VirtualBox Extension Pack adds USB, remote-display, NVMe, and network-boot features to Oracle VirtualBox. It is an add-on for the virtualization program, managed through VirtualBox’s Extensions settings.
USB devices in virtual machines
The pack enables USB 2.0 support so a guest operating system can access compatible USB devices attached to the host. After adding the pack, connect a device to a running VM through VirtualBox’s USB controls. This is relevant for tasks such as accessing removable storage or testing hardware inside a guest system.
USB access is handled at the VM level: the guest needs to be running, and the device must be attached to that virtual machine. The pack supplies the additional USB capability; it does not replace the guest operating system’s own device drivers.
Remote display and network boot
VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP) provides remote display access to virtual machines. An RDP client can then open a VM’s session over the network, so a guest can be managed without sitting at the host console.
For network-based startup, the Extension Pack also supports PXE boot with Intel network cards. A VM configured to boot from the network can request startup files from a PXE server, a workflow used in managed test and deployment environments.
NVMe and Extension settings
The pack adds NVMe support alongside its USB, remote-display, and PXE capabilities. These features extend VirtualBox’s options for configuring virtual machines, especially when a setup calls for a particular storage interface or remote access.
To add the package within VirtualBox, open File > Preferences > Extensions and use the extension controls there. The Extension Pack is an add-on to VirtualBox, so the main program must already be installed. Keep the pack compatible with the installed VirtualBox release.
Pros
- Adds USB 2.0 device support for virtual machines
- Includes VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol
- Supports PXE boot for Intel network cards
- Adds NVMe support
Does VirtualBox Extension Pack create virtual machines?
No. It adds features to Oracle VirtualBox, which is the program used to create and run virtual machines.
How do I add the Extension Pack in VirtualBox?
Open File > Preferences > Extensions in VirtualBox, then use the extension controls to add the package.
What does VRDP add?
VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol allows remote display access to virtual machines through an RDP client.