How to Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu [Beginner’s Tutorial]

VirtualBox is a free, powerful tool that lets you run different operating systems as virtual machines on your computer. If you’re on Ubuntu and want to try Windows, another Linux distro, or just experiment without messing up your main setup, VirtualBox is your friend.

This guide shows you exactly how to install VirtualBox on Ubuntu—step by step, no tech jargon.

Step 1: Update Your System

First, open your terminal. (You can press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch it.)

Run these commands to make sure your system is up to date:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Enter your password if prompted, and let the updates finish.

Step 2: Install VirtualBox

You can install VirtualBox straight from Ubuntu’s default repositories. Type:

sudo apt install virtualbox

Press Y when asked for confirmation, and let it finish.

Step 3: (Optional) Install Extension Pack

The Extension Pack adds some handy features like USB 2.0/3.0 support, remote desktop, and more.

1. Download the Extension Pack from the official VirtualBox website (make sure it matches your VirtualBox version).
2. Open the downloaded file with VirtualBox, or install it via terminal:
   sudo VBoxManage extpack install /path/to/extension_pack.vbox-extpack

Replace /path/to/extension_pack.vbox-extpack with the path to your downloaded file.

Step 4: Launch VirtualBox

You can start VirtualBox from the applications menu, or just type:

virtualbox

in your terminal.

Step 5: Create Your First Virtual Machine

Click “New” in VirtualBox, follow the prompts, and you’re ready to install whatever operating system you want!

Need a Bigger Disk?

If you ever run out of space in your virtual machine, check out this easy guide on How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware. It’ll walk you through the steps to safely give your VM more room.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Kernel Module Error?
  If you get a message about “kernel driver not installed (rc=-1908)”, run:
  sudo apt install dkms
sudo /sbin/vboxconfig
• Still stuck?
  Check the VirtualBox documentation or Ubuntu forums.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve installed VirtualBox on Ubuntu. Now you can experiment with new systems, try out software safely, or run multiple OSes at once—all without leaving Ubuntu.

If this guide helped, leave a comment or share it with someone who’s just getting started!

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!