Quick-guide: How to Install Windows 11 in VirtualBox

Overview of VirtualBox

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.

Pros of VirtualBox

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.

Cons of VirtualBox

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.

How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

1. Go to the VirtualBox website.
2. Download the VirtualBox installer for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 2: Download Windows 11 ISO

1. Visit the Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
2. Download the Windows 11 ISO file.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click on "New" to create a new virtual machine.
2. Name your virtual machine (e.g., Windows 11) and select the operating system type (Windows) and version (Windows 11).
3. Allocate memory (RAM) to the virtual machine. At least 4GB is recommended.
4. Create a virtual hard disk. Choose the VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) format and dynamically allocated storage. Allocate at least 64GB of disk space.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

1. Select your new virtual machine and click on "Settings".
2. In the "System" section, ensure the "Enable EFI (special OSes only)" option is checked.
3. In the "Storage" section, click on the empty disk icon, then click on the disk icon next to "Optical Drive" and choose "Choose a disk file". Select the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded.
4. In the "Network" section, ensure the network adapter is attached to NAT.

Step 5: Install Windows 11

1. Start the virtual machine by selecting it and clicking "Start".
2. The Windows 11 installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Once installed, you can customize Windows 11 and install additional software as needed.

Alternative Method: Creating a Windows 11 To Go USB

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:

1. Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface makes it easy for both beginners and professionals.
2. Compatibility: Supports creating Windows To Go on various USB drives, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and external hard drives.
3. Flexibility: Supports various Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
4. Efficiency: The tool ensures a fast and smooth process with high success rates.

Step 1: Download and Install AOMEI Partition Assistant

Step 2: Prepare a USB Drive

Insert a USB drive into your computer. Ensure it has at least 16GB of storage and is formatted to NTFS.

Step 3: Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant

1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.
2. Click on "All Tools" in the left-hand menu and select "Windows To Go Creator".

Step 4: Create Windows 11 To Go USB

1. Select "Create Windows To Go for personal computer".

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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs about VirtualBox Windows 11

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.