How to Install Windows 11 in VirtualBox 2025

Looking to install Windows 11 in VirtualBox in 2025? This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, ensuring a clean installation. Whether you’re using a new PC or creating a virtual environment, this article covers all you need to know, including how to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account and install Windows 11 without internet. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started.

Why Use VirtualBox to Install Windows 11?

VirtualBox is an excellent tool for setting up test environments or exploring operating systems without altering your main machine. Whether you want to install Windows 11 cleanly or test its features, VirtualBox provides a safe, efficient way to do so.

What You Need

• VirtualBox: Download the latest version from the official website.
• Windows 11 ISO: Get the installation media from Microsoft’s official site.
• A computer with at least 8GB of RAM and sufficient disk space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Windows 11 in VirtualBox

1. Download and Install VirtualBox

Start by downloading and installing VirtualBox on your system. Follow these steps:

• Visit the official VirtualBox website.
• Download the installer suitable for your operating system.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.

For tips on improving VirtualBox performance, check out our article on fixing slow performance in VirtualBox.

2. Create a Virtual Machine for Windows 11

After installing VirtualBox, create a virtual machine:

• Launch VirtualBox and click the “New” button.
• Enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g., “Windows 11”).
• Select the operating system type as Windows 11 and version as 64-bit.
• Allocate at least 4GB of RAM (8GB is recommended).
• Create a virtual hard disk with a minimum of 64GB space.

3. Load the Windows 11 ISO

Attach the Windows 11 ISO to the virtual machine:

• Select your virtual machine and click “Settings”.
• Go to the Storage tab and select the empty disk drive.
• Click the CD icon and choose “Choose a disk file”.
• Select your downloaded Windows 11 ISO file and save the settings.

4. Start the Virtual Machine

To begin the installation process:

• Click the “Start” button to boot your virtual machine.
• Follow the Windows 11 setup wizard prompts to begin the installation.

5. Customize Installation Settings

During installation, you can choose to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account or even install Windows 11 without internet. To do so:

• When prompted to sign in, choose “Offline Account” and click “Continue with Limited Setup”.

6. Complete the Installation

Once the installation finishes, configure your Windows 11 settings:

• Select your language, region, and keyboard preferences.
• Set up a user account (no Microsoft account required).

For guidance on setting up dual operating systems, see our dual boot guide for Ubuntu and Windows 11.

7. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

Enhance your virtual machine’s performance and enable features like full-screen resolution:

• Click “Devices” in the VirtualBox menu.
• Select “Insert Guest Additions CD image”.
• Run the setup program inside Windows 11.
• Restart your virtual machine.

For macOS enthusiasts, you can also explore how to install macOS Sonoma on Windows using VMware.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 in VirtualBox is an excellent way to test the operating system or use it for specific purposes without committing to a full installation on your primary machine. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to create installation media, configure VirtualBox, and perform a clean install of Windows 11. Whether you aim to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, explore installing Windows 11 without internet, or create a Windows 11 clean install, this tutorial has covered every step. For those interested in more advanced virtualization or dual-boot setups, don’t miss our other resources, such as how to dual-boot Ubuntu 24.04 and Windows 11. Happy computing!

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