How to Use VirtualBox on Windows with Ubuntu

As a Linux user, you may have wondered how to run multiple operating systems on your computer simultaneously. One way to do this is by using virtualization software like VirtualBox. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up VirtualBox on Windows and installing Ubuntu inside it.

Step 1: Check Your Disk Partitions

Before you start, make sure you have a good understanding of your disk partitions. You can use the `fdisk -l` command to list all available devices on your system. In my case, I have a 120 GB SSD drive visible as `/dev/sda`, but in your case it might be `/dev/sdb` or something else.

Step 2: Install VirtualBox

To install Oracle VirtualBox GPL, simply type `sudo su` to gain root access and then enter the following command: `apt-get install virtualbox`.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

Once VirtualBox is installed, you can create a new virtual machine by clicking on 'New' in the VirtualBox window. Select 'Linux' as the operating system and Ubuntu as the version.

Step 4: Configure the I/O Size

In the virtual machine settings, make sure to set the I/O size to a minimum of 512 bytes and optimal at 512 bytes for maximum performance.

Step 5: Mount Your Windows Drive

To mount your Windows drive inside VirtualBox, you will need to use the `fdisk -l` command again to identify which partition you want to use. Once you have identified the partition, you can mount it using the following command: `sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt`.

Step 6: Install Ubuntu

With your Windows drive mounted, you are now ready to install Ubuntu inside VirtualBox. Simply follow the installation prompts and select 'Install Ubuntu' when prompted.

Step 7: Boot into Your New Virtual Machine

Once the installation is complete, you can boot into your new virtual machine by selecting it from the VirtualBox menu. You should now be able to run Windows and Ubuntu simultaneously without losing any data or functionality.

By following these steps, you can set up VirtualBox on Windows with Ubuntu and enjoy the benefits of running multiple operating systems on a single computer.

How to use virtualbox on windows with ubuntu