How to Install macOS Big Sur in VirtualBox Windows Step 1 – Creating a Virtual Machine To begin, we need to install VirtualBox Windows. If you have done already, this article will walk you through the full process. Once VirtualBox is up and running, we want to ensure that you have your command file and Big Sur ISO file handy. Installing Oracle VirtualBox on a Mac Requirement: A Mac desktop or.laptop running OSX, At least 32GB of free drive space (either internal or external). Root access, Windows 10 ISO from uconn.onthehub.com or Microsoft DreamSpark. Step 3.Click Continue to proceed through the installer. Click Install.If asked, type the password for your Mac and then click Install Software.However, If you want to change where and how the VirtualBox application installs, click Change Install Location.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is a free virtualization program that allows you to run any OS on your computer by downloading a virtual machine. Try MacOS on your Windows PC, or install Windows apps on your Mac PC.
Try a virtual machine with VirtualBox
It is free to use, has an outstanding performance, excellent quality on the virtual machine, and the downloading process is really easy.
Virtualization is very different from emulators. VirtualBox runs on your computer as a guest, so it thinks it is the host, but in reality, the code is not allowed to make any changes on the host, your PC.
This program is very helpful for small businesses or personal use. Download any app or software through VirtualBox, see how it runs on there, and then decide if you want it on your computer or not. If you're in need of a specific app, but your software doesn't support it, use VirtualBox to simulate a PC on your computer.
VirtualBox runs on every OS. You can install it on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Solaris. Its broad compatibility makes it perfect for everyone, one of the best features of this program.
The downloading is pretty easy, press the download button, install it, and create your virtual machine with any software you want. No need to struggle with the long installation process, this one is short and easy.
VirtualBox is a great program where you can try different operating systems on your computer and for free.
Is there a better alternative?
No. It is often compared with VMware Workstation, but it doesn't have the quality that VirtualBox offers, and also the downloading process is a lot simpler. With its free service and great performance, nothing beats it.
Where can you run this program?
VirtualBox can run on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Solaris, and a lot more. It is basically available to any computer on the market.
Our take
VirtualBox is the best free virtualization app out there. You run your favorite OS on your computer, download any app, and try new things without making permanent changes.
Should you download it?
Yes. This is very useful for those who want a specific app, but their OS doesn't support it. In this virtual machine you can run any app or program.
Highs
- Easy to use
- Intuitive interface
- Broad compatibility
- Free download
Lows
- Difficult to get support
- Sometimes unstable
- Some features are a bit more difficult to get working
VirtualBoxfor Mac
5.2.16
If you're a Mac user, there's no need to sell your Mac and get a Windows computer. You can use VirtualBox, Parallels or VMWare (links lead to academic versions) to run Windows on your Mac. This tutorial was written for VirtualBox, since it's free and you don't have to reboot your computer to access Windows (this is why I don't recommend Bootcamp, since you lose access to your Mac files and software).
Before you do anything else, make sure your Mac is updated to the latest version of OS X your computer supports, and verify it has 8GB or more of RAM.
1) Download Windows 10
You can now download an ISO of the installation disk directly from Microsoft. Most likely, you need the 64-bit version. The file you download will be over 3GB, so get this started and move on!
2) Purchase a Windows License
You will need to purchase a Windows 10 Home (64-bit) license, which is available new on Amazon (search for 'Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit OEM') or a second-hand license available on eBay. What you really need is the activation key, since DVD drives are very uncommon these days.
Please note that you can install Windows without a license key, but you'll get a nasty reminder if you don't activate after a few weeks.
3) Download and Install VirtualBox
Save the DMG to a location on your computer where you will be able to find it (Downloads, Desktop, etc.). If you are on a Mac, you need the version for 'OS X hosts.' VirtualBox must be installed before it can be used. When you mount the DMG, you must then run the VirtualBox installer, which will place VirtualBox into your Applications folder.
4) Create your Virtual Machine (VM)
- When you run VirtualBox for the first time, there will be no virtual machines (VMs) installed.
