Today, we break down how to download and install a windows 10 VirtualBox VM on MAC OS
There are plenty of people who commonly use tools like Parallels or VMware to set up a virtual machine (VM) on their Macs. A free alternative to do this is VirtualBox. Additionally, you can install and set it up in just a few minutes.
Virtual machines can run any operating system (OS) in your current one. Even if it’s for disaster recovery, code testing, or just some fun experimentation, you can use VirtualBox for free to simulate any Windows OS, including 98, 95, or even 3.1.
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Windows 10 VirtualBox installation on mac OS
Firstly, download the latest version of Windows 10 VirtualBox for macOS. Then, click “OS X Hosts” and the download will begin automatically.
After, open the new DMG file, and then double-click “VirtualBox.pkg” to open the installer.
Next, click “Continue” to proceed through the installer.
Provided you want to change where and how the VirtualBox application installs, click “Change Install Location.”
Once everything is the way you want it, click “Install.” When asked, type the password for your Mac.
In case you haven’t given your Mac permission to install programs from Oracle previously, it’s highly likely the installation will fail at this stage.
In order to grant permission, click the magnifying glass at the top right, type “Security,” and then press Enter. As an alternative, you can click Applications > System Preferences > Security and Privacy. Next to the bottom of the General tab, you should see some text that says software from Oracle America, Inc. was blocked. You should click “Allow,” and then reinstall.
Keep in mind that this option is only available for 30 minutes after a fresh install of VirtualBox. In the event that you don’t see this text, open the “Applications” folder and drag the VirtualBox icon to the Trash to uninstall it.
Next, remove any leftover files, reinstall a fresh copy of VirtualBox, and then immediately reopen the “Security and Privacy” menu to see this option.
The installation is now complete. Click “Close” and “Move to Trash” since you no longer need the installation file.
Windows 10 installation on VirtualBox
At this instant that you’ve installed VirtualBox on your Mac, it’s time to load up your Windows 10 virtual machine. Open VirtualBox (via the “Applications” folder or via a Spotlight Search).
When you get to VirtualBox, click “New.”
Note that you can name your new operating system whatever you want. Provided that you type the name of any available OS (like “Windows 10”), the “Version” field automatically switches to that OS. Additionally, you can choose a different “Machine Folder” to store the VMs.
Once you’re ready, click “Continue.”
Moving on to the following screen, choose how much RAM (the amount of memory) you want to allocate to your VM, and then click “Continue.” Be mindful that if you set this too high, your Mac won’t have enough memory to run.
Usually, the recommendation is 2,048 MB, which is enough to run most installers. Applications or heavier code might require at least 2 GB, though. Note that you can always change this later in “Settings.”
Afterward, you have to decide the size of the hard disk for your VM, or if you want one at all. Whereas this is likely the first VM you’re setting up on this machine, click the radio button next to “Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now,” and then click “Create.”
You have to decide which type of hard disk to create. Usually, the default is “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image),” which is Oracle’s proprietary container format.
Nonetheless, you’re installing a Microsoft product, so you need to choose the format it uses, which is “VHD (Virtual Hard Disk).” What you do is click the radio button next to that option, and then click “Continue.”
Next, on the next screen, if you want a faster setup, select “Dynamically Allocated.” Provided you want faster performance (which is recommended), select “Fixed Size,” and then click “Continue.”
Last but not least, you have to decide where to store your VM, and how much storage it needs. Provided you chose “Fixed Size” in the previous screen, click “Create.” Then, VirtualBox will begin allotting that space.
Congratulations, you’ve now successfully installed VirtualBox and a Windows 10 VM. Just like on any physical machine, you have to set up the Windows 10 OS.
To setup, you can download the free Windows 10 disc image directly from Microsoft. Then,save the ISO file to your computer, go back to VirtualBox, and then click “Start.”
In the event that the Windows 10 ISO is already on your computer, VirtualBox might try to identify and select it automatically.
Alternatively, a new window opens so you can do this manually. Click the folder with the green up arrow.
When this window pops up, click “Add.” Then, select the ISO file, click “Open,” and then click “Start.”
Now, your Windows 10 VM is ready to go on your Mac! Provided you want to change any of the settings, just right-click the VM, and then click “Settings.”
That is how you windows 10 VirtualBox on Mac OS.