How to install Windows 10 on a VirtualBox Virtual Machine

Want to run Windows 10 without messing up your main system? VirtualBox makes it easy and free. Here’s how to get started, plus a couple of useful tips for making your virtual machine work even better.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox (Download here)
• Windows 10 ISO file (Official Microsoft link or Direct MEGA link if you need it fast)
• At least 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)
• At least 25GB of free disk space

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

1. Download the latest VirtualBox version for your OS.
2. Open the installer and follow the prompts.
3. Launch VirtualBox when you’re done.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Click New in the toolbar.
2. Name your VM (like “Windows 10”).
3. Set “Type” to Microsoft Windows and “Version” to Windows 10 (64-bit).
4. Click Next.

Step 3: Assign Memory (RAM)

• Use at least 4096 MB (4GB), more if you can.
• Click Next.

Step 4: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
2. Pick VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click Next.
3. Choose Dynamically allocated.
4. Set at least 25GB for the disk size (more is better).
5. Click Create.

Step 5: Load the Windows 10 ISO

1. Highlight your new VM, click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under “Controller: IDE,” select the empty disc icon.
4. On the right, click the disc icon next to “Optical Drive” and pick Choose a disk file….
5. Select your Windows 10 ISO (Microsoft or MEGA direct link).
6. Click OK.

Step 6: Start the Virtual Machine

1. Click Start.
2. The VM will boot from the ISO. Follow the installation prompts:
   • Choose your language/region.
   • Click Install Now.
   • Enter a product key or skip.
   • Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
   • Select the unallocated space and click Next.
3. Let Windows install and reboot as needed.

Step 7: Complete Setup

1. Finish setting up Windows 10 (user, privacy, etc.).
2. Once at the desktop, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image from the VirtualBox menu. Run the installer in the VM for better graphics, full screen, and more.

Bonus Tips

• Make VirtualBox Full Screen: Want Windows 10, macOS, or Linux VMs to take up your whole display? Follow this guide to make VirtualBox full screen.
• Enlarge Your VM’s Disk: Running out of space? Learn how to enlarge a VirtualBox or VMware virtual machine disk.

That’s It!

Now you’ve got Windows 10 running in a virtual machine—safe, easy, and no changes to your real system.

Got questions? Ran into trouble? Let me know in the comments!

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!