Install VirtualBox

Install on Windows

Download the Windows installer from the official site (https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads) and run the downloaded VirtualBox-*-Win.exe file. Accept the defaults in the setup wizard. The installer warns that network interfaces are reset for a moment while the VirtualBox adapter is added. That is expected.

Install on Debian and Ubuntu

On Debian and Ubuntu VirtualBox is available from the distribution repositories. Refresh the package lists and install the program:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install virtualbox virtualbox-ext-pack

Add your user to the vboxusers group so USB devices and shared folders work, then log out and back in:

sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

Check the installed version:

VBoxManage --version

Extension Pack

The Extension Pack adds USB 2.0/3.0, VRDP and disk encryption support. Its version must match the VirtualBox version exactly. On Windows download the .vbox-extpack file from the same downloads page and double-click it, or open VirtualBox and go to File, Tools, Extension Pack Manager, Install. On Debian and Ubuntu the virtualbox-ext-pack package from the command above already installs it.

Guest Additions

Guest Additions are installed inside the virtual machine, not on the host. They enable shared folders, shared clipboard, drag and drop and automatic screen resolution. Start the virtual machine, then choose Devices, Insert Guest Additions CD Image from the VirtualBox menu and follow the installer inside the guest system.

Article author: Andrei Olegovich