Install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Windows 11

This guide explains how to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on a Windows 11 virtual machine. If you are using a virtual machine, this software is a must-have.

Why install Guest Additions?

Guest Additions are a set of drivers that help your virtual machine talk to your main computer. Without them, your virtual machine will feel slow and difficult to use.

What happens when done?

Once installed, you can resize your virtual machine window easily, copy and paste text or files between your main computer and the virtual machine, and enjoy much smoother graphics performance shared folder between the host and guest machines.

If you have not set up your virtual machine yet, check these guides first:

• Getting VirtualBox How to install VirtualBox on Windows 11
• Creating a virtual machine How to create a Windows 11 virtual machine with VirtualBox
• Installing Windows 11 How to install Windows 11 on VirtualBox VM

Steps to Install Guest Additions

1. Launch VirtualBox on your main computer and start your Windows 11 virtual machine.
2. Once you are logged into Windows 11, look at the top menu bar of the virtual machine window.
3. Click on Devices and select Insert Guest Additions CD Image… as shown below.

The virtual machine will now “insert” a virtual disc. You should see a notification pop up in Windows 11 autoplay notification like the one below.

If you do not see the notification, open File Explorer File Explorer. Click on This PC on the left side. Double-click on the CD Drive that shows the VirtualBox Guest Additions icon.

Note: You must have administrative rights to complete this installation. If prompted by Windows, click Yes to allow the installer to make changes to your system.

Follow the on-screen prompts. Keep all the default settings and click Next until the installation finishes.

When the installation is finished, you will be asked to restart the virtual machine. Click Finish to reboot and apply the changes.

Summary

• Guest Additions make your virtual machine faster and easier to control.
• You must install these on every virtual machine you create.
• The process involves “mounting” a virtual CD and running the installer inside Windows 11.
• Always restart your virtual machine after the installation to ensure all drivers are active.

Related:

How to install VirtualBox on Windows 11

How to create Windows 11 VirtualBox VM

How to install Windows 11 on VirtualBox