Install Windows 10 in VirtualBox by Bas Wijdenes

Setting up Windows in VirtualBox.

I started looking at this blog post again and its content is still relevant.

In this tutorial I explain how to install Windows 10 or earlier versions in VirtualBox. VirtualBox is a virtualization tool to run virtual machines from Windows to another OS on your local Device.

For more about VirtualBox please go to their website.


Install Windows in VirtualBox preparation.

First we’ll have to download VirtualBox.
click here for a direct download, or go to their website to download VirtualBox manually: Download

Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a Windows 10 ISO.

The system requirements for Windows 10 are:

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
  • Free hard disk space: 16 GB
  • Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
  • A Microsoft account and Internet access

Let’s install VirtualBox.

For if you don’t know the steps how to install VirtualBox I’ve made a seperate blog you can find here.


Configuring VirtualBox for Windows 10.

Now that virtualbox is installed, we can start configuring the virtual machine.

My screenshots are unfortunately in Dutch, but the principle is the same.

Click New in the upper-left corner.

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

Enter the desired name. For me that is Windows 10. If you are going to create multiple Virtual machines, you can use Windows 10 – Development for example.

Keep as version Other Windows (64-bit)
Click Next

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

The required memory for Windows 10 is at least 2024MB. Make sure you use 2024MB or more. 2024MB = 2GB

Click Next

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

The recommended size is 20GB. Windows 10 requires at least 16GB.
Create a new Virtual Hard Disk
Click Create

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

leave the default setting or use VHD.
Click Next

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

The difference between these 2 institutions is that Dynamic can expand itself. Allocated is a fixed size. Choose the one that suits you best.

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

Choose a location for your Virtual Hard Disk and choose the size. Again, the default is 20GB.
Click Create

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows.

We have completed the configuration of the virtual machine. We can now start installing Windows in VirtualBox.

Configure a virtual machine for Windows
Configure a virtual machine for Windows

Install Windows in VirtualBox

The ISO I downloaded is a beta version which was only in English. Since then I have updated the tutorial, but not the screenshots.

Change the settings as desired. I kept everything on the standard settings.
Click Next

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

Click Install now

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

Check I accept the license terms and click Next

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

We are installing a new windows so click the option Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

Select the Unallocated Space drive if there are more.
Click Next

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox

Click OK

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

Sit back and relax. Windows will be installed.
Click Restart now to speed it up.

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

After the restart, Windows 10 will configure itself. That can take a while.

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

Click Use express settings or Customize.
I clicked Use express settings.

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

Create an account and click Finish.

Install Windows in VirtualBox
Install Windows in VirtualBox.

That is it. You should now be able to start Windows in VirtualBox. Success with it!

If you encounter erroneous steps, can you comment this below?

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Bas Wijdenes

My name is Bas Wijdenes and I work as a PowerShell DevOps Engineer. In my spare time I write about interesting stuff that I encounter during my work.

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