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HOW TO INSTALL WINDOWS 11 ON VIRTUALBOX 2024

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

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How to Easily Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hi there, it’s Darren from Darren’s Tech Tutorials!

If you’ve been wanting to test out Windows 11 but don’t want to mess with your primary machine, then VirtualBox is your best friend. Installing Windows 11 in a virtual environment allows you to play, test, and explore the new operating system safely, without risk to your main PC.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process: from downloading the official Windows 11 ISO image to configuring your virtual machine and completing the final installation setup. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Downloading the Windows 11 ISO File

Before we configure VirtualBox, we need the installation media. We are going to get the official Windows 11 disk image directly from Microsoft.

  1. Open your browser and search for “Download Windows 11.”
  2. Look for the official Microsoft link.
  3. Scroll down to the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section.
  4. Select the desired edition (usually the standard Windows 11 ISO). Click Download Now.
  5. Select your language (e.g., English) and click Confirm.
    • Note: This link is typically valid for 24 hours.
  6. Click the download button to start the ISO download.
    • Be patient! This is a large file and may take a significant amount of time, sometimes 30 minutes or more, depending on your connection speed.

Once the ISO is downloaded, open VirtualBox to begin the configuration.

Step 2: Configuring the Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Now we’ll set up the virtual machine (VM) and allocate the necessary resources for Windows 11 to run smoothly.

  1. In VirtualBox, click Machine in the menu bar, then click New (or use the blue ‘New’ button).
  2. Name: Give your machine a clear name, such as “Windows 11 Test VM.”
  3. ISO Image: Click the dropdown next to the ISO Image field and browse to the location where you saved the Windows 11 ISO file. Select it.
  4. Skip Unattended Installation: Since we want to show the full manual installation process, ensure you tick the box to Skip Unattended Installation.
  5. Click Next.

Allocate Resources

Windows 11 requires specific minimum resources to install correctly in a VM:

  • Base Memory (RAM): Set this to at least 4 GB (4096 MB).
  • Processors (CPUs): Set this to 2 CPUs.
  1. Click Next.

Create the Virtual Hard Disk

  1. Leave the option selected to Create a Virtual Hard Disk now.
  2. Disk Size: Set the size to 80 GB (This gives Windows 11 plenty of space to install and run).
  3. Click Next, then click Finish.

Your virtual machine is now configured!

Step 3: Starting the Windows 11 Installation Process

It’s time to boot up the VM and start installing the operating system.

  1. In VirtualBox, select your newly created “Windows 11 Test VM” and click Start.
  2. Crucial Boot Step: As soon as the VM window opens, you will see a prompt to “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…” You must quickly click into the VM window and press Enter to ensure it boots from the ISO installation file.
  3. The Windows logo will appear, indicating the installation process has begun.

Windows Setup Wizard

  1. Language and Region: Confirm your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout (default settings often work fine). Click Next.
  2. Click Install Now.
  3. Product Key: Since this is a test installation, click I don’t have a product key.
  4. Select Operating System: Choose the version you want to install (e.g., Windows Home). Click Next.
  5. License Terms: Accept the terms and click Next.
  6. Installation Type: Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
  7. Select Drive: Select the 80 GB virtual drive you created earlier. Click Next.

Windows 11 will now begin copying files and installing the features. This stage takes several minutes and includes multiple automatic reboots.

Step 4: Navigating the Windows 11 Initial Setup & Customization

Once the main files are installed, the system will restart and prompt you through the final setup stages. This is where you personalize your new OS.

  1. Region Selection: Select your country/region (e.g., Ireland, United States). Click Yes.
  2. Keyboard Layout: Select your primary keyboard layout. Click Yes. Skip the secondary layout unless needed.
  3. Name Your Device: Give your virtual device a descriptive name (e.g., “VM-Test”). Click Next.
  4. Microsoft Account Sign-in: Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account. Sign in with your existing credentials or create a new account.
  5. Setup Options: When prompted for backup, choose Set up as a new PC to avoid importing old settings.
  6. Create a PIN: Create a secure PIN for easy login access.

Reviewing Privacy Settings

Windows 11 will present several screens asking about your preferences. For a clean test install, many users prefer to turn these off:

  • Location: No.
  • Find My Device: No.
  • Diagnostic Data: Choose the option to send Required Only.
  • Tailored Experiences / Advertising IDs: Select No for both options.
  1. Customize Your Experience: Click Skip unless you want to select specific usage purposes.
  2. Final Checks: Click Skip on prompts for syncing with your phone or external services.

Finally, the system will check for updates and prepare the desktop. This step may take a few more minutes.

Congratulations, You’re Running Windows 11!

We made it! After those last moments of “Getting Things Ready,” you should now be looking at the shiny new desktop of Windows 11, running safely within your VirtualBox environment. You can now explore the new Start Menu, widgets, and updated interface without worrying about breaking your main system.

If this tutorial helped you get Windows 11 installed, please let me know in the comments below! I love hearing about your tech wins. And if you want more clear, actionable guides like this, be sure to hit that Like button and Subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials. If you want to support the channel further, check out my Patreon linked below.

Thanks for watching, and happy testing!