How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox (Don't Forget to BACKUP!)

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You can install various operating systems on a virtual computer like VirtualBox without the need for additional hardware.

Maybe you've heard of virtual machines (VMs) but have never used one before. You might be worried that you won't set it up correctly or that you won't find a copy of your preferred operating system (OS). VirtualBox is an excellent virtual machine choice for home users, and we're here to guide you on how to use it.

Benefits of Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox offers several advantages for users seeking to experience the latest operating system without committing to a full system upgrade. Here are some key benefits: 1. **Cost-Effective**: Using VirtualBox to run Windows 11 is free, as both the virtualization software and the Windows 11 Insider Preview can be downloaded without any charges. This allows users to try out the new OS without incurring additional expenses. 2. **No Risk to Primary System**: With Windows 11 running in a virtual environment, your primary operating system remains untouched. This means there's no risk of data loss or system instability due to compatibility issues or installation errors. 3. **Multi-OS Compatibility**: VirtualBox supports various operating systems, so you can run Windows 11 alongside your current OS (e.g., Windows, macOS, or Linux). This enables you to test, learn, or work on different platforms simultaneously. 4. **Resource Management**: You can allocate specific resources like CPU power, RAM, and storage to the virtual machine running Windows 11, allowing for efficient resource utilization and preventing performance impact on your main system. 5. **Snapshot Feature**: VirtualBox's snapshot feature lets you save the state of your Windows 11 installation at any point. This is useful for experimenting with different settings or software, as you can easily revert to a previous state if something goes wrong. 6. **Easier Upgrades and Rollbacks**: Upgrading or reverting to a previous version of Windows within a virtual environment is more straightforward than doing it on a physical machine. If you encounter issues with Windows 11, you can simply roll back to your previous OS. 7. **Learning and Testing Environment**: For developers, IT professionals, or students, installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox provides an ideal platform to test applications, troubleshoot issues, or learn about the new features without affecting their daily workflow. 8. **Isolation and Security**: Running Windows 11 in a virtual machine provides an extra layer of isolation, which can help protect your main system from potential security threats or malware that might target the new OS. 9. **Flexibility and Portability**: Virtual machines can be easily exported and imported between different VirtualBox installations, allowing you to access your Windows 11 setup on multiple devices or share it with others. 10. **Performance Optimization**: Although there may be a performance overhead when using a virtualized OS, VirtualBox offers several settings and configurations that can be fine-tuned to optimize the performance of Windows 11. In summary, installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox is a convenient, cost-effective, and low-risk way to explore and utilize the new operating system without disrupting your existing setup.

VirtualBox is a free software application that emulates the x86 computer architecture. Functioning as a hypervisor, it enables users to install another operating system within a virtual machine (VM).

VirtualBox runs on the "host" operating system (OS). The operating system used within the virtual machine is referred to as the "guest" OS. The host OS for VirtualBox could be Windows, Linux, or macOS.

When creating a virtual machine, the user has the option to specify the number of CPU cores, amount of RAM, and disk space allocated to the virtual machine. While the VM is in operation, it can be "paused." This suspends the system's execution, allowing the user to resume its use at a later time.

Oracle released VirtualBox as a software application that enables users to run an operating system as if it were executing on actual hardware within their own personal computer. There are numerous ways to utilize virtual machines with VirtualBox.

If you wish to explore Linux, you can do so on a virtual machine without the risk of a faulty installation or dual-boot setup. This also allows you to experiment with potentially risky applications or hacks without jeopardizing your main system. In cases where compatibility is a concern, you might need to run a virtual clone of an earlier operating system.

Download Windows 11 ARM with ISO

If you wish to try out Windows on your MacBook or create a virtual machine using Hyper-V, you'll need to download a Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file...

Regardless of your reason, VirtualBox is the easiest and safest way to install a "new computer" without risk on your own machine. It's also entirely free for home users.

