Install Debian 12 Bookworm on VirtualBox

Thinking about trying out Debian 12 (Bookworm) but don’t want to risk your main setup? VirtualBox makes it easy to run Debian in a virtual environment—perfect for testing, learning, or development. Here’s how to get Debian 12 Bookworm up and running on VirtualBox, no filler, no fluff.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox installed on your system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Debian 12 Bookworm ISO file. Grab the latest here.
• At least 2GB RAM and 20GB disk space for your virtual machine.

1. Download Debian 12 Bookworm ISO

Go to the official Debian download page and grab the “64-bit PC netinst iso” for Debian 12. Save it somewhere easy to find.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

1. Open VirtualBox and click “New.”
2. Name your VM (e.g., “Debian 12 Bookworm”).
3. Set Type to “Linux” and Version to “Debian (64-bit).”
4. Click “Next.”

3. Assign RAM and CPUs

• Allocate at least 2GB (2048 MB) of RAM. More is better if you can spare it.
• For better performance, increase the number of CPUs (System > Processor > 2 CPUs, if available).

4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk

• Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create.”
• Select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” and click “Next.”
• Choose “Dynamically allocated” (uses space as needed).
• Set at least 20GB for the disk size.

Want to increase your virtual machine’s disk size later? Check out this guide:
How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

5. Mount the Debian ISO

• Select your new VM and click “Settings.”
• Go to “Storage.”
• Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon, then the disk icon on the right, and “Choose a disk file…”
• Find and select your downloaded Debian 12 ISO.

6. Start the VM and Begin Installation

• Click “Start” to boot the VM.
• The Debian installer will appear. Select “Graphical install” (use arrow keys and Enter).

7. Follow the Debian Installation Steps

• Language, Location, and Keyboard: Choose your preferences.
• Configure Network: Set hostname, domain (optional).
• Users and Passwords: Set root password and create a user account.
• Partition Disks: “Guided – use entire disk” is easiest. Select your virtual disk.
• Package Selection: Standard system utilities and “Debian desktop environment” (if you want a GUI).
• Install the GRUB bootloader when prompted.

Installation will take a few minutes.

8. Finish Up and Boot Into Debian 12

• Once done, the installer will prompt you to restart.
• Before rebooting, remove the ISO from the virtual drive (Settings > Storage).
• Boot into your new Debian 12 Bookworm VM.

9. (Optional) Install Guest Additions

To enable better screen resizing, clipboard sharing, and other perks:

1. With your VM running, go to “Devices” > “Insert Guest Additions CD image…”
2. Open a terminal in Debian, run:
   sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
sudo sh /media/cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

Reboot the VM to apply changes.

Want your VM in full screen? Read:
How to make VirtualBox full screen for Windows, macOS, and Linux VMs

You’re Done!

You’ve now got Debian 12 Bookworm running in VirtualBox, ready for whatever you want to try. Experiment, code, break things—it’s a virtual machine, so you can always start fresh.

Questions or trouble? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you out.

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!