How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox
Running Windows 11 on VirtualBox lets you test the operating system inside a safe window on your PC without touching your main system files. VirtualBox is a free program that creates a software-based computer, so you can run a second operating system right alongside your current one.
The main challenge is bypassing strict system checks like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot that Microsoft requires for version 22H2 and newer. You can easily get around these hardware restrictions by editing the registry during the setup process.
Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox by creating a new virtual machine with sufficient RAM, CPU, and storage. During installation, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt, run regedit, and create specific registry keys to bypass TPM, RAM, and Secure Boot checks. Then, proceed with the Windows 11 setup.
Setting Up Your Virtual Machine
To install Windows 11 VirtualBox correctly, you must give your virtual machine enough memory and processing power before you start the setup. Open VirtualBox, go to Settings System, and set your RAM to at least 4096 MB while giving the virtual machine two or more CPU processors under the Processor tab.
Under the Processor tab, ensure you have selected at least 2 CPUs.
Go to the Storage tab and ensure your virtual hard drive is at least 64 GB.
In the Display window, set Video Memory to 256 MB. For the Graphics Controller, choose VBoxSVGA and then check the box for 3D Acceleration.
Installing 🪟 Windows 11
To install Windows 11 VirtualBox from a disc image, you need to load your downloaded ISO file into the virtual machine's storage settings. Open the storage menu in VirtualBox, choose your Windows 11 ISO file, save the changes, and click the Start button to boot up the setup screen.
Once selected, click OK. Now, click the Start button to boot your virtual machine.
When the machine starts, press any key if prompted. Choose your language and time settings, then click Next. This includes your language, time and currency format, and keyboard input method.
On the "Install Now" screen, press SHIFT + F10 on your keyboard. This opens a command prompt window, which requires administrator privileges.
Type the following command into the black box and press Enter:
regedit
In the window that opens, navigate to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Right-click the Setup folder, select New Key, and name it LabConfig.
Select New DWORD (32-bit) Value. Create these three items, one by one. For each, set the 'Value data' to 1:
BypassTPMCheckBypassRAMCheckBypassSecureBootCheck
Close the Registry Editor and the command prompt. Click Install now to continue. If asked for a product key, enter one or click the link to skip it. country or region, keyboard layout or input method, name of your computer, Microsoft online account.
Once the setup steps are complete, your virtual computer will restart. You can now log in to your new Windows 11 desktop.
Summary
Verify your virtual machine has at least 4 GB of RAM, 2 processors, and 64 GB of storage before starting. Be prepared to use the Registry Editor to bypass security checks like TPM and Secure Boot.
Is VirtualBox safe for 🪟 Windows 11?
Running Windows 11 in VirtualBox is entirely possible with some configuration adjustments. Setting it up takes patience, but anyone who enjoys tinkering with operating systems will find the process rewarding.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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