Getting Ready: Data and System Backups Preparing for potential disasters or unexpected events is crucial, especially when it comes to protecting your valuable data and computer systems. Data and system backups play a vital role in ensuring that you can recover quickly from any setbacks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare effective data and system backups: 1. Identify critical data: Start by determining which files, databases, and documents are most important to your business or personal needs. These might include financial records, customer information, project files, or personal photos. 2. Choose backup frequency: Decide how often you need to back up your data. For businesses with frequently changing data, daily or even real-time backups may be necessary. For less critical or static data, weekly or monthly backups might suffice. 3. Select backup methods: There are several options for backing up your data: - External hard drives: Store copies of your data on physical external hard drives. They're portable, affordable, and can hold large amounts of data. - Cloud services: Use online backup solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. These provide automatic syncing, remote access, and often offer a certain amount of free storage. - Network-attached storage (NAS): Set up a local server or NAS device to store backups. This option offers quick access and can be used for both local and cloud backups. - Tape backups: Though less common, tape backups are still used in some industries due to their high storage capacity and durability. 4. Implement a backup schedule: Establish a consistent schedule for creating and updating backups. Automate the process whenever possible to minimize the risk of human error. 5. Verify backups: Regularly check the integrity and completeness of your backups. Perform test restorations to ensure that the backup process is working correctly and your data can be successfully recovered. 6. Maintain multiple copies: Adopt the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite. This ensures redundancy and protects against localized disasters. 7. Update and review: Review and update your backup strategy periodically as your data needs change. Make sure your backup system can handle new file types, increased data volume, or evolving security requirements. 8. Secure backups: Encrypt your backups both during transfer and at rest to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Also, ensure your backup devices are physically secure and protected from theft or damage. 9. Educate users: Train employees or family members on the importance of backups and their role in the process. Encourage them to save regularly and avoid actions that could compromise the backup system. 10. Disaster recovery plan: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to take in case of a data loss event. This should include procedures for restoring backups, communicating with stakeholders, and minimizing downtime. By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to face any data loss scenario with confidence, knowing that your valuable information is safely backed up and ready for restoration.

The objective of creating a backup is to generate a duplicate of the data that can be restored if the original data becomes inaccessible or fails. This may occur due to hardware malfunction, software issues, data corruption, a virus or malware infection, or unintentional deletion of data. Backup copies serve as a safety net, enabling the recovery of data as it existed at a previous point in time. This is crucial for an organization to swiftly bounce back in the face of a disaster or any adverse event.

Storing a duplicate of the data on a secondary medium is crucial for safeguarding against original data loss or corruption. This supplementary media can range from something as straightforward as a USB drive or a disc storage system, to as intricate as a cloud storage container or a tape drive. The backup medium can be stored in the same location as the primary data, or it can be kept in an entirely different place. Weather-related incidents might require storing backup copies of data in remote locations to ensure protection.

For optimal results, it is essential to create backup copies on a consistent and regular basis. This ensures that the amount of data lost between each backup is minimized. When retrieving data from a backup, the greater the interval between backup versions, the higher the risk of data loss. Having multiple copies of your data provides reassurance and flexibility, allowing you to revert to a point in time when there was no data loss or malicious attacks.

Utilize the software Todo Backup to create a full system backup before proceeding with the creation of a VirtualBox for Windows 11.

For individual use, the Todo Backup Free tool offers more than ample features. It allows you to perform manual or automated backups of your system, disks/partitions, and files through scheduled tasks. Backups can be executed in three different modes: full, differential, and incremental. To have more control over your backups, begin by installing the free Windows backup software and creating a full backup.

If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to back up your system, Todo Backup is the tool to use.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup and choose "Create Backup" on the home page, then click "Select backup contents".

Step 2. Click "OS" among the four available categories to begin the backup process.

Step 3. The system partition will be selected automatically, you just need to choose the location.

Step 4. You can save the backup file to your Local Drive, Cloud, or NAS. Additionally, you can connect an external hard drive to store the system backup files.

Step 5. You can customize the settings in "Options" at the bottom left corner. After that, click "Backup Now", and the process will start.

*Upon completing the backup process, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left panel.

