DTT

Rocky Linux 9 Installation: From Download to Setup

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

Enjoying this content? Subscribe to the Channel!

The RHEL Replacement: Step-by-Step Installation of Rocky Linux 9.1 (VirtualBox Ready!)

Hi there! This is Darren O’Neill from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and I’m excited to walk you through installing one of the most stable and important Linux distributions available today: Rocky Linux.

Rocky Linux is a powerful, community-driven, open-source operating system designed to be a 100% bug-for-bug compatible replacement for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). If you need enterprise-level stability without the licensing fees, Rocky Linux is your perfect solution.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll focus on installing Rocky Linux 9.1. While we are using VirtualBox for demonstration, the core installation steps are identical whether you are installing on bare metal, a dedicated server, or a different virtualization platform.

Let’s get started and get Rocky Linux up and running in no time!

Step 1: Download the Rocky Linux 9.1 ISO

The first step is securing the installation media. You’ll need the latest stable ISO file.

  1. Search for Rocky Linux: Head over to your browser and search for “Rocky Linux.”
  2. Navigate to the Official Site: Click the official top link for Rocky Linux.
  3. Click Download: Locate and click the primary download link.
  4. Select Your Image: When presented with options, choose the following:
    • Architecture: Select x86_64 (for most modern computers).
    • Image Type: Select the DVD ISO. This is the complete installation image required to install the operating system offline.

Note: The DVD ISO is a large file, so allow some time for the download to complete.

Step 2: Configure Your Virtual Machine (Using VirtualBox)

Once the download is finished, it’s time to set up our environment.

  1. Open VirtualBox and click the New button.
  2. Name and Locate: Type in a descriptive name (e.g., “Rocky Linux 9.1”).
  3. Select the ISO: Point the setup wizard to the Rocky Linux ISO file you just downloaded from your downloads folder.
  4. Crucial Setting: If you are following along on VirtualBox, make sure to skip the unattended installation option. We want to see the full setup process end-to-end.
  5. Allocate Resources: While the default settings usually work, it is recommended to allocate a bit more power for a smoother experience:
    • Give the VM slightly more RAM (e.g., 4GB, depending on your host system).
    • Give the VM slightly more CPU Cores (e.g., 2 cores).
  6. Hard Disk: Accept the defaults to create a virtual hard disk file and click Finish.

Step 3: Launching the Installer

With the VM created, we can now boot into the installation environment.

  1. In VirtualBox, select your new “Rocky Linux” VM and click Start.
  2. The VM will power up, and you will see the initial boot menu.
  3. Use the arrow keys to select Install Rocky Linux and press Enter.
  4. The system will now load the Anaconda installer—the graphical interface for setting up the OS.

Tip for VirtualBox users: Remember to use the Right Control key (typically) to release your mouse cursor from the VM window.

Step 4: System Configuration via the Anaconda Installer

Once the installer is loaded, you will be taken to the main configuration screen where you need to make several key decisions.

1. Language Selection

  • Select your desired Language and Keyboard Layout (e.g., English (United States) or English (Ireland)). Click Continue.

2. Installation Destination

This step tells Rocky Linux where to put the operating system.

  • Click on Installation Destination.
  • Select the virtual hard disk that VirtualBox created (it should be the only option available).
  • We will use automatic partitioning for simplicity. Click Done.

3. Root Password Setup

The root account is the system administrator account and needs a strong password.

  • Click on Root Password.
  • Enter a strong, secure password for the root user. You will need this for major system changes and maintenance.
  • Click Done.

4. Begin Installation

  • With the destination and root password set, click Begin Installation.

The installation process will now copy files and configure the core OS components. This may take a few minutes, so grab a coffee!

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup and User Creation

When the installation completes, you will be prompted to reboot the system.

  1. Click Reboot System. The VM will restart and boot into the newly installed Rocky Linux environment.

  2. On the welcome screen, click Start Setup.

  3. You will be prompted to configure a few basic items:

    • Location Services: Decide whether to keep location services on or off. Click Next.
    • Online Accounts: Skip this step for now. Click Next.

  4. Create Your Standard User Account:

    • Enter your Full Name (e.g., Darren).
    • Choose a Username (e.g., darren). Click Next.
    • Set a Password for your daily-use account. Click Next.

  5. Start Using Rocky Linux: Click the final button: Start using Rocky Linux.

After a brief moment, your desktop will load. You might be prompted to take a tour; you can click No thanks.

Congratulations! You’ve Installed Rocky Linux 9.1!

That’s all there is to it! You have successfully installed Rocky Linux 9.1, a stable and powerful platform perfect for development, learning, or enterprise workloads. It’s ready for you to explore, install applications, and start leveraging its robust capabilities.

If you found this step-by-step guide useful, please subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, practical technology guides. Don’t forget to leave any questions or queries in the comments section below—I love hearing from you!

Thanks for watching!