Want to try Ubuntu without removing Windows 11 or setting up a dual-boot system?
In this guide, I’ll show you how to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox in Windows 11, step by step. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional Ubuntu desktop running inside your Windows PC.
The process is straightforward: we’ll install VirtualBox, download the Ubuntu ISO file, create a virtual machine, configure its hardware, and install Ubuntu.
Let’s get started!
What You Need Before Installing Ubuntu
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Windows 11 PC
- An internet connection
- Enough free storage space
- At least 8 GB of RAM recommended
- A processor that supports virtualization
- VirtualBox
- Ubuntu Desktop ISO file
For a comfortable Ubuntu experience, allocating around 4 CPU cores, 8 GB of RAM, and 50–100 GB of virtual disk space is a good starting point, depending on your computer’s available resources.
Step 1: Download VirtualBox on Windows 11
First, we need to download and install VirtualBox.
Open your preferred web browser and search for VirtualBox.
Go to the official VirtualBox website:
virtualbox.org
From the homepage, click the Download button.
You’ll see several platform options. Select:
Windows hosts
The VirtualBox installer will begin downloading.
Choose where you want to save the installer and wait for the download to complete.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
Once the download is complete, open your Downloads folder.
Find the VirtualBox setup file and double-click it to start the installation.
The VirtualBox Setup Wizard will appear.
Click Next.
Choose the Installation Location
VirtualBox will show the default installation location.
You can keep the default location on your C: drive unless you have a specific reason to change it.
Click Next.
Network Interface Warning
During installation, you may see a warning that your network connection will be temporarily disconnected.
This is normal because VirtualBox needs to install virtual networking components.
Click Yes to continue.
Your internet connection may briefly disconnect during this part of the installation.
Python Dependencies Warning
Depending on your VirtualBox installation, you may also see a warning about missing Python binding dependencies.
You can proceed with the installation by clicking Yes.
These dependencies can be configured later if you need them.
Complete the Installation
Keep the default startup options selected and click Next.
Then click Install.
Windows may ask for permission to allow the installer to make changes to your computer. If prompted, allow the installation to continue.
VirtualBox should install within a few moments.
Once the installation is complete, click Finish.
VirtualBox should open automatically.
Step 3: Download the Ubuntu ISO File
Now that VirtualBox is installed, we need the Ubuntu installation image.
Open your browser again and search for:
Ubuntu Download
Go to the official Ubuntu website and select Download Ubuntu Desktop.
Choose the latest Ubuntu Desktop release available for your system.
For this tutorial, we’re using Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS.
When selecting the download, make sure you choose the architecture that matches your computer.
For example:
Intel/AMD 64-bit
Click Download and save the ISO file to a location you can easily find later.
The ISO file can be several gigabytes in size, so the download may take some time depending on your internet connection.
Step 4: Create an Ubuntu Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
Once the Ubuntu ISO download is complete, return to VirtualBox.
Click the New button to create a new virtual machine.
A configuration window will appear.
Enter the Virtual Machine Name
Enter a name for your virtual machine.
For example:
Ubuntu Dex
You can use any name you want.
VirtualBox may automatically detect the operating system based on the name.
Step 5: Select the Ubuntu ISO File
Look for the ISO Image option.
Click the dropdown menu and select Other.
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the Ubuntu ISO file.
Select the ISO file and click Open.
VirtualBox should automatically detect the operating system information from the ISO.
Click Next.
Step 6: Create Your Ubuntu User Account
The next screen allows you to configure your Ubuntu user account.
Enter a username that you want to use inside Ubuntu.
Then create a password and enter it again to confirm.
For example, you might configure:
- Username:
ubuntu - Password: Your preferred secure password
Make sure you remember this password because you’ll need it whenever you log in to Ubuntu.
Click Next when you’re finished.
Step 7: Configure Virtual Machine Hardware
Now we need to decide how much of your computer’s hardware should be allocated to Ubuntu.
VirtualBox allows you to configure resources such as:
- RAM
- CPU cores
- Virtual disk space
Allocate RAM
Use the memory slider to select how much RAM you want to give Ubuntu.
For example, if your PC has 16 GB of RAM, you could allocate around 8 GB to the virtual machine.
Avoid allocating so much RAM that Windows becomes slow.
Allocate CPU Cores
Next, select how many CPU cores you want to assign to Ubuntu.
For example, if your computer has an 8-core CPU, you could allocate:
4 CPU cores
This provides Ubuntu with enough processing power while leaving resources available for Windows.
Configure Disk Space
You’ll also need to configure the virtual disk.
For example, you could allocate:
106 GB
The amount you choose depends on what you plan to do inside Ubuntu.
If you’re only learning Linux and running basic applications, you may not need as much storage.
Once you’ve configured the hardware, click Next.
Step 8: Review the Virtual Machine Configuration
VirtualBox will now show you a summary of your virtual machine configuration.
Review the settings carefully.
For example, you might see:
- Operating system: Ubuntu
- Memory: 8 GB
- CPU: 4 cores
- Disk: 106 GB
- ISO image: Ubuntu Desktop ISO
If everything looks correct, click Finish.
Your Ubuntu virtual machine will now be created.
Step 9: Start the Ubuntu Installation
Your new Ubuntu virtual machine should appear in the VirtualBox window.
Select the virtual machine and click Start.
VirtualBox will power on the virtual machine.
Because we already selected the Ubuntu ISO file, the Ubuntu installer should automatically boot from the ISO.
You don’t need to manually configure the boot process.
Ubuntu will load the necessary drivers and begin the installation process.
Depending on your computer’s performance, this may take several minutes.
Step 10: Log In to Ubuntu
Once the Ubuntu installation has finished, you’ll eventually reach the Ubuntu login screen.
Select the user account you created earlier.
Enter your password and press Enter.
You should now be logged into your new Ubuntu desktop.
Step 11: Complete the Ubuntu Initial Setup
The first time you log into Ubuntu, you may see several initial setup screens.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
You can skip any optional setup steps if you don’t need them immediately.
You’ll also be asked to select your preferred desktop appearance.
Choose the theme you prefer and continue through the setup.
When you’re finished, click Finish.
Congratulations! Ubuntu Is Now Running on Windows 11
That’s it!
You now have a fully functional Ubuntu desktop running inside Windows 11 using VirtualBox.
You can use this virtual machine to:
- Learn Linux
- Practice terminal commands
- Develop applications
- Test software
- Learn DevOps
- Experiment with Ubuntu
- Practice server administration
- Explore open-source software
And the best part is that you don’t need to remove Windows or create a dual-boot configuration.
Ubuntu runs inside a virtual machine, so you can switch between Windows and Ubuntu whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox is one of the easiest ways to start learning Linux on a Windows computer.
The basic process is:
- Download VirtualBox.
- Install VirtualBox on Windows 11.
- Download the Ubuntu Desktop ISO.
- Create a new virtual machine.
- Select the Ubuntu ISO.
- Configure RAM, CPU, and storage.
- Start the virtual machine.
- Complete the Ubuntu installation.
- Log into your new Ubuntu desktop.
If you’re new to Linux, this setup gives you a safe environment to experiment without changing your main Windows installation.
Have fun exploring Ubuntu!
