VirtualBox

Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox

One can run many OSes such as Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD, and others inside a VirtualBox. This article shows how to prepare, setup, and install Windows 11 in a VirtualBox Virtual Machine (VM). IMPORTANT: If you are looking to dual-boot from a separate drive, please contact customer support to receive a full installation kit.

Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions like this regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.

Download Windows 11 ISO

google-chromeUse a browser to download the Windows 11 ISO. Select Windows 11, followed by your preferred language, and then select 64-bit Download.

If you prefer, you can download a ready-made virtualbox image from Microsoft and skip the section on installing the ISO.

Prepare Virtualbox

vboxIn this phase, we prepare VirtualBox so it can install W11.

1. Open Machine settings
1. Enter settings
2. Enable EFI
2. Enable EFI
3. Set CPUs

Using half your available virtual cores is a reasonable place to start. The PAE/NX (Phyiscial Address Extension / No Execute) option is usually not required or even desirable. However, an Oracle Guide includes it, so you may want to try it with and without.

3. Set CPUs
4. Configure Display

We often maximize the Video Memory, although 128 MB should be plenty for most office tasks.

4. Configure Display

Install W11

Step 1: Start Virtual Machine

Select Win11 disk file.

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Step 2: Choose Preferred Language
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Step 3: Install
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Step 4: Insert Product Key
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Step 5: Wait for Virtual Box
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Step 6: Language
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Step 7: Install
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Step 8: Insert Product Key
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Step 9: Edit Registry

After clicking Next for the product key above, Press SHFT + F10. After opening command prompt, open the Registry Editor by typing regedit.

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Step 10: Open Registry Folder

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/Setup

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Step 11: Create Folder

Name itLabConfig.

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Step 12: Open LabConfig
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Step 13: Make DWORD Values

Right Click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

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Step 14: Create the Following Registry Entries:
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Step 15: Agree and Continue
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Step 16: Select Custom
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Step 17: Install on Available Disk
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Step 18: Wait Installation to Complete
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Step 19: Configure Windows Setup
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Step 20: Final Setup Screen
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Step 21: Wait for Installation to Complete
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Step 22: Windows Setup Complete
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Troubleshooting

Q: What are some uses of VirtualBox?

A: One may use virtual machines to run applications that are not available on other Operating Systems, as illustrated here. However, one can also use them to test system and package development.

Revisions

This is a partial revision history. See the git repository for all entries.

Disclaimer

We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.

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