How to Install Ubuntu 25.04 on VirtualBox in Windows (2025)

If you want to use Ubuntu Linux without affecting your Windows system, the best way is to install Ubuntu on a Virtual Machine. In this guide, I will show you how to install Ubuntu 25.04 on VirtualBox step-by-step. Using this method, you can run Windows and Ubuntu at the same time without any risk to your data.

Requirements

• Windows 10 or 11 installed
• VirtualBox 7.x installed
• Ubuntu 25.04 ISO file
• Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
• Minimum 25GB free storage
• Stable Internet connection

Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox

1. Download and Install VirtualBox

1. Visit the official VirtualBox website: Download VirtualBox
2. Download the latest stable version for Windows.
3. Install it by double-clicking the downloaded file and following the on-screen instructions.
4. Also download the VirtualBox Extension Pack (optional but recommended).

2. Download Ubuntu 25.04 ISO

1. Visit the Ubuntu official site: Download Ubuntu 25.04
2. Download the Ubuntu 25.04 Desktop ISO.

3. Create a New Virtual Machine

To begin, open VirtualBox and click Machine > New, or simply press CTRL + N to start the VM creation wizard.

• Name: Enter a name for your VM, such as “Ubuntu25” to keep it simple.
• Folder: Choose where you want to save the virtual machine files (preferably not on your main system drive if space is limited).
• ISO Image: Choose the ISO file of Ubuntu 25.04 from where you’ve downloaded it.
• Select the ISO File: Choose the ISO file of Ubuntu 25.04 from where you’ve downloaded it.
• VM Type and Version:
  • Type: Linux
  • Subtype: Ubuntu
  • Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
• You can also opt for an unattended installation (we’ll cover that below).

4. Enable Unattended Installation (Optional)

VirtualBox allows for an auto-installation process, which simplifies the setup. If you’d like to skip manual steps, leave the Skip Unattended Installation option unchecked. This allows you to set some pre-configurations like:

• Username and Password for your user account
• Hostname and Domain Name

However, if you don’t want to use this feature, you can check the Skip Unattended Installation box, and these settings will be greyed out.

Note: You can also enable Guest Additions for features like clipboard sharing and full-screen mode. If the installation fails with Guest Additions enabled, try again after unchecking this option and install it later.

5. Set VM Hardware Configuration

Now, configure the VM hardware for optimal performance:

• Memory: Assign at least 8 GB of RAM for smooth operation.
• Processor: I recommend allocating 4 CPU cores.
• If you prefer, you can enable UEFI firmware to control the boot-up process, but for this guide, we’ll skip it.

6. Create a Virtual Hard Disk

Next, set up the virtual hard disk:

• Location: Choose the directory where you want to store the disk file.
• Size: A minimum of 25 GB is recommended for Ubuntu 25.04.
• Disk Format: I suggest using the VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) format.

7. Boot the VM and Begin Installation

Once you’ve finished the setup, click Finish. The Ubuntu installer should automatically load, displaying the familiar purple screen.

If you selected the unattended installation option earlier, Ubuntu will automatically prepare the installation. Otherwise, you will be prompted to click Try or Install Ubuntu to begin the manual setup.

8. Walkthrough the Installation Process

1. Boot & Select Action: Boot the VM from the ISO. At the GRUB menu, select “Try or Install Ubuntu” and press Enter.
2. Language: Choose your installation language. Click Next.
3. Accessibility: Configure any needed accessibility options (optional). Click Next.
4. Keyboard Layout: Select your keyboard layout. Click Next.
5. Network Connection: Connect to a wired or Wi-Fi network, or select “Do not connect…”. Click Next.
6. Choose Install Mode: Select “Install Ubuntu”. Click Next. (An option to “Update installer” might appear here if connected to the internet).
7. Installation Type: Select “Interactive installation” (this is the standard graphical setup). Click Next.
8. Application Set: Choose “Default selection” (essentials) or “Extended selection” (more apps like office suite, media players). Click Next.
9. Third-Party Software: Choose whether to “Install third-party software…” (for graphics, Wi-Fi, media). Click Next.
10. Disk Setup (Installation Method): Select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu”. Click Next.
11. User Account: Enter your name, computer’s name (hostname), username, and password (confirm password). Choose login preference (require password or auto-login). Click Next.
12. Time Zone: Select your location on the map or type your city to set the time zone. Click Next.
13. Review Your Choices: Review the proposed disk actions and confirm you want to write changes to the (virtual) disk. Click Install or Continue.
14. Installation: Wait for the files to copy and the system to install.
15. Restart: Click “Restart Now” when the installation is complete.
16. Finalize Boot: Press Enter when prompted to remove the installation medium (VirtualBox usually handles detaching the ISO automatically).

If you want to try another Linux distro like Kali Linux, check out our guide on How to install Kali Linux on VirtualBox Windows OS!

Post-Installation Setup for Ubuntu 25.04

1. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

To improve performance, including better resolution, clipboard sharing, and drag-and-drop support, you need to install Guest Additions.

First, install required packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r) -y

Then, install Guest Additions:

1. In the VirtualBox menu, click Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
2. Inside Ubuntu:
   • You will see a pop-up asking to Run.
   • Click Run and enter your password when asked.
3. If no pop-up appears:
   • Open “Files” → Mounted VBox_GAs CD.
   • Right-click → Open in Terminal.
   • Run manually:

sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

4. After installation finishes, reboot Ubuntu:

sudo reboot

Now, you can resize the VirtualBox window, enable clipboard sharing, and drag-and-drop files between your Ubuntu and Windows host!

2. Post-Installation Settings

After installing Ubuntu and Guest Additions, adjust the following settings for optimal performance:

1. Bidirectional Clipboard and Drag’n’Drop:
   • Go to General > Advanced > Shared Clipboard and Drag’n’Drop and select Bidirectional in both options.
2. USB 3.0 Support:
   • Go to Settings > USB.
   • Select USB 3.0 (xHCI) Controller.
   • Note: USB 3.0 support requires the installation of the VirtualBox Extension Pack.
3. 3D Acceleration:
   • Go to Settings > Display.
   • Under the Screen tab, check Enable 3D Acceleration.
   • Note: Enabling 3D acceleration may require increasing the Video Memory.
4. Increase Video Memory:
   • In the same Display settings, increase the Video Memory slider to at least 256MB.

3. Update Your Ubuntu System

After the installation of VirtualBox Guest Additions and adjusting the machine settings for access the extra features , update your system to the latest packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

4. Install Useful Software

Install common useful applications:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks vlc gimp build-essential

You can also install apps like Chrome and VS Code:

sudo snap install code --classic
sudo snap install spotify

5. Adjust Basic Settings

• Enable Night Light to reduce eye strain.
• Customize Themes using GNOME Tweaks.
• Set Keyboard Shortcuts for easier navigation.

Conclusion

Now you have successfully installed Ubuntu 25.04 on VirtualBox inside your Windows system.
With Guest Additions and system updates, your Ubuntu virtual machine will run fast and smooth.

Enjoy exploring Linux while keeping your Windows safe! 🚀