How to Install latest AlmaLinux on VirtualBox

If you’re looking for a reliable, free, RHEL-compatible Linux distribution, AlmaLinux is a solid choice. Running it on VirtualBox is a great way to test it out or develop in a controlled environment without affecting your main OS. Here’s how to install the latest version of AlmaLinux on VirtualBox.

What You Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• VirtualBox installed (latest version recommended)
• AlmaLinux ISO file (download it from almalinux.org)
• At least 20 GB of free disk space
• At least 2 GB RAM allocated for the virtual machine

Step 1: Download AlmaLinux ISO

Go to the official AlmaLinux downloads page and download the latest stable ISO. Choose the appropriate version (typically the x86_64 architecture).

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., “AlmaLinux”) and set:
   • Type: Linux
   • Version: Red Hat (64-bit)
3. Assign at least 2048 MB (2 GB) RAM.
4. Choose Create a virtual hard disk now → VDI → Dynamically allocated.
5. Set disk size to 20 GB or more, then click Create.

Step 3: Configure the VM Settings

1. Select your VM and click Settings.
2. Under System → Processor, allocate 2 CPUs (optional but helps performance).
3. Go to Storage → click the empty optical drive → click the disk icon → Choose a disk file.
4. Select the AlmaLinux ISO you downloaded.

Step 4: Boot and Install AlmaLinux

1. Start the VM.
2. Choose Install AlmaLinux from the boot menu.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts:
   • Language: Pick your preferred language.
   • Installation Destination: Select the default disk and click “Done.”
   • Network & Host Name: Enable networking if needed.
   • Set root password and optionally create a user.
4. Click Begin Installation and wait for it to finish.

Once done, click Reboot. Remove the ISO when prompted so it boots from the installed system.

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup

After reboot:

• Log in with the user or root credentials.
• Run updates: sudo dnf update -y
• Install Guest Additions (optional, for better resolution and shared folders).

To do that:

1. From VirtualBox menu: Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
2. Mount the CD if not auto-mounted: sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
3. Run the installer: sudo /mnt/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
4. Reboot the VM.

Done

You now have a fully working AlmaLinux virtual machine running inside VirtualBox. Perfect for testing, development, or just getting familiar with a stable RHEL-compatible system.