How to install Devuan 5 codenamed “Daedalus” in VirtualBox

If you’re looking for a lightweight, systemd-free Linux experience, Devuan 5 “Daedalus” is a solid choice. Running it in VirtualBox is a great way to test or use Devuan without touching your main system. Here’s exactly how to get started.

What You Need

• Oracle VirtualBox (Windows, macOS, or Linux host)
• Devuan 5 “Daedalus” ISO (choose the desktop/live or installer ISO)

Step 1: Download Devuan 5 “Daedalus” ISO

Go to the Devuan Downloads page and grab the ISO for “Daedalus.” For a desktop experience, choose the desktop/live ISO. If you want a minimal system, pick the netinstall ISO.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name: Enter Devuan 5 (the name sets the rest automatically).
3. Type: Set to Linux.
4. Version: Choose Debian (64-bit).

Step 3: Allocate Resources

• Memory: Minimum 1024 MB (2 GB recommended for desktop).
• Hard Disk: Select “Create a virtual hard disk now.”
  • VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
  • Dynamically allocated
  • Size: At least 8 GB (more for daily use)

Step 4: Mount the Devuan ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disc, then click the disc icon on the right and select Choose a disk file…
4. Find and select your downloaded Devuan ISO.
5. Click OK to close Settings.

Step 5: Boot and Install

1. Select your VM and click Start.
2. The VM boots from the ISO. Select Install (or Graphical Install for the GUI).
3. Follow the prompts:
   • Language, Location, Keyboard: Pick your preferences.
   • Hostname/Domain: Accept defaults or set your own.
   • User Accounts: Set root password and create a normal user.
   • Partitioning: “Guided – use entire disk” is easiest for new users.
   • Software Selection: Choose Xfce, Cinnamon, or another environment if prompted.
   • GRUB Boot Loader: Install to your virtual hard disk (usually /dev/sda).

Step 6: Finish and Boot Into Devuan

• When the install finishes, remove the ISO:
  • Go to Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive in the running VM, or do this from Settings if the VM is off.
• Reboot the VM.

You should now see the Devuan 5 login screen.

Final Touches

• Install Guest Additions: For better graphics and integration, insert the Guest Additions CD (from the Devices menu) and follow the install steps inside your Devuan VM.
• Update your system: Open a terminal and run:
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
• Need more space on your VM?
  If you ever need to increase your virtual machine’s disk size, check out this detailed guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

That’s It

You’ve got Devuan 5 “Daedalus” up and running in VirtualBox. Enjoy your systemd-free Linux VM for development, testing, or just exploring something new.

If you run into issues, check out the Devuan Documentation or drop a comment below!

Have questions or tips for other users? Share them in the comments!

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!