How to Install Ubuntu 23.04 on VirtualBox on Windows 10 & 11

Want to try Ubuntu 23.04 without changing your current Windows setup? VirtualBox makes it simple. Here’s a direct guide to get Ubuntu 23.04 running on your Windows 10 or 11 PC in less than an hour.

What You’ll Need

• Windows 10 or 11 PC
• VirtualBox (free from virtualbox.org)
• Ubuntu 23.04 (Lunar Lobster) ISO – Download here (Mega link)
  (Official Ubuntu ISOs are also available at ubuntu.com/download/desktop)

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

1. Go to virtualbox.org.
2. Click Download VirtualBox.
3. Choose the Windows hosts option.
4. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.
5. (Optional but recommended) Download and install the VirtualBox Extension Pack for extra features.

Step 2: Download Ubuntu 23.04 ISO

• Ubuntu 23.04 (Lunar Lobster) ISO Download (via Mega.nz)
• Or use the official Ubuntu site

Save the ISO file to your computer. It’ll be a few gigabytes.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu 23.04”).
3. Set Type to Linux and Version to Ubuntu (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

Memory Size

• Assign at least 4096 MB (4 GB) of RAM. More is better if you have it.

Hard Disk

• Choose Create a virtual hard disk now.
• VDI is fine for most users.
• Set at least 25 GB for storage. Dynamic allocation is okay.

Step 4: Attach the Ubuntu ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings.
2. Go to the Storage tab.
3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon.
4. On the right, click the disk icon again and Choose a disk file.
5. Browse and select your Ubuntu 23.04 ISO.

Step 5: Adjust a Few Settings (Recommended)

• System > Processor: Give the VM at least 2 CPUs for smoother performance.
• Display > Video Memory: Increase to 128 MB.
• Network: Leave as NAT for internet access.

Step 6: Start the VM and Install Ubuntu

1. Click Start.
2. The VM should boot to the Ubuntu installer.
3. Select your language and click Install Ubuntu.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   • Choose Normal installation.
   • Allow updates and third-party software if you like.
   • Erase disk and install Ubuntu (only affects the virtual disk, not your real PC).
   • Set up your username and password.
5. After installation, Restart when prompted. If it asks you to remove the installation medium, just close the message or unmount the ISO (Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive).

Step 7: Make Ubuntu Full Screen (Recommended)

Want Ubuntu to use your whole display? Here’s a quick guide:
➡️ How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox

Step 8: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Optional, But Recommended)

This improves performance and enables features like clipboard sharing and screen resizing.

1. With the VM running, click Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.
2. Open the CD in Ubuntu (it should auto-mount).
3. Double-click VBox_GAs…run or open a Terminal and type:
   sudo sh /media/<your username>/VBox_GAs*/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
4. Restart the VM after installation.

Bonus: Need More Space Later?

If you need to increase your Ubuntu VM’s disk size:
➡️ How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

That’s It!

You now have Ubuntu 23.04 running in VirtualBox on your Windows PC. Try out Linux, install apps, and explore—no need to mess with your main Windows setup.

Tips:

• You can always adjust settings (RAM, CPUs, etc.) by shutting down the VM and going to Settings in VirtualBox.
• Create snapshots in VirtualBox before making big changes, so you can easily roll back if needed.

Questions or need more tutorials? Drop a comment below!

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!