How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox

Why Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox?

Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox offers several benefits:

Safe Testing Environment: Evaluate Windows 11 without impacting your current setup.

Multiple OS Management: Run multiple operating systems for development and testing.

Flexibility: Easy to create, modify, and delete virtual machines as needed.

What need to know before installing Windows 11?

Before we begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux, or Solaris

Processor: 64-bit CPU with hardware virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)

Memory: Minimum 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)

Storage: At least 30 GB of free disk space

VirtualBox Version: Latest version of Oracle VM VirtualBox

Windows 11 Requirements

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor

RAM: 4 GB or more

Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device

System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable

TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x

Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Downloading VirtualBox

Visit the VirtualBox official website and download the latest version compatible with your host operating system. Follow the installation instructions provided on the website.

Step 2: Downloading Windows 11 ISO

Head over to the Microsoft Windows 11 download page to obtain the Windows 11 ISO file. Make sure you download the correct version that matches your license and system capabilities.

Step 3: Setting Up VirtualBox Extension Pack

Download the VirtualBox Extension Pack from the same page as the VirtualBox installer. This pack enhances the functionalities of VirtualBox, including USB 2.0/3.0 support, VirtualBox RDP, disk encryption, NVMe, and PXE boot for Intel cards.

Creating a New Virtual Machine

Step 1: Launching VirtualBox and Creating a New VM

1. Open VirtualBox and click on "New."

2. Enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g., "Windows 11").

3. Select the type as "Microsoft Windows" and the version as "Windows 10 (64-bit)" (Windows 11 is not listed yet).

Step 2: Allocating Memory

Allocate at least 4 GB (4096 MB) of RAM. For better performance, allocate 8 GB or more if your host machine has sufficient memory.

Step 3: Creating a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Choose "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click "Create."

2. Select "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" and click "Next."

3. Opt for "Dynamically allocated" to save space and click "Next."

4. Set the disk size to at least 64 GB and click "Create."

Configuring the Virtual Machine

Step 1: Configuring System Settings

1. Click on "Settings" for your newly created VM.

2. Under "System," ensure the "Motherboard" tab has "Floppy" unchecked.

3. In the "Processor" tab, allocate at least 2 CPU cores and enable "Enable PAE/NX."

Step 2: Configuring Display Settings

1. Go to the "Display" section.

2. Allocate 128 MB of video memory.

3. Enable 3D Acceleration if your host machine supports it.

Step 3: Adding Windows 11 ISO

1. Navigate to the "Storage" section.

2. Under "Controller: IDE," click on the empty disk icon and then on the disk icon next to "Optical Drive."

3. Choose "Choose a disk file" and select the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded earlier.

Installing Windows 11

Step 1: Starting the Virtual Machine

1. Click "Start" to boot the VM.

2. The Windows 11 setup should begin automatically from the ISO.

Step 2: Windows 11 Setup Process

1. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and click "Next."

2. Click "Install Now."

3. Enter your product key or skip if you don’t have one.

4. Choose the version of Windows 11 you want to install and click "Next."

5. Accept the license terms and click "Next."

6. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."

7. Select the virtual disk you created and click "Next."

Step 3: Completing the Installation

1. Windows 11 will now install on the virtual hard disk. This process might take some time.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup, including creating a user account and configuring settings.

Post-Installation Configuration

Step 1: Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions

1. With the VM running, go to "Devices" > "Insert Guest Additions CD image."

2. Follow the prompts to install Guest Additions, which will provide better performance and integration with the host system.

Step 2: Configuring Shared Folders and Clipboard

1. In the VM settings, go to "Shared Folders."

2. Add a new shared folder from your host machine and configure it to be auto-mounted.

3. Enable bidirectional clipboard sharing under "General" > "Advanced."

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue 1: VirtualBox Error Code 0x80004005

This error often occurs due to incorrect settings. Ensure the VM settings are correctly configured as per the guidelines above.

Issue 2: Windows 11 Installation Stuck

Ensure your system meets all hardware requirements, including TPM and Secure Boot. If the problem persists, check for BIOS updates and correct configurations.

Issue 3: Performance Issues

Allocate more CPU cores and RAM to the VM. Install Guest Additions to improve performance and enable better hardware integration.

Benefits of Using Windows 11 on VirtualBox

Enhanced Testing Environment

Safely test new software and configurations without impacting your main system.

Rollback to previous states using snapshots.

Development and Cross-Platform Compatibility

Develop and test applications across different Windows versions simultaneously.

Seamlessly switch between operating systems.

Cost Efficiency

No need for additional hardware to test or use multiple operating systems.

Free up physical resources by running multiple VMs on a single machine.

How to create a Windows 11 bootable USB using AOMEI Partitition Assistant Professional

Using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to create a Windows 11 bootable USB is a user-friendly process. With this bootable USB, you can install Windows 11 on any compatible PC. This tool is particularly useful because it supports various file systems and provides a reliable way to manage partitions and create bootable media.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through it.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro. Click “Tools” in the top toolbar, and choose “Windows To Go Creator”.

Step 2. Choose the first option "Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO". Click the folder icon to select ISO manually. After that, click "Next" to continue.

Step 3. Please select the location of the Windows ISO file you need, and click “Next”.

Step 4. Select the target USB drive here and click “Proceed”.

Step 5. Read the prompt carefully, and then click “YES”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I run Windows 11 on VirtualBox without TPM support?

Yes, you can bypass TPM requirements by modifying the Windows 11 ISO or using registry tweaks during installation.

Q2: How much RAM should I allocate to Windows 11 on VirtualBox?

Allocate a minimum of 4 GB, but for better performance, 8 GB or more is recommended.

Q3: Can I use Windows 11 on VirtualBox for gaming?

VirtualBox is not optimized for gaming. For gaming, consider using a native installation or a more gaming-optimized virtualization solution like VMware or Parallels.

Q4: How do I enable internet access on my Windows 11 VM?

Ensure that the network adapter in VirtualBox is set to NAT or Bridged Adapter. This setting can be found in the VM's settings under "Network."

Q5: How can I improve the performance of Windows 11 on VirtualBox?

1. Increase allocated RAM and CPU cores.

2. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions.

3. Enable 3D acceleration in the display settings.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox is a straightforward process that offers numerous benefits for testing, development, and general use. By following this comprehensive guide, you can set up a virtual environment that allows you to explore and utilize Windows 11 without the need for additional hardware or impacting your main operating system. Whether you are a developer, IT professional, or tech enthusiast, this setup provides a flexible and efficient way to experience the latest Windows OS.