How to Install Latest Nobara Linux on Virtualbox

Nobara Linux is getting a lot of attention for its gaming and creator-friendly tweaks. If you want to give it a spin without changing your main system, installing Nobara on VirtualBox is a great choice. Here’s how you can get the latest version running quickly and pain-free.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox (installed on your Windows, macOS, or Linux machine)
• Nobara Linux ISO (download the latest from Nobara’s official site)
• At least 30 GB free disk space and 4 GB RAM for smooth performance

Step 1: Download Nobara Linux

1. Visit the Nobara downloads page.
2. Download the ISO for the edition you want (usually the “Official” or “GNOME” is a good start).
3. Save the file where you’ll find it.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox.
2. Click New.
3. Name it Nobara Linux (or whatever you prefer).
4. Set Type to “Linux” and Version to “Fedora (64-bit)” (Nobara is based on Fedora).
5. Click Next.

Step 3: Assign RAM and CPU

1. Memory size: Choose at least 4096 MB (4 GB), more if your system allows.
2. Processors: Under “System > Processor,” assign at least 2 CPUs for better performance.

Step 4: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Select “Create a virtual hard disk now.”
2. Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
3. Pick Dynamically allocated.
4. Set the disk size to 30 GB or more.
   If you ever need to increase your VM’s disk size later, check out this step-by-step guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.
5. Click Create.

Step 5: Mount the Nobara ISO

1. Select your new VM, then click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon, then click the disk icon next to “Optical Drive” and choose “Choose a disk file.”
4. Select your downloaded Nobara ISO.

Step 6: Start the Installation

1. With the ISO mounted, click Start on your VM.
2. The Nobara live environment will boot up. Choose “Install to Hard Drive” on the desktop.
3. Follow the installer prompts:
   • Choose your language and region.
   • For partitioning, select “Automatic” unless you know you want something custom.
   • Set your username and password.
   • Let the installer do its thing.
4. Once it says installation is complete, Reboot the VM.

Tip: Before rebooting, remove the ISO from the “Optical Drive” in the VM’s storage settings to avoid booting back into the installer.

Step 7: First Boot and Updates

1. Nobara should now boot from your virtual hard disk.
2. Log in with your username and password.
3. Open a terminal and run:
   sudo dnf update
   This gets you the latest patches and drivers.

Step 8: Install Guest Additions (Optional, Recommended)

For better display and seamless integration:

1. With your Nobara VM running, click Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image in the VirtualBox menu.
2. In the VM, open a terminal and run:
   sudo dnf install kernel-devel kernel-headers gcc make perl
3. Mount the Guest Additions CD and run the installer:
   sudo sh /run/media/$(whoami)/VBox_GAs_*/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
4. Reboot your VM.

Wrapping Up

That’s it! You now have Nobara Linux up and running in VirtualBox. Try out its features, test your apps, or use it for development—without touching your main OS.

Need more space for your VM? Here’s a full walkthrough: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Have questions or issues? Drop them in the comments below. Happy experimenting!

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!