VirtualBox - How to create a VM on VirtualBox

Tags IT VirtualBox

1. Issues Resolved by This Article

This article helps users resolve the following issues:

  • Not knowing how to create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox

  • Confusion between VM creation steps in different VirtualBox versions

  • Incorrect VM configuration for Windows Server installations

  • Students setting up lab environments for IT courses

2. Background

VirtualBox allows users to create and run virtual machines on their local computers. The process of creating a VM is similar across versions, but the user interface and steps vary slightly between VirtualBox 6.x and 7.x.

When creating a VM, users must correctly select:

  • The operating system type

  • The ISO installation file

  • Hardware resources (memory, CPU, disk)

  • Proper naming conventions for academic or lab environments

Following the correct steps ensures the VM installs properly and functions as expected for coursework or lab use.

3. Solution

Note: The requirements and steps may vary depending on the VirtualBox version you are using.

VirtualBox 6.x – Creating a VM

  1. Open VirtualBox.

  2. Select New to create a new virtual machine.

  3. Choose the configuration type as Typical.

  4. Select your ISO file (for example, Windows Server 2022 Datacenter).

  5. For Guest Operating System, select:
    Microsoft Windows / Windows Server 2019.

  6. Enter the virtual machine name using the following format:
    <Student Name> – <Course Name & Section> – <Type of OS>
    (Use the default file location.)

  7. Set the maximum disk size to 60 GB.

  8. Select Store virtual disk as a single file.

  9. Click Finish to create the VM.

VirtualBox 7.x – Creating a VM

  1. Open VirtualBox.

  2. Click the New button.

  3. If prompted, select Guided Mode.

  4. In the Name field, enter:
    <Student Name> – <Course Name & Section> – <Type of OS>

  5. Click the drop-down arrow next to ISO Image, select Other, and choose your ISO file.

  6. Click Next.

  7. Leave Base Memory set to 2048 MB.

  8. Change the number of CPUs to 2, then click Next.

  9. On the Virtual Hard Disk screen, accept the default size of 50.00 GB.

  10. Click Finish.

The VM will start automatically and proceed with the operating system installation.

Optional: Enable Clipboard Sharing

To copy and paste text between your computer and the VM:

  1. Start the virtual machine.

  2. From the top menu, click Devices.

  3. Select Shared Clipboard.

  4. Choose Bidirectional.

This allows copy and paste functionality both ways between the host and the VM.

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