How to Install latest Parrot OS in VirtualBox

Parrot OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution focused on security, privacy, and development. Whether you’re into ethical hacking, digital forensics, or secure browsing, Parrot OS is a great choice. Running it inside VirtualBox lets you explore its features without touching your main system.

Here’s a complete, beginner-friendly guide to installing the latest Parrot OS in VirtualBox.

🛠 What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox installed on your system
• Parrot OS ISO (latest version) – Download here
• At least 2GB RAM and 20GB disk space (recommended)

🔽 Step 1: Download Parrot OS

Visit the Parrot OS download page and choose the edition you want:

• Home Edition – For general use and privacy
• Security Edition – For pentesting and development

Download the 64-bit ISO version unless you have specific reasons to use 32-bit.

📦 Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name it something like ParrotOS.
3. Set Type to Linux, and Version to Debian (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

⚙️ Step 3: Configure Resources

• Memory (RAM): Minimum 2048 MB (2GB); 4096 MB (4GB) recommended for Security Edition
• Hard Disk: Choose Create a virtual hard disk now
  • Type: VDI
  • Storage: Dynamically allocated
  • Size: 20GB or more

Click Create.

📁 Step 4: Mount the Parrot OS ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings → Storage.
2. Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon.
3. On the right, click the disk icon and choose Choose a disk file.
4. Select the Parrot OS ISO you downloaded.
5. Click OK.

🚀 Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine

Click Start to boot from the ISO.

You’ll see the Parrot OS boot menu. Choose:

• Install (for direct install), or
• Try/Install (to explore first, then install)

Follow the guided installation steps:

• Choose your language, region, and keyboard layout
• Set up partitions (use guided – entire disk if unsure)
• Create your username and password
• Wait for installation to complete, then reboot

🧹 Step 6: Eject ISO & Boot Into Parrot OS

Before rebooting:

1. Go to Devices → Optical Drives
2. Uncheck the mounted ISO file
3. Confirm and reboot

Your Parrot OS VM should now boot into the installed system.

🧰 Optional: Install Guest Additions

To improve performance (screen resolution, clipboard sharing, drag & drop):

1. In VirtualBox, go to Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD
2. Open the terminal in Parrot OS
3. Run:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)

sudo sh /media/cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

Reboot the VM when done.

✅ Final Thoughts

Installing Parrot OS in VirtualBox is a safe and flexible way to explore everything this powerful Linux distro has to offer. Whether you’re practicing ethical hacking or just want a secure environment, this setup has you covered.

Have questions or issues with your install? Drop a comment and I’ll help you out.