Install Debian 13 Trixie on VirtualBox

🔧 What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox installed on your system. Download here
• Debian 13 ISO file – Download Debian 13.0.0 (netinst ISO)
• At least 4GB RAM, 20GB disk space, and a bit of patience.

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name it something like Debian 13 Trixie.
3. Set:
   • Type: Linux
   • Version: Debian (64-bit)
4. Click Next.

Step 2: Assign Memory (RAM)

• Allocate 4096 MB (4GB) for a smoother experience.
• You can go lower, but don’t go below 2048 MB unless you’re desperate.

Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Choose Create a virtual hard disk now.
2. Type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
3. Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically allocated
4. Size: 20 GB minimum, more if you plan to install a desktop environment or develop.

Step 4: Mount the Debian 13 ISO

1. Select your new VM and hit Settings.
2. Go to Storage → click on Empty under the Controller: IDE.
3. Click the CD icon on the right → Choose a disk file.
4. Select the Debian 13 ISO you downloaded.
5. Hit OK.

Step 5: Start the Installation

1. Click Start to boot from the ISO.
2. On the boot screen, select Graphical Install.

Step 6: Go Through the Installer

Debian’s installer is reliable and straightforward. Here’s the flow:

a) Language, Location, and Keyboard

• Choose your preferred language, region, and keyboard layout.

b) Network Configuration

• If using DHCP, it’ll auto-detect. Otherwise, set your IP manually.

c) Set Hostname and Domain

• Hostname: something like debian-trixie
• Leave domain blank unless you know what you’re doing.

d) Users and Passwords

• Set a root password (or skip to disable root and use sudo)
• Create a regular user and password

e) Partition Disks

• Choose Guided – use entire disk
• Pick the default partitioning scheme (all files in one partition)

f) Install Base System

• Let it run. Grab a coffee.

g) Package Selection

• Choose a desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, Xfce, etc.) or stick with standard system utilities if you prefer minimal setup.
• I recommend Xfce or GNOME for beginners.

h) Install GRUB Bootloader

• Select Yes to install GRUB
• Install to /dev/sda (or whatever disk is listed)

Step 7: Reboot and Use Debian 13

After installation finishes, remove the ISO (VirtualBox usually does this automatically) and reboot into your new Debian system.

Welcome to Debian 13 Trixie!

🛠️ Optional Tweaks

Once you’re in:

• Update your system:
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
• Install Guest Additions:
  In the VirtualBox menu:
  Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD → Follow prompts in Debian.
• Enable shared clipboard:
  Settings → General → Advanced → Set both to Bidirectional
• Go full screen: Watch this quick video on how to make VirtualBox full screen for Windows, macOS, and Linux VMs
• Need more disk space later? Here’s a video on how to enlarge a Virtual Machine’s disk in VirtualBox or VMware

✅ Final Thoughts

Running Debian 13 in VirtualBox is a great way to explore or test without making any permanent changes to your system. Whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or just curious — Trixie offers the classic Debian stability with updated packages.

Got stuck anywhere? Drop your question in the comments and I’ll help 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!