VMware Player and Oracle VirtualBox are two virtualization programs that you can download and install to support the image file. For this lab, the virtual machine is running Linux. In Part 1, you will download and install desktop virtualization software, and also download an image file that can be used to complete labs throughout the course. Instructions Part 1: Prepare a Host Computer for Virtualization
In this lab, you will download and import this image file using a desktop virtualization application, such as VirtualBox. Anyone with a modern computer and operating system can run virtual machines.Ī virtual machine image file has been created for you to install on your computer. Virtual machines are often called guests, and physical computers are often called hosts. Virtual computers that run within physical computers are called virtual machines. With virtualization, one or more virtual computers operate inside one physical computer. A benefit of having multicore processors and large amounts of RAM is the ability to use virtualization.
While you can use VirtualBox to create virtual machines, Windows 10 also includes several features to avoid third-party virtualization technologies. Once you complete the steps, the virtual machine will restart, and you can start using Windows 10 in a virtual environment. Under the “Devices and drives” section, double-click to open the VirtualBox Guest Additions disc.ĭouble-click the VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe file to launch the installer. Open File Explorer in the virtual machine ( Windows key + E keyboard shortcut).
Quick note: The Guest Additions is the package that contains all the VirtualBox drivers to allow the operating system to work correctly in the virtual environment. Specify the amount of system memory to allocate for the machine. In the Version option, select the Windows 10 (64-bit) option. In the “Type” option, select the Microsoft Windows platform option. (Optional) In the Machine Folder option, select the folder location to create the Windows 10 VM. In the Name field option, confirm a descriptive name for the virtual machine. To create a virtual machine to host a Windows 10 installation, use these steps:Ĭlick the Machine menu and select the New option.
If you plan to set up one or multiple Windows 10 virtual machines, you will need to install VirtualBox, download the latest ISO file of Windows 10, and then continue with the instructions below. In this guide, you will learn the steps to create a VirtualBox virtual machine with Windows 10. You can also use it to install and run Windows Insider Preview builds without the need for another computer. For example, to test untrusted applications, run legacy programs in older versions of Windows, install different operating systems like Linux or keep specific work separate. Usually, the ability to create a virtual machine can come in handy in many scenarios. VirtualBox provides a free and easy way to create a virtual machine to run Windows 10 (or another OS) alongside the main installation without the need for extra hardware, and here’s how to set it up.Ī virtual machine is a virtualization technology that allows you to run multiple operating systems in containers isolated from the main installation as a separate device but without the extra hardware.