How to Install Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS in VirtualBox

Want to try out Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS without messing with your main system? VirtualBox makes it easy. Here’s how you can get Ubuntu MATE up and running in a virtual machine in under an hour.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox (free, download here)
• Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS ISO (download + release notes)
• At least 20GB free disk space
• 4GB RAM (more is better)

1. Install VirtualBox

• Go to VirtualBox.org.
• Download and install the latest version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Download Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS

• Visit the official Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS ISO and release notes.
• Choose Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS (64-bit) and download the ISO file.

3. Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click “New”.
2. Name your VM something like “Ubuntu MATE 24.04”.
3. Set Type to Linux, and Version to Ubuntu (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

4. Assign RAM

• Choose at least 4096 MB (4GB) for smooth performance.
• Click Next.

5. Create a Virtual Hard Disk

• Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click Create.
• Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image). Click Next.
• Pick Dynamically allocated. Click Next.
• Set disk size to at least 20 GB. Click Create.

Tip: If you need more space later, check out How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

6. Mount the Ubuntu MATE ISO

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

7. Start the Virtual Machine

• Select the VM and click Start.
• The VM will boot from the ISO.
• Select “Try or Install Ubuntu MATE”.

8. Install Ubuntu MATE

1. Click Install Ubuntu MATE.
2. Choose your language, keyboard, and other options.
3. Follow the prompts:
   • Normal installation is recommended.
   • Erase disk and install Ubuntu MATE (this erases the virtual hard disk only, not your actual computer).
   • Set your username and password.
4. Click Install Now and confirm.
5. Wait for the installation to finish (about 10-20 minutes).
6. When prompted, restart the VM. Remove the ISO if asked (go to Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive).

9. Make Ubuntu MATE Full Screen

• Want Ubuntu MATE to run full screen? Check this easy guide: How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

10. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Optional but Recommended)

• After logging in, click Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image in the VirtualBox menu.
• Open the CD in Ubuntu MATE and run the script to install.
• This enables better screen resolution, shared folders, and clipboard integration.

That’s It!

You now have Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS running in VirtualBox. Play around, test apps, or just get familiar with Linux—no risk to your main system.

Questions? Drop them in the comments 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!