HOW TO INSTALL FEDORA 37 | Darren's Tech Tutorials

Ultimate Guide: Installing Fedora 37 Step-by-Step (VirtualBox Ready!)

Hello and welcome to Darren’s Tech Tutorials! We’re diving deep into the world of Linux today by walking through the straightforward installation of Fedora 37. Fedora is a fantastic, cutting-edge operating system and getting it set up is easier than you might think.

While I’ll be demonstrating this installation within Oracle VirtualBox, the fundamental steps are nearly identical if you are using other hypervisors like Hyper-V or VMware, or even if you are installing Fedora onto a physical machine using a bootable USB drive.

Let’s get your new Linux environment up and running!

Step 1: Downloading the Fedora 37 Workstation ISO

The installation starts with acquiring the necessary files—the official ISO image.

Search: Go to Google and search for “Fedora.” The official website should be the top result.
Navigate to Downloads: Once on the Fedora site, look for the download options for Fedora Workstation.
Download the Live ISO: Locate the current stable version (Fedora 37, in this case) and ensure you are downloading the Live ISO. This file allows you to test the operating system before committing to the full installation.
Wait for the download to complete. This file is large, so grab a coffee!

Step 2: Setting Up the Virtual Machine Environment

With the ISO downloaded, we can now configure the virtual hardware.

Configuring in VirtualBox:

Create New: Open VirtualBox and click the New button.
Name and Type: Give your machine a descriptive name (e.g., Fedora 37 Tutorial).
Mount the ISO: Where it asks for the ISO image, click Other and navigate to your Downloads folder to select the Fedora 37 Live ISO file you just finished downloading.
Hardware Allocation:
- RAM: Allocate sufficient RAM. Around 2 GB (2048 MB) is a solid starting point for a responsive experience.
- CPU: Increase the processor count to at least 2 CPUs to ensure the operating system runs smoothly.
Hard Disk: Leave the virtual hard disk setting at the suggested size (15GB minimum is usually recommended for the OS). You can adjust this later if needed.
Click Finish to create the VM configuration.

Step 3: Starting the Live Environment and Installation

Now that the VM is set up and the ISO is mounted, we can power it on and begin the actual OS installation.

Start the VM: Select your newly created Fedora VM and click Start.
Boot Option: When the boot screen appears, use your arrow keys to select Start Fedora Workstation Live and press Enter.

Quick Tip: If you are using VirtualBox, remember that the Right Ctrl key on your keyboard releases your mouse cursor from the VM window.
Initiate Installation: Once the Live Desktop loads, you will see a couple of options. Click the option to Install Fedora to the hard drive to officially begin the guided setup.

Step 4: Configuring the Installation Settings

The guided installer will now walk you through the necessary localization and storage decisions.

Select Language: Choose your preferred language. In my case, I chose English (Ireland) and clicked Continue.
Installation Destination (Storage): This is a critical step.
- Click on the Installation Destination icon.
- Select the virtual hard drive (the 15GB drive we set up earlier).
- Click Done. The system will verify the storage setup.
Begin Installation: With the storage confirmed, click Begin Installation.

The system will now copy files and install the core OS. This process takes a few minutes, so be patient!

Step 5: Post-Installation Cleanup and Reboot

Once the installation is complete, you must perform a crucial step before rebooting to ensure the system boots correctly into your new installation, not back into the installer.

Finish Installation: When the installer states that Fedora has been successfully installed, click Finish Installation.
Power Off: Instead of letting the VM automatically reboot, go to the VM menu and manually Power Off the virtual machine.
Remove the ISO: Go back to the VM’s settings (Right-click > Settings).
- Navigate to the Storage section.
- Select the mounted ISO file under the Controller.
- Click the disk symbol and choose Remove Disk from Virtual Drive.
- Click OK.

This step ensures the system is forced to boot from the newly installed hard drive instead of the installation media.

You are in the final stretch! Start the VM again and complete the initial personalization steps.

Start VM: Power on the VM again. It should boot directly into the Fedora setup wizard.
Privacy and Accounts: Follow the prompts to configure settings like Location Services and decide whether to connect online accounts. Click Next.
User Creation: Enter your full name and the username you wish to use (I used Darren). Click Next.
Set Password: Choose a strong, secure password. Enter it twice to confirm.
Finish: Click Next and you will see the final confirmation screen: “We’re all done!”

Congratulations! You are now logged into your brand new Fedora 37 Workstation environment!

We successfully downloaded the ISO, configured our VM, handled the installation, and performed the necessary post-install cleanup. Your Fedora 37 machine is ready for action.