- Click New in the toolbar, which will launch the New Virtual Machine Wizard.
- Give your VM a name such as 'Windows 10'.
- Select 'Windows' as the operating system, and 'Windows 10 (64 bit)' as the version.
- Go with the recommended memory (2048 MB, or 2 GB).
- Leave the default 'Create a virtual hard disk now' selected.
- Choose 'Create.'
- Next you must configure the hard disk for your VM to use. The default settings should be fine (the drive is dynamic, so will only use the least amount of space on your host computer). Choose 'Create.'
- You will now be taken back to the Virtual Machine Manager, which will no longer be empty. You should see the VM you created, and it should be 'Powered Off'. Your VM is a computer within a computer, which means it must be started and shut down like a normal computer (it also means it can get viruses so be careful).
5) Install Windows
- Select the new VM you created and choose Settings (gear icon).
- Scroll down to the 'Storage' section
- Select '[Optical Drive] Empty' and choose 'Choose/Create a disk image…' A dialog will open.
- Choose 'Add,' select the ISO you download earlier, and select 'Choose'
- Click the green 'Start' arrow to start your VM.
You may see a warning that 'Auto capture keyboard' is turned on. What is important to note on this screen is the host key, which is set to Left Command key. Use this key to 'release' the mouse and keyboard from the VM to switch back to your Mac. You will need to do this if your mouse and keyboard appear to be 'stuck' in the VM, meaning you can't move the mouse out of the VM. Normally after Windows installed, you can simply move your mouse out of the VM window and it will be back on your Mac side. - Your VM should start for the first time. It will boot like a normal computer, but in a window on your Mac. You may get the Virtual Machine host key warning again, select 'Do not show this message again' and then 'Capture'. You must remember your host key, which defaults to the left Command key.
- Now you're in the Windows installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, the default settings should be fine. One screen that is a little confusing is the 'Upgrade' or 'Custom' installation. Since this is a new VM, there is nothing to upgrade, so Custom would be the most logical choice.
Your VM may reboot a few times as Windows in installed, but most of your time will be spent watching your screen, so this would be a good time to get up and walk around.
6) Configure a Shared Folder
Before you can actually use your new VM, you will need to enable a shared folder. This folder is used to access files on your Mac from your VM. If you don't have a shared folder, then your VM will be landlocked, meaning you won't be able to get files on or off (you could theoretically use a USB key). To configure a shared folder, your VM must be powered off.
Lows
- Difficult to get support
- Sometimes unstable
- Some features are a bit more difficult to get working
VirtualBoxfor Mac
5.2.16
If you're a Mac user, there's no need to sell your Mac and get a Windows computer. You can use VirtualBox, Parallels or VMWare (links lead to academic versions) to run Windows on your Mac. This tutorial was written for VirtualBox, since it's free and you don't have to reboot your computer to access Windows (this is why I don't recommend Bootcamp, since you lose access to your Mac files and software).
Before you do anything else, make sure your Mac is updated to the latest version of OS X your computer supports, and verify it has 8GB or more of RAM.
1) Download Windows 10
You can now download an ISO of the installation disk directly from Microsoft. Most likely, you need the 64-bit version. The file you download will be over 3GB, so get this started and move on!
2) Purchase a Windows License
You will need to purchase a Windows 10 Home (64-bit) license, which is available new on Amazon (search for 'Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit OEM') or a second-hand license available on eBay. What you really need is the activation key, since DVD drives are very uncommon these days.
Please note that you can install Windows without a license key, but you'll get a nasty reminder if you don't activate after a few weeks.
3) Download and Install VirtualBox
Save the DMG to a location on your computer where you will be able to find it (Downloads, Desktop, etc.). If you are on a Mac, you need the version for 'OS X hosts.' VirtualBox must be installed before it can be used. When you mount the DMG, you must then run the VirtualBox installer, which will place VirtualBox into your Applications folder.
