Use Windows 10 in VirtualBox – this is how it works

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Would you like to use Windows 10 in Oracle’s VirtualBox? We’ll show you how.

No matter what operating system you use: With VirtualBox you can easily create a virtual machine for another system such as Windows 10. This enables you to use a number of helpful functions, such as installing unfinished software or updates without any risks. Read here what a virtual machine is and how you have to proceed to create a virtual machine under Windows.

What is a virtual machine?

A virtual machine is, so to speak, a computer on a computer: you use special software to install an artificial, virtual PC on your physical PC. In principle, the virtual PC works like a normal computer – strictly speaking, however, it is actually just a program that is installed on your physical PC under the respective operating system.

This allows you to install updates, for example, relatively risk-free before they are really bug-free. It is also particularly helpful to use the function to install another operating system on one: For example, you can create a virtual Linux computer on your real Windows PC that you can access at any time.

Create Windows image as ISO file

In order to be able to use Windows 10 in the VirtualBox, you must first receive an image file. To install Windows 10, you first need the appropriate license. You can then use the Media Creation Tool to download the image file and create the image. Also known as an ISO file, the image file contains files used to set up Windows. Follow our step-by-step guide or check out the quick start guide.

1st step: Accept terms in Media Creation Tool

Download and install the Media Creation Tool. Read the terms of use and then click on “Accept”.

2nd step: installation media

Select the “Installation media…” option below and click “Next”.

3rd step: change settings

Here you can now make some settings. You can leave the language and edition as they are. It is important that you choose the right architecture. If you do not specifically want to use a 32-bit Windows 10, it is always advisable to use the 64-bit version.

4th step: ISO file

In the next step, select that an “ISO file” should be created. Then click Next”.

5th step: Choose file location + file name

Now select a location where you can easily find the Windows image. Also give the ISO file a meaningful name – e.g. “Windows” or “Windows 10, 64-bit”. Click “Save” when finished. Clicking “Save” will automatically start creating the ISO file. This can take a while.

6th step: Complete

Once the ISO file is created, you will see the above window. All you have to do is click “Finish”.

7th step:Automatic cleanup

The Media Creation Center is now performing a cleanup. After that it closes automatically.

Create a virtual machine for Windows in VirtualBox

Once you have an ISO file of Windows 10, you can make the settings for your virtual machine with Windows. Follow our step-by-step guide or check out the quick start guide.

1st step: Select Windows version

Download VirtualBox and once installed, click “New” in the top left of the program. Enter a name for your operating system (e.g. “Windows” or “Windows 10, 64-bit”). Set at the bottom which Windows system it is. The number of bits should correspond to those in your ISO file. If you downloaded a 64-bit Windows 10 ISO file, you must also set “Windows 10 (64-bit)” here. Click “Next” when finished.

2nd step: Set memory

The next step is to set the RAM size. If you don’t have specific requirements, just leave them at the recommended size. Then click Next”.

3rd step: create disk

If you have not otherwise already created a virtual hard disk, you must now select the “Create hard disk” option. Then click “Create”.

4th step: Expert mode

Now you need to click “Expert Mode” at the bottom to see more settings.

5th step: adjust settings

Select the “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” option on the left. On the right side you have to select “dynamically allocated”. This means that the virtual machine doesn’t take up as much disk space on the PC, but only as much disk space as it uses. Finally, click on “Create”. Now you have successfully created the Windows virtual machine and the next step is to set it up.

Set up Windows VM in VirtualBox

You should keep in mind that you need a valid Windows key for this step. Follow our step-by-step guide or check out the quick start guide.

1st step: Mass storage: CD icon

Click your virtual machine name on the left. On the right side you must then select “Mass Storage”. A window opens in which you can make settings for your Windows VM. Click on the small disc with a green plus.

2nd step: Select ISO

A new window will now open. Here you need to select your ISO file. Click “Open” once you have selected the file. This will use the image for your VM.

3rd step: ISO displayed

Now your ISO file will appear in the mass storage menu. Click “OK” to complete the process.

4th step:Configure Windows

Now double click on your Windows VM in the list on the left. If the setup went correctly, Windows will now start normally. So you can configure it as you like.

Quick Guide: Create a Windows image as an ISO file

  1. First, download Microsoft’s Windows Media Creation Tool.
  2. Start the program and read the terms of use. Then click “Accept”.
  3. Select the “Installation media” option and click “Next”.
  4. In the next step, the language and edition should be adjusted automatically. Under “Architecture” you can customize whether you want to download Windows in the 32-bit version, in the 64-bit version or in both versions. Normally, the 64-bit version is recommended here. Then click Next”.
  5. Now you have to choose that you want to create an “ISO file”. Click on “Next” again here.
  6. Specify a location for the Windows ISO and give the file a meaningful name, such as “Windows10, 64-bit”. Click “Save” to do just that. The process can take some time.
  7. After successfully creating the operating system image, click “Finish”. The Media Creation Tool now carries out an automatic cleanup. After that it closes automatically.
  8. Quick guide: Create a virtual machine for Windows in VirtualBox
  9. Download VirtualBox, open the program and click “New” in the top left.
  10. Now you need to make the settings for an operating system. Give it a name and set whether it should be a 32-bit or 64-bit system. These settings should correspond to the created ISO file (so “Windows 10 (64-bit)” must be selected here if you created a 64-bit Windows 10 ISO). Click “Next” when you are happy with the settings.
  11. Adjust the memory size of your ISO file. Unless you need it otherwise, you should choose the recommended size. Then click Next”.
  12. If you have not already prepared a virtual hard disk, now select “Create hard disk” and click on “Create”.
  13. In the next step, click on “Expert Mode” for more options.
  14. Make sure “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” is selected on the left and “dynamically allocated” on the right. Then click “Create”. Now you have successfully created a Windows Virtual Machine (VM) in VirtualBox.

Quick guide: Set up Windows VM in VirtualBox

  1. Click on your freshly created Windows 10 VM in the list on the left. Then click “Mass Storage” on the right. This will open a new window.
  2. Click on the small CD symbol with the plus.
  3. Now you need to select your ISO file and click “Open”.
  4. You will now see it in the mass storage settings. Click OK”.
  5. Double click on your VM in the menu on the left. Now this is started. If everything went correctly, the virtual machine will now start and you can set up Windows without any problems.