How to Install Latest Linux Mint in VirtualBox

Linux Mint is one of the most user-friendly and popular Linux distributions out there. If you want to try it out without changing your main operating system, running it in VirtualBox is the best way to go. Here’s how you can install the latest Linux Mint in VirtualBox, with no guesswork.

What You Need

• VirtualBox installed on your computer.
• The Linux Mint ISO file.
• At least 15 GB free disk space and 2 GB RAM (more is better).

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., “Linux Mint”).
3. Set Type to “Linux” and Version to “Ubuntu (64-bit)”.
4. Click Next.

Step 2: Assign RAM

• Choose how much RAM to allocate.
• Recommended: 2048 MB (2 GB) or more.
• Click Next.

Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Select Create a virtual hard disk now.
2. Click Create.
3. Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click Next.
4. Select Dynamically allocated (saves space).
5. Set disk size to at least 15 GB (20 GB+ is better).
6. Click Create.

Need to expand your disk size later? Check out this guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 4: Mount the Linux Mint ISO

1. With your new VM highlighted, click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon.
4. Click the disk icon on the right and choose Choose a disk file.
5. Select your downloaded Linux Mint ISO.
6. Click OK.

Step 5: Boot and Start the Installation

1. Select your VM and click Start.
2. Linux Mint will boot from the ISO.
3. On the welcome screen, choose Start Linux Mint.

Step 6: Install Linux Mint

1. Double-click Install Linux Mint on the desktop.
2. Follow the prompts:
   • Language: Pick yours, click Continue.
   • Keyboard Layout: Select and continue.
   • Multimedia codecs: Optional, but recommended.
   • Installation Type: Choose Erase disk and install Linux Mint (affects only the virtual drive).
   • Time zone: Select your location.
   • User info: Enter your name, username, and password.
3. Click Install Now and confirm.

Step 7: Finish Up

1. When installation is done, click Restart Now.
2. When prompted, remove the ISO:
   • Go to Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive in the VirtualBox menu.
3. Press Enter to reboot into your new Linux Mint system.

Step 8: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Optional, but Highly Recommended)

To get better screen resolution, clipboard sharing, and folder sharing:

1. With your VM running, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.
2. Open the CD icon inside Linux Mint, then run autorun.sh and follow the prompts. More info here.
3. Reboot your VM when finished.

Want Linux Mint (or Ubuntu) to run full screen on your Windows PC? Here’s a handy tutorial: How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox in Windows 10 & 11. The process is nearly identical for Linux Mint.

Done!

That’s it! You now have the latest Linux Mint running smoothly inside VirtualBox. Play around, install apps, and get comfortable before you decide to install it for real.

Troubleshooting

• If you see only a black screen, try increasing video memory (Settings > Display > Video Memory).
• Enable 3D Acceleration for better graphics.
• If your VM is slow, increase RAM or processor cores (Settings > System > Processor).
• For full-screen issues or display tips, revisit this guide.

Let me know in the comments if you hit any snags or have questions. Enjoy exploring Linux Mint!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!