How to run an ubuntu vm on windows 2021

Mastering Linux: How to Run Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on Windows 10 with VirtualBox

Hello everyone, Darren here from Darren’s Tech Tutorials!

Are you curious about Linux but don’t want to mess with dual-booting or buying a separate machine? You’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial, we’re going to walk through the entire process of installing and running the powerful Ubuntu 20.04 LTS operating system directly on your Windows 10 machine using a fantastic, free tool called VirtualBox.

This is a great, safe way to try out the Linux experience, use specific Linux tools, or simply explore a different operating system without any risk to your main Windows setup. Let’s get started!

Phase 1: Downloading and Installing VirtualBox

To run Ubuntu inside Windows, we need a piece of software called a hypervisor. This acts as a container, allowing a ‘guest’ operating system (Ubuntu) to run safely inside your ‘host’ operating system (Windows 10). We are using Oracle VM VirtualBox because it is free and incredibly robust.

Step 1: Download VirtualBox

Navigate to the official downloads page using the link below:

VirtualBox Download Link: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Click the link for the “Windows hosts” version to begin the download.

Step 2: Install VirtualBox

Once the download is complete, open the installer file.

1. Click Next through the setup wizard.
2. We recommend leaving all default settings as they are. Click Next again.
3. Confirm the network interfaces warning by clicking Yes.
4. Click Install.
5. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

The installation will take a few moments. Once finished, click Finish. VirtualBox should automatically launch, ready for the next step.

Phase 2: Obtaining the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS ISO File

Now that we have the container software (VirtualBox), we need the actual operating system files. We will be downloading the official ISO image for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Long Term Support).

Step 1: Download Ubuntu Desktop

Navigate to the official Ubuntu download page:

Ubuntu Download Link: https://ubuntu.com/download

1. Look for the Desktop version download section.
2. Click to download Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

Note: This file is large and may take some time to download depending on your internet connection. Grab a coffee!

Phase 3: Setting Up the Virtual Machine (VM)

With both VirtualBox and the Ubuntu ISO downloaded, we can now create the dedicated space for our new Linux machine.

1. In the VirtualBox Manager window, click the New button.
2. Switch to Expert Mode (this gives us slightly more control during setup).

Configuration Details:

Creating the Virtual Hard Disk

1. Click Create.
2. File Location and Size: We recommend setting the size to at least 20 GB. This space is allocated virtually and only takes up physical space as it’s used.
3. Hard Disk File Type: Leave as VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
4. Storage on physical hard disk: Select Dynamically Allocated. This is crucial, as it ensures the 20 GB only grows as you use it, saving space on your host drive.

Click Create. You will now see your new Ubuntu VM listed in the VirtualBox Manager.

Step 4: Mounting the Ubuntu Installation Media

We need to tell the new virtual machine to boot from the Ubuntu ISO file we downloaded.

1. Select your new Ubuntu VM and click Settings.
2. Go to the Storage section.
3. Under the “Controller: IDE” section, select the “Empty” CD icon.
4. On the right-hand side, click the small blue disc icon next to “Optical Drive.”
5. Select Choose/Create a Virtual Optical Disk.
6. Click Add and navigate to where you saved the Ubuntu 20.04 ISO file. Select it and click Open.
7. Select the mounted ISO from the list and click Choose, then click OK to close the Settings window.

We have essentially “inserted the Ubuntu installation CD” into our virtual machine.

Phase 4: Installing Ubuntu within VirtualBox

It’s time to power on the VM and install the operating system!

1. In the VirtualBox Manager, click Start.

The machine will boot up, and you will see the Ubuntu start screen.

Step 1: Begin the Installation

1. Once the machine boots, click Install Ubuntu.
2. Select your preferred Keyboard layout and click Continue.
3. On the Updates and other software screen, select Normal installation and click Continue.

Step 2: Disk Setup (The Easy Part)

You will be asked what kind of installation you want.

1. Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu.
   • IMPORTANT: Do not panic! Since you are working inside the Virtual Machine, this option will only erase the 20 GB Virtual Hard Disk you just created, NOT your Windows 10 hard drive.
2. Click Install Now, then click Continue on the warning pop-up.

Step 3: Final Configuration

1. Select your location (e.g., Dublin) and click Continue.
2. Enter your user details: your name, a username, and a strong password.
3. Choose whether you want to log in automatically or require a password at startup.
4. Click Continue.

The installation process will now run. This will take some time as files are copied and configured.

Step 4: Restart and Cleanup

1. Once the installation is complete, you will see a prompt to restart the machine. Click Restart Now.
2. The VM may pause and ask you to remove the installation media. Since we used VirtualBox, the system usually handles this automatically. To confirm, quickly check:
   • Go to Settings > Storage. The virtual ISO file should be removed.
3. Press ENTER on the virtual machine screen to complete the reboot.

Your Ubuntu machine will now boot into the freshly installed operating system!

Welcome to Ubuntu!

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on your Windows 10 machine.

You may be prompted to connect online accounts or check for updates; feel free to skip these or click through them.

You now have a fully functional, safe environment to explore Linux, learn new commands, try out software, and enjoy all the features Ubuntu has to offer, all without ever leaving Windows. This is a fantastic way to develop your tech skills and experience the power of open-source operating systems!

Did this tutorial help you get Ubuntu running? Let me know in the comments below! If you found this guide useful, please give the video a Like and be sure to Subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, accessible technology guides.

Thanks for watching!