![Can Can](https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/images/create-vm-1.png)
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This how-to will cover the process of creating a basic Virtual Machine (Windows 7 for this example) using Oracle VM VirtualBox on a Windows 8 host. The same principles can be applied to creating a VM with any supported OS.
There are a number of different settings that can be tweaked to optimize performance of your VM. Please reference https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch03.html for more granular information on how to use these settings.
![Install Virtualbox Without Admin Privileges On Pc Install Virtualbox Without Admin Privileges On Pc](http://articles-images.sftcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2014/07/XP_mode_vmlite_-02-568px.jpg)
9 Steps total
Step 1: Download VirtualBox
Download the VirtualBox installer from https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads and install it on your system.
Oracle provides instructions on how to install on a windows host here- https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch02.html#installation_windows
Step 2: Launch VirtualBox and Configure Your VM
After installation, start VirtualBox on your computer and click the 'New' icon
Step 3: Select Operating System
Select the OS version that matches your installation media and give your VM a name.
Step 4: Configure RAM for VM
Choose the amount of RAM that you would like to allocate for the VM. If you plan to configure multiple VMs, make sure that you do not over allocate RAM if multiple VMs will be running at the same time.
More info on RAM:
You will be able to allocate as much RAM as is physically present in your host. For example, if your host system has 8gb of RAM, you can theoretically allocate all of it to the VM, but you need to keep in mind anything that will be running on the host (the host OS, VirtualBox and any applications you are using). I would recommend leaving at least 4gb of RAM for the host system, and using the remainder for the VMs. This will ensure that your host system will still run smoothly while the VM is turned on.
You will be able to allocate as much RAM as is physically present in your host. For example, if your host system has 8gb of RAM, you can theoretically allocate all of it to the VM, but you need to keep in mind anything that will be running on the host (the host OS, VirtualBox and any applications you are using). I would recommend leaving at least 4gb of RAM for the host system, and using the remainder for the VMs. This will ensure that your host system will still run smoothly while the VM is turned on.
Step 5: Create a Virtual Hard Drive
Choose to 'Create a Virtual Hard Drive Now' and click create.
Step 6: Configure the Virtual Hard Drive with the Wizard that Opens
1. Select the type of VHD you would like to use (.VDI file recommended here)
2. Select fixed or dynamic size (fixed size recommended, especially for beginners with virtualization)
3. File location and size. This specifies where the VHD file will be saved and how big the VHD will be. Remember that you will need space for the OS (generally about 10gb) and for any applications or data you wish to store on the VM.
2. Select fixed or dynamic size (fixed size recommended, especially for beginners with virtualization)
3. File location and size. This specifies where the VHD file will be saved and how big the VHD will be. Remember that you will need space for the OS (generally about 10gb) and for any applications or data you wish to store on the VM.
Step 7: VM Listed in VirtualBox
The VM you just configured will now appear in VirtualBox. Additional information is needed to install the OS.
Step 8: Select the OS Media Location
1. Click the 'Start' button in VirtualBox.
2. Select the location of your install media. In this example, I am using the DVD drive on the host system, labeled D:. You can also use an ISO file of the OS if available.
3. Click 'Start'
2. Select the location of your install media. In this example, I am using the DVD drive on the host system, labeled D:. You can also use an ISO file of the OS if available.
3. Click 'Start'
Step 9: Install and Configure Guest VM OS
VirtualBox will boot to the specified OS installation media and proceed through the OS initial configuration. This process will be the same as installing the OS on a physical machine.
At this point you will have a running VM of Windows 7.You can configure as many VMs as needed for testing or production, provided you have sufficient licenses available.
References
- VirtualBox Download Site
6 Comments
- Thai PepperOrtrigger Jun 10, 2013 at 03:54pmGreat job. It's very simple and easy to follow. The screenshots will be especially helpful to beginners.
- DatilEd Grauel Jun 10, 2013 at 03:56pmThanks, I created it to assist someone who was new to virtualization. I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about trying virtualization to jump in and see what it's all about.
- SonoraPaula4421 Jun 10, 2013 at 05:15pmThank you egOAI!! This will be very helpful I'm sure.
- Jalapenoshoufimafi Jun 10, 2013 at 06:18pmlooks good!
if you are targeting virtualization virgins i would elaborate even a bit more or ram allocation. - DatilEd Grauel Jun 10, 2013 at 06:22pm@shoufimafi I updated the section on RAM. I will try to put together another document that goes a little deeper into the VM configuration (CPU allocation, networking etc.)Thanks for the feedback!
- Thai PepperGUIn00b Jul 26, 2013 at 10:23pmI'll be sharing this with some folks I know that are wanting to dabble in some virtualization.