Installing CachyOS on VirtualBox

Ditch the usual filler—let’s get straight to it. This guide will walk you through installing CachyOS, an Arch-based distro that blends powerful performance with user-friendly flair, on VirtualBox. Let’s go.

Why Use CachyOS on VirtualBox?

• Safe sandbox: Play around with CachyOS without messing with your main system.
• Easy snapshots: Experimental tweaks? Roll back instantly.
• Learning playground: Dip toes in Arch-based waters—then dive deep.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox installed and ready.
• CachyOS ISO (download the latest version).
• Roughly 20 GB free space and a sturdy 2–4 GB RAM.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Start VirtualBox
   Open the app and click New. Name your VM CachyOS, set the type to Linux, and version to Arch Linux (64-bit). Click Next.
2. Memory Allocation
   Allocate 2048 MB if your host has 8+ GB RAM; 4096 MB if you can spare it.
3. Create a Virtual Hard Disk
   Go with VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and dynamically allocated storage. Set at least 20 GB.
   Need more later? Here’s how to enlarge a virtual machine’s disk.
4. Attach the CachyOS ISO
   Select the VM, click Settings → Storage, choose the empty CD icon, then click the disk icon on the right and load your CachyOS ISO.
5. Boot Into Live Session
   Start the VM. It will boot into the CachyOS live environment.
6. Install CachyOS
   • Open its installer. Follow prompts—choose language, layout, and disk target (your 20 GB virtual disk).
   • On partitioning: go automatic or do it manual with ext4 and swap if you want.
   • Create your user account, name your system, and pick a GRUB location.
   • Hit Install and let it roll.
7. First Boot—Time to Log In
   Shutdown, unmount the ISO in Storage Settings, and boot the VM again. You’re in! Log in with your user credentials.

Post-Install Tweaks (Quick Wins)

• Update everything:
  sudo pacman -Syu
• Install guest additions:
  1. In VirtualBox menu: Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD image.
  2. In the VM:
     sudo pacman -S virtualbox-guest-utils
sudo systemctl enable vboxservice
sudo systemctl start vboxservice
• Set shared folders:
  In VirtualBox: go to Settings → Shared Folders, configure your host folder, enable auto-mount.
  Inside VM:
  sudo usermod -aG vboxsf $USER

Final Thoughts

Installing CachyOS on VirtualBox is simple, smart, and safe. It turns a VM into your testing ground—install, learn, tweak, and toss it if needed, with zero risk at home.

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!