How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox 1. **Download the Windows 11 ISO**: First, visit the official Microsoft website to download the Windows 11 ISO file. You'll need an active Microsoft account and a valid product key for the installation. 2. **Install VirtualBox**: If you haven't already, download and install VirtualBox from the official website (). Follow the on-screen instructions for your operating system. 3. **Create a New Virtual Machine**: Launch VirtualBox and click on "New" in the top left corner. Give your virtual machine a name, choose "Microsoft Windows" as the type, and "Windows 11" as the version. Then, allocate the desired amount of RAM (at least 4GB is recommended). 4. **Create a Virtual Hard Disk**: In the next step, select "VDI" as the disk type and choose "Dynamically allocated" for storage. Set the size according to your needs (minimum 64GB for Windows 11). 5. **Attach the Windows 11 ISO**: After creating the virtual machine, select it from the list on the left side. Click on "Settings," then navigate to "Storage." Under "Controller: IDE," click on the empty "Optical Drive" icon and then "Choose Disk." Browse to locate the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file and select it. 6. **Start the Installation**: Press "Start" to boot the virtual machine with the ISO attached. The Windows 11 setup should begin automatically. If not, press any key when prompted. 7. **Follow the Installation Wizard**: Choose your language and other preferences, then click "Install Now." Enter your product key if prompted, or choose to activate later. Accept the license terms and select the custom installation option. 8. **Partition the Disk**: The installer will ask where to install Windows. Since we created a new virtual hard disk, just click "Next" to use the entire space. If you want to create partitions, choose "Customize drive space." 9. **Wait for Installation**: The installation process may take some time. Do not turn off or interrupt the virtual machine during this phase. 10. **Finish Setup**: Once the installation is complete, you'll be asked to create a user account, set up privacy settings, and connect to a Wi-Fi network (if applicable). Follow the prompts to finish the setup. 11. **Update and Customize**: After logging in, update your Windows 11 by going to "Settings" > "Windows Update" and run any available updates. You can now install drivers, software, and customize your environment as needed. That's it! You've successfully installed Windows 11 on VirtualBox.

Step 1: Download and Install the VirtualBox Application

To start, download and install Oracle VM VirtualBox on your computer. After downloading the setup file, simply click on it and proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Step 2: Open the Virtualbox Virtual Machine Manager

Once you've installed both the VirtualBox software and the Extension Pack, open the VirtualBox.exe file from your desktop.

Step 3: Create a Windows 11 Virtual Machine

In Virtualbox, click the "New" icon in the upper-right corner to create a Windows 11 virtual machine.

Now, a dialog box displaying the names of the virtual machine and the type and version of the operating system will appear. Enter the name of the virtual machine, along with the operating system type and version. Since we want to install Windows 11 on a VirtualBox virtual machine, type "Windows 11 VM" in the Name field, then select Microsoft Windows as the Type and Windows 10 as the Version (64-bit). After that, click the Next button.

Step 4. Allocate Virtual Machine RAM Memory

The next step is to allocate RAM for the virtual machine after creating the Windows 11 virtual machine. Windows 11 recommends assigning 4GB (4096 MB) of memory. Hence, after adjusting the slider, click on 'Next.'

Step 5: Create Virtual Hard Disk

This step involves creating a virtual hard drive after allocating RAM memory for the virtual system. Select "Create a virtual hard disc now" from the Hard disc section, and then click Create.

Under the "Hard disk file type" column, select "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" and then click "Next".

Under the Storage on physical hard disc section, select Dynamically allocated as the storage type, and then click Next.

Next, choose the location and size for the virtual hard drive file, and click Create.

The installation of the Windows 11 virtual machine is now complete, and it's ready for use. However, we need to configure a few settings before we can start using it.

Step 6: Configuring the Virtual Machine

Now let's go over some basic options, such as processors, display memory, USB ports, and Windows boot settings.

Select the Windows 11 Virtual Machine and then choose the Settings option.

To start, navigate to the System Settings tab and select 4GB for the Base Memory. Next, enable advanced options such as Enable I/O APIC and Enable EFI.

Next, under the Processors tab, set Processor(s) to 2 and enable the expanded features like Enable PAE/NX.

Navigate to the "Display" tab and increase the Video Memory to 256 MB or more. Following that, choose VBoxSVGA as the Graphics Controller and enable 3D Acceleration.

The Storage Settings section comes next, and it's essential for the Windows 11 installation. In the Storage Devices panel, select the CD symbol option. After that, in the right-hand area, click on the CD symbol, then choose the "Choose a disc image" option. This allows you to boot directly from an ISO file instead of using a USB drive for the installation process.

Next, head to your computer's file explorer and locate the Windows 11 ISO image file, then select and open it. (Alternatively, you can use the Insider Preview ISO image from this link.)

And that's it! Your Windows 11 VirtualBox virtual machine is now ready to use once you've finalized all the settings.

Conclusion

And that's how you can use VirtualBox to swiftly download and install Windows 11 on a virtual machine. Employing VirtualBox to install Windows 11 is an excellent approach to test the latest version of the operating system without jeopardizing your primary computer's stability or exposing it to potential bugs or security vulnerabilities.

However, Microsoft has made the Windows 11 Insider Preview build 22000 ISO available for download, which you can use in the same manner.