How to Install Ubuntu 21.04 on VirtualBox

Installing Ubuntu 21.04 on VirtualBox is a great way to try out Linux without messing with your main operating system. Whether you’re testing software, learning Linux, or just curious, VirtualBox makes it easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you up and running.

What You Need

• VirtualBox installed on your machine (download from virtualbox.org)
• Ubuntu 21.04 ISO file (download from ubuntu.com)
• At least 8GB of free disk space
• At least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended)

Step 1: Set Up a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click “New”.
2. Name it something like Ubuntu 21.04.
3. Set Type to Linux, and Version to Ubuntu (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

Step 2: Allocate Memory (RAM)

• Choose how much RAM to assign. 2048 MB (2GB) is the minimum. If you have more RAM available, go for 4096 MB (4GB) for better performance.
• Click Next.

Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Select “Create a virtual hard disk now”, then click Create.
2. Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
3. Select Dynamically allocated (uses space as needed).
4. Set the disk size — 20GB or more is recommended.
5. Click Create.

💡 If you ever need more space later, here’s a guide on how to enlarge a virtual machine’s disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 4: Mount the Ubuntu ISO

1. Go to the Settings of your new VM.
2. Click Storage, then under “Controller: IDE”, click the empty disk icon.
3. On the right, click the disk icon next to “Optical Drive” and choose “Choose a disk file…”.
4. Select the Ubuntu 21.04 ISO you downloaded.
5. Click OK.

Step 5: Start the VM and Install Ubuntu

1. Click Start.
2. The VM will boot from the ISO. Choose “Install Ubuntu”.
3. Follow the prompts:
   • Select language and keyboard layout.
   • Choose “Normal installation”.
   • For updates and third-party software, check both boxes (recommended).
   • Choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” — don’t worry, it only affects the virtual disk.
   • Click Install Now and confirm.
4. Set your time zone.
5. Create your user account (name, username, password).

Installation takes a few minutes. Once done, restart the VM, and you’re good to go.

Final Steps: Install Guest Additions (Optional but Recommended)

Guest Additions improve performance, enable screen resizing, and shared clipboard.

1. With the VM running, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions inside Ubuntu.
3. Reboot the VM when done.

That’s It!

You’ve successfully installed Ubuntu 21.04 in VirtualBox. Now you can explore the OS, run commands, test apps, or just learn more about Linux.

Got stuck somewhere or want to try more advanced setups? Drop a comment below or check out our other Linux tutorials.