How to Install Latest Fedora Workstation in VirtualBox

Want to try Fedora Workstation without touching your main system? VirtualBox makes it easy. Here’s how to get Fedora up and running fast, step-by-step.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox (installed on your system)
• Fedora Workstation ISO (latest version from getfedora.org)

Step 1: Download Fedora Workstation

1. Go to getfedora.org.
2. Click Download Now under “Fedora Workstation”.
3. Save the ISO file to your computer.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., Fedora 40).
3. Set Type to “Linux” and Version to “Fedora (64-bit)”.
4. Click Next.

Step 3: Set Up Virtual Hardware

1. Memory (RAM): Allocate at least 2048 MB (2 GB). More is better if you can spare it.
2. Hard Disk:
   • Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now.”
   • Set the size to at least 20 GB (dynamically allocated is fine).

Step 4: Attach Fedora ISO

1. With your VM selected, click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under “Controller: IDE”, click the empty disk icon.
4. On the right, click the disk icon again and select “Choose a disk file…”.
5. Pick the Fedora ISO you downloaded.

Step 5: Boot and Install Fedora

1. Start the VM.
2. Fedora will boot from the ISO. Select Start Fedora Workstation Live.
3. Once the desktop loads, click Install to Hard Drive.
4. Follow the installer prompts:
   • Language: Pick your language and click “Continue”.
   • Installation Destination: Select the default virtual disk. Click “Done”.
   • User and Root Password: Set a root password and create a user if prompted.
   • Click Begin Installation.

Step 6: Finalize and Reboot

1. When installation finishes, click Quit.
2. Shut down the VM.
3. Go to Settings > Storage again and remove the Fedora ISO from the optical drive. This prevents the VM from booting into the installer again.

Step 7: Boot into Your New Fedora VM

1. Start the VM. It should boot straight into your new Fedora installation.
2. Complete any initial setup screens.
3. Enjoy Fedora!

Quick Tips

• You can install VirtualBox Guest Additions for better performance and screen resizing. With your Fedora VM running, click Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image and follow the prompts.
• Keep your system and VirtualBox updated for best compatibility.

Related: Need a Bigger Virtual Disk?

Running out of space? You can easily enlarge your virtual machine’s disk later—without reinstalling anything. Check out this step-by-step guide:
How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

Wrap Up

That’s it—Fedora Workstation is now running inside VirtualBox on your computer. Test, experiment, or just explore what Fedora has to offer, risk-free.

If you hit any issues, check Fedora’s documentation or leave a comment below.

Need a similar guide for another OS or platform? Let me know 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!