Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.3 installation in VirtualBox

Setting up Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9.3 in VirtualBox is a smart way to test, develop, or just get familiar with the latest from Red Hat without needing dedicated hardware. If you’re new to virtual machines or RHEL, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through each step clearly and quickly.

What You’ll Need

• Oracle VirtualBox installed (free, download here)
• RHEL 9.3 ISO image (direct download here)
• At least 2 GB RAM and 20 GB disk space free

Step 1: Download RHEL 9.3 ISO

You can download the RHEL 9.3 ISO directly from this link. Make sure to save it somewhere easy to find.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox, click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., “RHEL 9.3”), set Type to Linux, Version to Red Hat (64-bit).
3. Allocate memory—at least 2048 MB (2 GB), but more is better if your system allows.
4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk (VDI), minimum 20 GB (dynamically allocated is fine).

Need to resize your VM’s disk later?
Check this quick guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 3: Attach the RHEL ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon, then on the right, click the disk icon again and choose Choose a disk file…
4. Select your downloaded RHEL 9.3 ISO.

Step 4: Start the VM and Begin Installation

1. With the ISO attached, select your VM and click Start.
2. The VM will boot from the ISO. You’ll see the Red Hat installer menu—select Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.3 and press Enter.

Step 5: Go Through the Installer

The installer is graphical and straightforward. Here are the main things to check:

• Language: Choose your preferred language and click Continue.
• Installation Destination: Select the default disk and let the installer auto-partition unless you need something custom.
• Network & Host Name: Turn on your network connection if needed (you can set up the hostname here, but it’s optional).
• Software Selection: Choose “Server with GUI” if you want a graphical interface.

Step 6: Set Root Password and Create User

You’ll need to set a root password and (recommended) create a regular user account. Don’t forget your passwords.

Step 7: Start Installation

Click Begin Installation and wait. It’ll take a few minutes. When finished, reboot the VM. Remember to remove the ISO from the virtual drive to boot from disk.

Step 8: First Boot and Registration

On first boot, you’ll go through initial setup steps—accept license, register the system (you’ll need your Red Hat account), and finalize settings.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Screen too small? Install VirtualBox Guest Additions for better display and integration.
• Slow performance? Allocate more RAM or CPU in VM settings.
• No network? Check VirtualBox network adapter settings—NAT usually works out of the box.
• Need to expand your VM’s disk after install? Here’s how.

That’s it! You’re now running RHEL 9.3 in VirtualBox. Use this setup to explore, test, or develop without risk. Got questions or want more Linux tutorials? Leave a comment 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!