How to Install Pop OS in VirtualBox – 2025 Beginners Complete Guide

Pop!_OS has quickly become a favorite among developers, gamers, and Linux enthusiasts—but what if you’re not ready to installing it on your main system? Then use VirtualBox: a free, powerful tool that lets you test operating systems safely in virtual environment.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to install Pop OS in VirtualBox—no fluff, no confusion—just a clean walkthrough tailored for both beginners and curious explorers.

Why Choose Pop OS?

Before diving into installation, let’s answer the question: Why even bother with Pop OS?

Here are a few reasons:

• Developed by System76, it’s optimized for performance.
• Clean and intuitive GNOME-based desktop.
• Built-in support for NVIDIA and AMD graphics.
• Perfect for developers, creators, and gamers.
• Comes with Auto-Tiling, a dream for multitaskers.

And the best part? You can try it risk-free inside VirtualBox.

What You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need just a few things:

• VirtualBox (Download from virtualbox.org)
• Pop!_OS ISO File (Download from https://system76.com/pop)
• A PC with at least 4GB RAM (8GB+ recommended)
• At least 20GB of free storage

Step-by-Step Guide: Install Pop OS in VirtualBox

Let’s break it down into easy steps.

1. Install VirtualBox

If you haven’t already, download and install VirtualBox on your system. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pro Tip: Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack for added features like USB support.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine

• Open VirtualBox and click “New”
• Name it something like PopOS
• Folder: Choose where you want to save the virtual machine files.
• ISO Image: Choose the ISO file of Pop!_OS Linux from where you’ve downloaded it.
• Set the Type to Linux and Subtype to Ubuntu Version to Ubuntu (64-bit)
• Skip Unattended Installation: If this option is not disabled then check this option to skip the automatic installation.
• Now ignore the Unattended Installation Section and Click on Hardware.

Allocate Hardware Resources

• RAM: Assign at least 4GB RAM. If your system have more RAM, I Recommend to go for 8GB RAM for better performance.
• Processors: Set CPUs to 2 or more (depending on your hardware).
• Click on Hard Disk..

Create a Virtual Hard Disk

• Choose Create a virtual hard disk now
• Set disk size to at least 20 GB
• Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
• Keep Unchecked Pre-allocate Full Size option for saving physical disk space initially.
• Click “Finish”.

3. Configure VM Settings

Click on the VM you just created, then click Settings.

• Under Display:
  • Enable 3D Acceleration
  • Increase Video Memory to 256 MB
• Under Networks:
  • Select NAT
• Click OK.

4. Start the Virtual Machine

• Hit Start
• Pop!_OS installer will launch

5. Install Pop OS

Once the installer launches:

1. Choose your language and keyboard layout
2. Select Clean Install
3. Choose the virtual hard drive you created
4. Let the installation complete (this may take a few minutes)

Once done, you’ll be prompted to restart the VM. Don’t forget to remove the ISO from the virtual drive when prompted.

If you want to try another Linux distro which supports high end gaming, check out our guide on How to install Garuda Linux on VirtualBox in Windows OS!

Post-Installation Setup

• Install Guest Additions for better resolution and clipboard support:
  • In the VM menu: Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image
  • Open “Files” → Mounted VBox_GAs CD.
  • Right-click → Open in Terminal and run the below command.

sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

• Update Pop!_OS:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

• Customize your desktop, install apps via Pop!_Shop, and explore the tiling window manager!

Final Thoughts: Is Pop!_OS Worth Trying in VirtualBox?

Absolutely. If you’re curious about switching to Linux or just want to explore a fast, elegant, and privacy-respecting OS, Pop!_OS in VirtualBox is the perfect starting point.

With this guide, you’re now equipped to dive into a full Linux experience—without touching your main system. So go ahead, explore Pop!_OS, and see why it’s creating such a buzz in the open-source world.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Pop!_OS for programming inside VirtualBox?
Yes, it’s perfect for coding, and VirtualBox runs it well if you allocate enough RAM and CPU.

Q: Does VirtualBox support GPU acceleration for Pop!_OS?
Basic 3D acceleration is available, but for full graphics performance, a bare-metal install is ideal.

Q: Is Pop!_OS better than Ubuntu?
That’s subjective—but many users find Pop!_OS smoother, especially with its auto-tiling and clean UI.