Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox is a popular option for exploring the new operating system without disrupting your main computer environment.
VirtualBox is a powerful, open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle. It allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine by creating virtual machines (VMs). Each virtual machine operates as if it were a separate physical computer, with its own virtualized hardware.
Free and Open Source:
VirtualBox is free to use and its source code is available to the public, making it accessible for personal and professional use without cost.
Cross-Platform Compatibility:
It supports a wide range of host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris, allowing users to run VMs on almost any type of computer.
Wide OS Support:
VirtualBox can run various guest operating systems, such as different versions of Windows, Linux distributions, macOS (with certain restrictions), and more.
Snapshot Functionality:
Users can take snapshots of their VMs at any point in time, allowing them to revert to previous states easily if something goes wrong.
Extensive Documentation and Community Support:
As a popular tool, VirtualBox has extensive documentation, forums, and community resources to help troubleshoot and optimize usage.
Seamless Mode:
Allows for integration between the host and guest OS, enabling applications from the guest OS to run seamlessly alongside those of the host OS.
Portability:
Virtual machines created in VirtualBox can be easily exported and imported, facilitating the transfer of VMs between different physical machines.
Performance Overhead:
Running multiple operating systems simultaneously can lead to performance overhead, especially on less powerful hardware.
Limited 3D Graphics Support:
While VirtualBox supports 3D acceleration, its performance and compatibility with high-end graphics-intensive applications (like modern games or complex simulations) are limited compared to other virtualization software.
Complexity for Beginners:
The initial setup and configuration of VirtualBox and its VMs can be complex for users who are not familiar with virtualization technology.
Resource Intensive:
Running multiple VMs requires significant CPU, memory, and storage resources, which may strain the host machine.
Licensing Restrictions:
Some advanced features and support, like the USB 2.0/3.0 controller, remote desktop protocol (RDP), and PXE boot for Intel cards, are part of the Extension Pack, which is free for personal use but requires a license for commercial use.
AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a powerful backup software that supports users of Windows 11/10/8/7. It can copy one hard disk to another without losing any data, even Windows OS. And all the cloned data can run successfully in the new drive. The operation is simpler than method one and method two, because every step will make you very clear.
It provides two cloning methods: Clone Disk Quickly and Sector-by-Sector Clone. The former refers to quickly cloning the used sectors to the target disk or partition. The latter refers to cloning all sectors of the original disk to the new disk.
Please see download the demo version to see how to backup computer before upgrading to Windows 11 with AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.
Step 1. Free download this computer operating system clone software, then install and open it. In “Clone”, select “Clone Disk”.
Step 2. Here, choose a suitable method based on the differences mentioned above (choose the first method as an example).
Step 3. Select the disk where the cloned file is located (take Disk 1 as an example).
Step 4. Here, select the target disk you plan to clone to.(take Disk 2 as an example). If your target disk is an SSD, you can check “Optimize the performance of SSD”. The purpose of this is to improve the SSD read and write speed.
Step 5. In this step, you can adjust the size of the target disk partition. If it is cloned to a smaller hard drive, then the first item is not selectable.
Step 6. You can preview all operations this time in this window. Click “Apply” to submit for execution.
Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox
Step 2: Download Windows 11 ISO
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine
Step 5: Install Windows 11
For users who want to use Windows 11 on any computer without installing it on each device, creating a Windows 11 To Go USB is a perfect solution. This method allows you to carry a portable version of Windows 11 on a USB drive and use it on any compatible PC.
AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a powerful and also versatile tool that simplifies the process of creating a Windows 11 To Go USB. Here are some of its advantages:
Insert a USB drive into your computer. Ensure it has at least 16GB of storage and is formatted to NTFS.
Click "Browse" to locate and select the Windows 11 ISO file.
Choose your USB drive from the list.
Click "Proceed" and then "Yes" to start the process.
The software will create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive. Once completed, you can use this USB drive to run Windows 11 on any compatible computer.
Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox is a convenient way to explore the new operating system without altering your primary setup. For those who need portability, creating a Windows 11 To Go USB with AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offers a flexible alternative. Both methods provide unique advantages, catering to different needs and preferences.
1. Is VirtualBox free to use?
Yes, VirtualBox is free and open-source software available for various operating systems.
2. What are the system requirements for running Windows 11 on VirtualBox?
You need a compatible processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage for the virtual machine.
3. Can I use Windows 11 To Go on any computer?
Yes, you can use the Windows 11 To Go USB on any computer that supports booting from USB and meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
4. Do I need a Windows 11 license to install it on VirtualBox?
Yes, you need a valid Windows 11 license to activate and use the operating system legally.
5. Is AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional free?
AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a paid software, but it offers a trial version with limited features. The professional version includes the Windows To Go creation feature.