How to install latest CentOS with VirtualBox on Windows 11

Setting up CentOS on your Windows 11 machine with VirtualBox is a smart move if you want to experiment with Linux, test servers, or learn system administration. This guide walks you through every step—no fluff, just results.

What You Need

• Windows 11 PC
• VirtualBox (free virtual machine software)
• CentOS ISO file (latest version from the official site)
• At least 4 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space

Step 1: Download VirtualBox

1. Go to the VirtualBox download page.
2. Download the latest version for Windows.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 2: Get the CentOS ISO

1. Visit the official CentOS website.
2. Download the latest CentOS Stream ISO file (choose the “DVD ISO” for a full install).

Step 3: Set Up a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., “CentOS 9 Stream”).
3. Set Type to Linux, and Version to Red Hat (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

Step 4: Configure the VM

1. Memory size: Allocate at least 2048 MB (2 GB) RAM—more if you can spare it.
2. Hard disk: Choose Create a virtual hard disk now, then click Create.
3. Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image), then Dynamically allocated.
4. Set disk size to 20 GB (or more if you plan to install lots of software), then click Create.

Tip: Need more disk space later? Check out this guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

Step 5: Mount the CentOS ISO

1. Select your new VM, click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon.
4. On the right, click the disk icon and choose Choose a disk file…
5. Browse to your downloaded CentOS ISO and select it.
6. Click OK.

Step 6: Boot and Install CentOS

1. Select your VM and click Start.
2. The VM should boot from the CentOS ISO.
   If prompted, select Install CentOS Stream.
3. Follow the CentOS installer prompts:
   • Choose your language.
   • Select installation destination (accept default or customize).
   • Set root password and create a user.
4. Click Begin Installation and wait for it to finish.

Step 7: Finish Up

1. When installation is complete, click Reboot.
2. If prompted, remove the ISO from the virtual drive (Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive).
3. Log in with your new user credentials.

You’re Done!

You now have a fresh CentOS install running inside VirtualBox on Windows 11. Update your system, install any tools you want, and start exploring Linux—all without touching your main Windows setup.

Tips:

• To use the clipboard and drag files between Windows and CentOS, install VirtualBox Guest Additions.
• Snapshots let you save the VM’s state before making major changes—use them!
• If you ever need to increase your VM’s disk size, refer to this step-by-step guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Have questions or need help? Drop 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!