How to Install Latest COSMIC Desktop on VirtualBox

Why This Matters

COSMIC—the Rust-written powerhouse from System76—is a fresh, standalone Linux desktop environment (not just an overlay on GNOME). If you want to test-drive it without touching your main system, VirtualBox is your best friend.

Prerequisites

• Latest Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS ISO with COSMIC Epoch 1 Alpha 7 (released April 24, 2025).
• VirtualBox installed on your host.
• At least 4 GB RAM and ~20 GB free disk space.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Create the Virtual Machine

• In VirtualBox, click New and choose:
  • Name: e.g., “COSMIC 24.04”
  • Type: Linux
  • Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
• Allocate ≥4 GB RAM.
• Create a ~20 GB virtual drive (VDI, dynamically allocated).

2. Enable EFI Mode
Under Settings → System → Motherboard, check Enable EFI (special OSes only). Pop!_OS boots better with EFI.

3. Attach the ISO and Boot
Under Storage, mount the Pop!_OS ISO. Then start the VM.

4. Enable 3D Acceleration (critical!)
COSMIC does not support software rendering—3D acceleration must be on.
Go to Settings → Display and check Enable 3D Acceleration. Increase video memory as needed.

5. Proceed with Installation
Follow Pop!_OS’s installer to install COSMIC. If it’s not pre-installed, you can install manually post-boot via distro packages—but the ISO should already include it in this case.

6. First Boot & Troubleshooting
If the GUI fails to load:

• Ensure 3D acceleration is still enabled.
• Confirm EFI boot is active.
• Remember: “Cosmic doesn’t support software rendering yet, so that might be it.”

TL;DR – Quick Checklist

Further Reading

• How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware
• How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox in Windows 10 and Windows 11

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!