Virtual machines provide the unique ability to run multiple operating systems on a single computer, making them an excellent choice for software testing, development, and training. In this article, we will look at step-by-step instructions for installing the Windows operating system through a virtual machine using the popular VirtualBox tool.
Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox
The first step is to download and install the VirtualBox virtualization program. You can find the latest version on the official VirtualBox website (https://www.virtualbox.org/). Follow the instructions on the website to download and install the application.
Step 2: Download Windows Disk Image
After installing VirtualBox, you need to get a disk image of the Windows operating system (you can download it here).
This could be an ISO file that you can download from the official Microsoft website or another source. Make sure the version of Windows you want to install is selected.
Step 3: Create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox
Open VirtualBox and click "New" to create a new virtual machine.
Specify the operating system name and type (Windows) according to your preferences.
Select the amount of random access memory (RAM) you want to allocate to the virtual machine. It is recommended to select at least 2 GB for stable Windows operation.
Create a virtual hard disk and select the disk type (VDI is recommended).
Select dynamic size to save hard drive space.
Step 4: Configure virtual machine settings
Select the created virtual machine and click "Configure".
Go to the "System" section and make sure that the disk with the Windows operating system image is installed in the boot list.
Go to the "Storage" section and add the IDE controller with the downloaded disk image to the "Empty" section.
Click "OK" to save the settings.
Step 5: Start the virtual machine and install Windows
Select the virtual machine and click "Launch".
VirtualBox will ask you to specify the location of the disk image. Select the downloaded Windows ISO file.
Follow the Windows Installer instructions to select your language, keyboard layout, and other settings.
Select the partition to install Windows and follow the installer's instructions.
Step 6: Complete installation and configure Windows
Once Windows installation is complete, the virtual machine will reboot. Follow the instructions to complete the installation and configure the operating system according to your preferences.
You should now have a working virtual machine with the Windows operating system installed. You can use it for software testing, development, and other tasks that require Windows.