How to Install Windows 11 in VirtualBox (Beginners Guide)

Want to try Windows 11 and everything it offers? Here are the detailed steps on how to install Windows 11 in VirtualBox virtual machine.

Windows 11 is the newest kid in the block. Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 is slicker, good-looking, and updated to meet modern standards. In fact, some of the newest features and security improvements are only available in Windows 11. You can even download Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft.

If you want to try the new Windows 11 OS before installing it in your system, you can install Windows 11 on a virtual machine using VirtualBox software. Installing Windows 11 in a virtual machine allows you to try and experience everything the new operating system has to offer. That way, you can be confident in installing Windows 11 directly on the actual complete release.

In the quick and straightforward guide, let me show you how to install Windows 11 in VirtualBox.

Steps to Install Windows 11 in VirtualBox

Follow these steps closely to install Windows 11 in VirtualBox.

Step 1: Download VirtualBox from the official website. After downloading, double-click on the exe file and follow the wizard to install VirtualBox.

Step 2: Download the latest Windows 11 ISO.

Step 3: Now, open VirtualBox. You can do that by double-clicking on the VirtualBox desktop icon or searching for it in the Start menu.

Step 4: Since we want to create a new Windows 11 virtual machine, click the “New” option.

Step 5: Type a name for the OS in the “Name” field. Select “Windows 10 (64-bit)” from the “Version” dropdown menu. If the Windows 11 option is available, select it. Click the “Next” button.

Step 6: Allocate at least 2GB of RAM on this screen. You can manually type the recommended memory size in MBs in the available field or use the slider. For a better experience, allocate 4GB RAM.

Step 7: Select the “Create a virtual hard disk now” option and click the “Create” button.

Step 8: Choose the “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” option. Press “Next.”

Step 9: Select the “Dynamically allocated” option. This option will allow VirtualBox to allocate space only when required.

Step 10: Allocate the disk space. You can either type amount of space in GBs in the blank field or use the slider. Click the “Create” button. I recommend you allocate at least 30GB. That way, you will have enough space to install and use programs.

Step 11: Select the newly created VM on the main screen and click the “Settings” button.

Step 12: Select the “Storage > Empty” option in the “Settings” window.

Step 13: Click the CD icon on the right panel and select the “Choose a disk file” option.

Step 14: Find and select the “Windows 11 ISO.” Click the “Open” button to continue.

Step 15: Press the “Ok” button in the Settings window.

Step 16: Select the Windows 11 VM and click the “Start” button.

Step 17: Choose the “Language,” “Time and currency format,” and “Keyboard or input method” options. Press the “Next” button.

Step 18: Click the “Install Now” button.

Step 19: You can install Windows 11 without a license key. Press the “I don’t have a product key” link at the bottom to continue.

Step 20: Choose the Windows 11 edition you want to install. I’m selecting Windows 11 Pro.

Step 21: Accept the terms and click “Next.”

Step 22: Click the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.

Step 23: Select the “Unallocated space” option and click the “Next” button.

Step 24: As soon as you click the button, Windows 11 starts to install itself.

Step 25: Once done, Windows 11 will restart itself.

Step 26: After restarting, Windows 11 will take you through the setup process. First, select your country and click the “Yes” button.

Step 27: Type the computer name of your choice and click the “Next” button.

Step 28: Choose the “Set up for personal use” option and press “Next.”

Step 29: Microsoft wants you to use an online account with Windows 11. But you can use an offline account too. To do that, click on the “Sign-in options” link.

Step 30: Select the “Offline account” option.

Step 31: Microsoft is persistent and asks you again; click the “Skip for now” button.

Step 32: Type a username in the blank field and click the “Next” button.

Step 33: Type a password. Press “Next.”

Step 34: Type the same password again. Press “Next.”

Step 35: Select and answer all three security questions and click “Next.”

Step 36: Take a look at all the privacy options and turn off the ones you don’t like. I’m leaving the defaults be because this is just a VM. Click “Accept” to continue.

Step 37: If you are connected to the internet, Windows 11 will download and install all the available updates. It can take some time to complete. So, please sit back and relax while it is doing that.