Ubuntu is an open-source operating system that has gained immense popularity in the past few years. It is preferred by developers and tech-savvy people for its security, stability, and robustness. However, there are times when you may need to use Windows applications on Ubuntu. In such cases, the best solution is to run a virtual machine (VM) on Ubuntu that emulates a Windows environment. This article will guide you through the steps to run a Windows VM on Ubuntu.
Step 1: Install VirtualBox
The first step is to install VirtualBox on Ubuntu. VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. To install VirtualBox, open a terminal window and enter the following command:
sudo apt-get install virtualbox
Step 2: Download Windows ISO
Once you have installed VirtualBox, the next step is to download the Windows ISO file. You can download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website or any other reliable source.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
After downloading the Windows ISO file, open VirtualBox and click on the "New" button to create a new virtual machine. In the "Name" field, give a suitable name for your virtual machine. In the "Type" field, select "Microsoft Windows," and in the "Version" field, select the appropriate version of Windows that you want to install. Click on the "Next" button to proceed.
Step 4: Configure Virtual Machine Settings
In the next window, you will need to configure the settings of the virtual machine. Assign the amount of memory and CPU cores that you want to allocate to the virtual machine. Choose the virtual hard disk type and size. You can also choose to create a new virtual hard disk or use an existing one.
Step 5: Mount Windows ISO
Once you have configured the virtual machine settings, click on the "Settings" button to open the settings window. In the left sidebar, select "Storage" and click on the "Empty" CD/DVD icon. In the right pane, click on the "Choose Virtual Optical Disk File" button and browse to the location where you have saved the Windows ISO file. Select the ISO file and click on the "Open" button.
Step 6: Install Windows
After mounting the Windows ISO, start the virtual machine by clicking on the "Start" button. The virtual machine will boot from the mounted Windows ISO. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on the virtual machine.
Step 7: Install Guest Additions
Once you have installed Windows on the virtual machine, you will need to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions to improve the performance and functionality of the virtual machine. To install Guest Additions, click on the "Devices" menu in the VirtualBox window and select "Insert Guest Additions CD image." Open a terminal window in the Windows VM and run the "VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe" file from the virtual CD drive.
Step 8: Start Using Windows on Ubuntu
After installing Guest Additions, you can start using Windows applications on Ubuntu by launching the virtual machine and running the desired Windows application.
Running a Windows VM on Ubuntu is a great solution for those who need to use Windows applications on Ubuntu. VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that makes it easy to run a Windows VM on Ubuntu. Follow the above steps to create and configure a Windows VM on Ubuntu and start using Windows applications on Ubuntu.
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