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How to Install CentOS 8 on VirtualBox 2020

Published: December 1, 2025 (Updated: Dec 1, 2025)

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Run Linux! The Easy Way to Install CentOS 8 on VirtualBox (Step-by-Step Guide)

Welcome to Darren’s Tech Tutorials! If you’re looking to get started with enterprise-grade Linux servers without dedicating a physical machine, you’ve come to the right place. CentOS 8 provides a stable, powerful platform perfect for development and testing, and installing it on Oracle VirtualBox is the quickest way to get started.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from creating your virtual machine (VM) to the final desktop configuration. Let’s get CentOS 8 running on your Windows (or Mac) machine!

Setting Up Your CentOS 8 Virtual Machine

The first step is to allocate the necessary resources within VirtualBox to ensure CentOS 8 runs smoothly.

1. Create a New Virtual Machine

  1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
  2. Name your machine (e.g., CentOS 8). VirtualBox should automatically set the Type to Linux and the Version accordingly.
  3. Memory Allocation (RAM): Allocate at least 2048 MB (2 GB) of RAM.
  4. Hard Disk: Select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
  5. Hard Disk Type: Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
  6. Storage Allocation: Choose Dynamically allocated. This means the virtual disk file will only grow as you use space inside the VM, saving disk space on your host machine.
  7. File Location and Size: We recommend allocating 32 GB for the virtual hard drive to give you ample space for updates and applications. Click Create.

2. Configure VM Settings (CPU Power)

Before starting the install, we should boost the CPU cores assigned to the VM for better performance.

  1. Select your new CentOS 8 VM and click Settings.
  2. Navigate to the System category, then click the Processor tab.
  3. Adjust the processor count slider to 2 CPUs.
  4. Click OK to save your changes.

Downloading the CentOS 8 ISO

You need the installation media to proceed. We will download the official CentOS 8 DVD ISO directly from their mirrors.

  1. Open your web browser and search for “CentOS 8 download”.
  2. Navigate to the official CentOS download page.
  3. Look for the link to download the Linux DVD ISO.
  4. Click on a local mirror closest to you to begin the download. Note: This file is several gigabytes and may take a few minutes to complete.

Mounting the Installation Media in VirtualBox

Once the ISO file is downloaded, we need to tell VirtualBox to use it as the “DVD” for our new machine.

  1. In VirtualBox, select your CentOS 8 VM and click Settings.
  2. Navigate to the Storage category.
  3. Under the Storage Tree, select the Empty CD/DVD drive slot.
  4. Click the small disc icon on the right side of the Storage settings panel.
  5. Select Choose a Disk File… and browse to the location where you downloaded the CentOS 8 ISO file.
  6. Select the ISO and click Open, then click OK to confirm the settings.

Your VM is now ready to boot from the installation disc!

The CentOS 8 Installation Process

Now we can start the machine and walk through the graphical installation wizard.

  1. Select your CentOS 8 VM and click Start.
  2. When the VM boots, you will see a text-based menu. Select Install CentOS Linux 8 and hit Enter.

Pro Tip: If your mouse cursor gets “stuck” inside the VM window, press the Right Ctrl key on your keyboard to release it back to your host operating system.

Step-by-Step Wizard

The installer will load and present you with the graphical configuration screen.

  1. Language and Keyboard: Select your preferred language and keyboard layout and click Continue.

  2. Installation Destination:

    • Under Installation Summary, click on Installation Destination.
    • Ensure your 32 GB Virtual Disk is selected.
    • Leave the storage configuration set to Automatic for simplicity.
    • Click Done in the top left corner.

  3. Begin Installation:

    • Click the Begin Installation button on the summary screen.

  4. User Creation (While Installing): While the installation files are copied, you must set up the administrative accounts.

    • Root Password: Click Root Password. Set a strong password for the root user. Click Done.
    • User Creation: Click User Creation. Enter your full name and a username. Crucially, check the box that says “Make this user administrator.” Set a password and click Done.

The installation will now proceed, which may take some time.

Final Configuration and Reboot

Once the installation completes, the system will prompt you to reboot. But wait—we need to eject the installation disc first!

1. Eject the Installation Media

If you reboot without removing the ISO, the VM will just loop back to the installation screen.

  1. While the VM is still running, go to the VirtualBox menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Navigate back to Storage.
  4. Select the CentOS ISO entry, click the little disc symbol, and select Remove Disk from Virtual Drive.
  5. Click OK.

2. Reboot and Final Setup

  1. Back in the installer window, click Reboot.
  2. Once CentOS boots up, you will be prompted for a final few configuration steps.
  3. Licensing: Click the License Information link. Click I accept the license agreement and click Done.
  4. Click Finish Configuration.
  5. Log In: Click on your user account and enter the password you created during installation.

3. Welcome Screen Configuration

CentOS will present a short welcome guide the first time you log in:

  1. Click Next to proceed.
  2. We recommend turning off Location Services unless you specifically need them. Click Next.
  3. You can Skip connecting to online accounts.
  4. Click Start Using CentOS Linux!

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured CentOS 8 inside VirtualBox. You now have a powerful, stable Linux environment running right on your desktop.

Ready to Start Building?

You’ve done the heavy lifting—CentOS 8 is installed and ready for development, testing, or just exploration. Now you can use this virtual server environment to learn server administration, run Docker containers, host web applications, and much more!

If you found this tutorial useful, please show your support by liking this post and subscribing to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, accessible technology guides. If you ran into any issues during the install, drop a comment below—we are here to help! Thanks for watching!