4) Create your Virtual Machine (VM)
- When you run VirtualBox for the first time, there will be no virtual machines (VMs) installed.
- Click New in the toolbar, which will launch the New Virtual Machine Wizard.
- Give your VM a name such as 'Windows 10'.
- Select 'Windows' as the operating system, and 'Windows 10 (64 bit)' as the version.
- Go with the recommended memory (2048 MB, or 2 GB).
- Leave the default 'Create a virtual hard disk now' selected.
- Choose 'Create.'
- Next you must configure the hard disk for your VM to use. The default settings should be fine (the drive is dynamic, so will only use the least amount of space on your host computer). Choose 'Create.'
- You will now be taken back to the Virtual Machine Manager, which will no longer be empty. You should see the VM you created, and it should be 'Powered Off'. Your VM is a computer within a computer, which means it must be started and shut down like a normal computer (it also means it can get viruses so be careful).
5) Install Windows
- Select the new VM you created and choose Settings (gear icon).
- Scroll down to the 'Storage' section
- Select '[Optical Drive] Empty' and choose 'Choose/Create a disk image…' A dialog will open.
- Choose 'Add,' select the ISO you download earlier, and select 'Choose'
- Click the green 'Start' arrow to start your VM.
You may see a warning that 'Auto capture keyboard' is turned on. What is important to note on this screen is the host key, which is set to Left Command key. Use this key to 'release' the mouse and keyboard from the VM to switch back to your Mac. You will need to do this if your mouse and keyboard appear to be 'stuck' in the VM, meaning you can't move the mouse out of the VM. Normally after Windows installed, you can simply move your mouse out of the VM window and it will be back on your Mac side. - Your VM should start for the first time. It will boot like a normal computer, but in a window on your Mac. You may get the Virtual Machine host key warning again, select 'Do not show this message again' and then 'Capture'. You must remember your host key, which defaults to the left Command key.
- Now you're in the Windows installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, the default settings should be fine. One screen that is a little confusing is the 'Upgrade' or 'Custom' installation. Since this is a new VM, there is nothing to upgrade, so Custom would be the most logical choice.
Your VM may reboot a few times as Windows in installed, but most of your time will be spent watching your screen, so this would be a good time to get up and walk around.
6) Configure a Shared Folder
Before you can actually use your new VM, you will need to enable a shared folder. This folder is used to access files on your Mac from your VM. If you don't have a shared folder, then your VM will be landlocked, meaning you won't be able to get files on or off (you could theoretically use a USB key). To configure a shared folder, your VM must be powered off.
- In your VM configuration window, scroll down to the Shared Folders section. Clicking this heading will open the shared folders Window.
- Click the 'Add a new shared folder definition' button to add a share.
- Click the down arrow in the folder path box and select 'Other…'. Navigate to a folder on your Mac, such as your Desktop or your Documents folder. Once you have chosen your folder, click 'Choose'.
- The folder name will automatically populate the 'Folder Name' box, but you can change it should you wish. Make sure 'Read-only' is not checked, and that 'Auto-mount' is checked.
7) Guest Additions
Start up your VM, when it is finished booting and you have added a user account, your final step is to install some software that VirtualBox will use to make using your VM perform a little better. From the 'Devices' menu, select 'Install Guest Additions'.
8) Use your VM!
You have now successfully installed VirtualBox and Windows. You may now install other software that you will need for courses. If you attached a USB key (or insert a CD or DVD into your computer), you may use it in your VM. You can also install software you download from the internet. Usually installation software ends with the extension .exe. These files can safely be downloaded on your Mac to be used in your VM. Your Mac will ignore them since .exe files are not compatible.
You will need to have Office on either your Mac or PC. Some software may require Office to be installed on Windows.
If you have any questions, please refer to the VirtualBox user manual.
Virtualbox On Mac
If you need assistance installing VirtualBox, please reach out to Prof. Troyer.
Install Virtualbox On Windows 10
If you need help using Windows, the Help Desk may be able to assist.
