How to Install Ubuntu Desktop in Virtual Box ?

 

Installing Ubuntu in VirtualBox involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

System Requirement for Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS

• 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
• 4 GB system memory
• 25 GB of free hard drive space
• Either a USB port or a DVD drive for the installer media
• Internet access is helpful

Prerequisites

1. Download and Install VirtualBox: If you haven’t already, download and install the latest version of VirtualBox from the official VirtualBox website. HOWTO
2. Download Ubuntu ISO: Download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Open VirtualBox and Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox: Launch the VirtualBox application.
2. Create a New VM:
   • Click on New to create a new virtual machine.
   • Name your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu”).
   • Set the Type to Linux.
   • Set the Version to Ubuntu (64-bit).

2. Allocate Memory (RAM)

1. Set Memory Size: Allocate RAM to the VM. The recommended amount for Ubuntu is at least 4 GB , but you can allocate more if your host system has enough RAM.

3. Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Create Virtual Hard Disk: Choose Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
2. Hard Disk File Type: Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click Next.
3. Storage on Physical Hard Disk: Choose between Dynamically allocated or Fixed size. Dynamically allocated is usually sufficient.
4. Set Disk Size: Allocate at least 25 GB of disk space and click Create.

4. Configure the Virtual Machine

1. Select VM and Open Settings: Select your new VM and click on Settings.
2. System Settings:
   • Go to the System tab and then the Processor tab.
   • Allocate at least 2 CPUs if your host system has more than 2 CPUs.
3. Display Settings:
   • Go to the Display tab and increase Video Memory to at least 128 MB.
4. Storage Settings:
   • Go to the Storage tab.
   • Under Controller: IDE, click on the empty disk icon.
   • Click the disk icon next to Optical Drive and select Choose a disk file.
   • Navigate to and select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
5. Network Settings:
   • Go to the Network tab.
   • Ensure that Attached to is set to NAT for internet access.

5. Start the Virtual Machine and Install Ubuntu

1. Start the VM: Click Start to boot the VM.
2. Ubuntu Installation:
   • The VM will boot from the Ubuntu ISO. Select Install Ubuntu.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu.
   • Choose your language, keyboard layout, and installation type (Normal or Minimal).
   • Optionally check Download updates while installing Ubuntu and Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware if needed.
   • Allocate disk space for Ubuntu installation. Usually, Erase disk and install Ubuntu is fine for new installations.
   • Set your timezone.
   • Enter your user details: your name, computer name, username, and password.

6. Complete the Installation

1. Finish Installation: The installer will copy files and complete the installation.
2. Restart: After installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart the VM.
3. Remove Installation Media: VirtualBox might prompt you to remove the installation media. Just press Enter to continue.