Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) on VirtualBox

Looking to test drive Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) without risking your current setup? VirtualBox is a free, powerful tool that lets you run Ubuntu inside your existing operating system. Whether you’re a developer, student, or just curious, here’s how to get Ubuntu 24.04 up and running on VirtualBox in less than 30 minutes.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox (free, works on Windows, macOS, and Linux)
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO (official download link)
• At least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
• Around 25GB free disk space

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

1. Go to the VirtualBox download page.
2. Download the installer for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts. The default settings work fine for most users.

Step 2: Get the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO

1. Head straight to the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO official download page.
2. Download the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) ISO file.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click “New.”
2. Name your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu 24.04”).
3. Set Type to “Linux” and Version to “Ubuntu (64-bit).”
4. Assign memory (RAM). 4096 MB (4GB) is the minimum; 8192 MB (8GB) is better if you have the resources.
5. Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click Create.
6. Select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” and click Next.
7. Choose “Dynamically allocated.”
8. Set the disk size to at least 25 GB (more if you can spare it).

If you need to increase your virtual machine’s disk size later, follow this guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 4: Attach the Ubuntu ISO

1. Select your VM and click Settings.
2. Go to Storage. Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon.
3. On the right, click the disk icon next to “Optical Drive,” then Choose a disk file.
4. Browse to the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO you downloaded and select it.
5. Click OK.

Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine and Install Ubuntu

1. Select your VM and click Start.
2. The VM will boot from the Ubuntu ISO. Choose “Try or Install Ubuntu.”
3. Select your language and click Install Ubuntu.
4. Follow the prompts:
   • Keyboard layout: Choose yours.
   • Updates and other software: Normal installation is fine for most.
   • Installation type: “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” (this only affects the virtual disk, not your real hard drive).
   • Time zone: Set yours.
   • Create a username and password.
5. Click Install Now. Confirm any warnings.
6. When installation finishes, click Restart Now. If prompted, remove the ISO by clicking “Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive” in the VirtualBox menu.

Step 6: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Recommended)

This step improves performance and enables features like copy-paste and resizing the VM window.

1. With Ubuntu running, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image in the VirtualBox menu.
2. If prompted, run the installer. If not:
   • Open a terminal and run:
     sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
sudo sh /media/$USER/VBox_GAs_*/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
3. Reboot your VM.

Want to make Ubuntu full screen for a smoother experience? Here’s a guide: How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Done!

You now have Ubuntu 24.04 LTS running in VirtualBox. Play around, test software, develop, or just explore.

Tips:

• Take snapshots in VirtualBox before making big changes.
• Adjust VM settings (RAM, CPUs, display) for better performance.
• Use “Shared Folders” in settings to easily transfer files between your host and Ubuntu VM.

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

Ready to explore Ubuntu 24.04 LTS? Fire up your VirtualBox and get started!

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!