When a Linux tool or older Windows application needs a separate environment, VirtualBox can run that operating system in a virtual machine on the same PC. The VirtualBox Manager lets you create machines, set their resources, and start or pause them from a single interface.
Creating a virtual machine
Start in VirtualBox Manager and create a VM by choosing its guest operating system, assigning memory, and setting up a virtual hard disk. The disk acts as storage for the guest system and its files; an operating-system ISO can be attached as installation media. VM settings let you adjust resources and devices after creation.
The guest runs in its own window while Windows remains available on the host. Shut down or pause the VM when finished, then return to it later with its virtual disk and configuration intact.
Snapshots, folders, and networking
Snapshots preserve a VM’s state at a particular point, giving a test machine a restore point before software changes or configuration experiments. VirtualBox also provides settings for the machine’s network adapter, including NAT and bridged modes.
- Guest Additions can enable shared folders between the host and guest.
- Guest Additions also support features such as shared clipboard integration and improved display resizing.
- Virtual disk images keep a guest operating system’s storage separate from the Windows host’s files.
What can VirtualBox run?
VirtualBox is full virtualization software for creating guest systems on a host computer. Common workflows include trying a Linux distribution, keeping a separate environment for development, and opening an older operating system for compatibility testing. Multiple VMs can be configured independently, although each running guest draws on the host’s memory and processor resources.
Pros
- Run multiple guest operating systems as virtual machines
- Save VM snapshots before changing a test environment
- Use Guest Additions for shared folders and clipboard integration
- Choose NAT or bridged networking for a virtual machine
Can VirtualBox run Linux on a Windows PC?
Yes. Create a virtual machine, attach Linux installation media, and run the Linux guest alongside Windows.
What is a VirtualBox snapshot?
A snapshot saves a VM’s state so you can return to that point after making changes.
How do I share files between a VM and Windows?
Install Guest Additions in the guest, then configure a shared folder in the VM settings.