Install Debian 11 Bullseye on VirtualBox

Whether you’re testing software, running a home server, or just exploring Linux, Debian 11 “Bullseye” is a rock-solid choice. VirtualBox makes it easy to run Debian in a virtual environment without touching your main system. Here’s how to install Debian 11 on VirtualBox, step-by-step.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox installed on your host OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Debian 11 ISO – download the 64-bit version
• At least 2GB RAM, 20GB disk space, and an internet connection

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name it something like Debian 11.
3. Set Type to Linux and Version to Debian (64-bit).
4. Assign at least 2048 MB RAM (4096 MB recommended).
5. Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now, set the size to at least 20 GB, and choose VDI as the format. Use Dynamically allocated storage.

💡 Need more space later? Here’s how to enlarge a virtual machine’s disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 2: Mount the Debian ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings.
2. Go to Storage, click on the empty optical drive, then click the disk icon and choose “Choose a disk file…”.
3. Select the Debian 11 ISO you downloaded.
4. Click OK to save.

Step 3: Start the Installation

1. Start the VM. It will boot from the ISO.
2. Choose Graphical Install.
3. Select your language, region, and keyboard layout.
4. Set hostname (default is fine) and optionally a domain name.
5. Set the root password (or leave blank to disable root login) and create a user account.

Step 4: Partition the Disk

1. Choose Guided – use entire disk (recommended for new users).
2. Select the virtual disk and confirm the changes.
3. Finish and write changes to disk.

Step 5: Choose Software

1. Select your preferred desktop environment (GNOME is the default, but XFCE is lighter).
2. Ensure “standard system utilities” is checked.
3. Continue with the installation. This may take a few minutes.

Step 6: Install the GRUB Bootloader

1. When prompted, install GRUB to the primary drive (usually /dev/sda).
2. Complete the installation and reboot.

Step 7: First Boot

After rebooting, you’ll be greeted with the Debian login screen. Enter your credentials and you’re in!

Optional: Install Guest Additions

To improve performance and enable features like shared folders, do the following:

1. In the VirtualBox menu, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.
2. Mount and run the installer inside the Debian VM.
3. Reboot once complete.

Wrapping Up

You now have a clean Debian 11 Bullseye system running inside VirtualBox. Use it to test apps, learn Linux, or just mess around safely. If you run into issues, the Debian Wiki and VirtualBox Docs are solid resources.

Got questions or need help? Drop a comment below!