How to Install Ubuntu 23.10 Mantic Minotaur on VirtualBox

If you want to test-drive Ubuntu 23.10 “Mantic Minotaur” without changing your main operating system, running it inside VirtualBox is a great option. This guide walks you through the process — no guesswork, just clear steps.

What You Need

• VirtualBox installed (Download VirtualBox)
• Ubuntu 23.10 ISO (Direct Mega.nz Link)
• At least 20 GB free disk space and 4 GB RAM recommended

1. Download Ubuntu 23.10 ISO

Grab the ISO image for Ubuntu 23.10. You can use the direct Mega.nz download link here if you prefer a fast mirror.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Give your VM a name, e.g., “Ubuntu 23.10”.
3. Set Type to Linux and Version to Ubuntu (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

3. Assign RAM

• Slide to at least 4096 MB (4 GB) for smooth performance. Minimum: 2 GB.

4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk

• Choose Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
• Pick VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
• Choose Dynamically allocated.
• Set disk size to 25 GB (or more if you plan to install a lot).

Tip: If you ever need to make your VM disk bigger after installation, check out this guide:
How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

5. Attach Ubuntu ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon.
4. On the right, click the disk icon and choose Choose a disk file.
5. Browse and select your Ubuntu 23.10 ISO.
6. Click OK.

6. Adjust a Few More Settings (Optional but Recommended)

• Under System > Processor, give the VM at least 2 CPUs.
• Under Display, set Video Memory to 128 MB.

7. Start the VM and Install Ubuntu

1. Select your VM and click Start.
2. The VM will boot from the ISO. Choose “Try or Install Ubuntu”.
3. Select “Install Ubuntu” when prompted.
4. Follow the on-screen steps:
   • Pick your language and keyboard layout.
   • Choose Normal installation.
   • Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu (this only erases the virtual disk).
   • Pick your timezone.
   • Enter your name, computer name, username, and password.
5. Click Install Now and confirm.
6. Wait for the installation to finish (about 10–20 minutes).

8. Finish and Reboot

• When prompted, remove the installation medium. In VirtualBox, just unmount the ISO:
  1. Go to Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive.
  2. Hit Enter in the VM to reboot.

Ubuntu should now boot into your new desktop!

9. (Optional) Make Ubuntu Full Screen in VirtualBox

For the best experience, you probably want Ubuntu to run full screen.
Follow this guide to get full screen working (including Guest Additions):
👉 How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Useful Links

• Ubuntu 23.10 Mantic Minotaur ISO (Mega.nz)
• How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware
• How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox (Windows 10/11)
• Download VirtualBox

You now have Ubuntu 23.10 Mantic Minotaur running inside VirtualBox. Play around, experiment, and if you break something, just delete the VM and start over.

If you have questions or need help, 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!