive their required memory. Always factor in memory for both the guest and your host system.
- Hard disk space. Although VirtualBox itself is lightweight and requires only about 30 MB of disk space for a typical installation, virtual machines require significantly more disk space to store their virtual hard disks. Windows 8 installation needs a file that may expand to more than 10 GB.
- Ensure compatibility by running VirtualBox on a supported host operating system. We currently support Windows, various Linux distributions, macOS X, Solaris, and OpenSolaris. Always consult the user manual for your VirtualBox to confirm the exact supported versions.
- A supported guest operating system. In addition to the user manual (see below), up-to-date information is available at “Status: Guest OSes”.
VirtualBox – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Free and open-source virtualization software for running multiple operating systems on a single computer. | ✗ 3D graphics performance is limited compared to native hardware or some commercial virtualization solutions. |
| ✓ Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Oracle Solaris, and other guest operating systems with broad compatibility. | ✗ Resource-intensive virtual machines require sufficient RAM, CPU cores, and storage for smooth performance. |
| ✓ Includes snapshots, shared folders, clipboard sharing, drag-and-drop, and VM cloning for easier testing and development. | ✗ Some advanced capabilities, such as USB 2.0/3.0 support, VRDP, and disk encryption, require the separate VirtualBox Extension Pack. |
| ✓ Allows importing and exporting virtual machines in OVF format, making migration between systems straightforward. | ✗ Beginners may find virtual machine configuration and networking options difficult to understand at first. |
| ✓ Regular updates add new hardware support, interface improvements, and virtualization enhancements. | ✗ Certain guest operating systems or hardware configurations may require additional tweaking to achieve optimal performance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can VirtualBox run Windows 11 in a virtual machine?
Yes, VirtualBox supports running Windows 11 as a guest operating system. Configure the virtual machine with compatible firmware settings and a virtual TPM 2.0 device to meet Windows 11’s installation requirements.
Why does VirtualBox say VT-x or AMD-V is unavailable?
This message often means hardware virtualization is disabled in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings, or another virtualization feature is interfering. Check that Intel VT-x or AMD-V is enabled and review VirtualBox’s troubleshooting guidance for your host operating system.
What is the VirtualBox Extension Pack used for?
The Extension Pack adds capabilities such as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 device support, remote desktop access, and host webcam passthrough. It is separate from the base package, and you should install a compatible Extension Pack version if you need these additional features.
How much RAM should I allocate to a VirtualBox virtual machine?
The amount depends on the guest operating system and the applications you plan to run. Allocate enough memory to meet the guest system’s requirements without leaving too little RAM for your host operating system and its other running applications.
What is the difference between VirtualBox and Sandboxie Plus?
VirtualBox runs an entire guest operating system inside a virtual machine, making it useful for testing different operating systems or running software in a separate environment. Sandboxie Plus isolates individual applications within Windows without requiring a complete guest operating system, making it more suitable for lightweight application testing and isolated browsing.
What’s New in VirtualBox 7.2.22
Release Date 2026-09-20
- This is a maintenance release with security-related fixes.
Official Homepage – https://www.virtualbox.org
Currently, Oracle VM VirtualBox runs on the following host operating systems:
- Windows hosts (64-bit):
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 10
- Windows 11 21H2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022
- Mac OS X hosts (64-bit):
- 10.15 (Catalina)
- 11 (Big Sur)
- 12 (Monterey)
Intel hardware is required.
