How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox
You can install Windows 11 on VirtualBox by creating a new virtual machine and then performing a standard Windows installation, bypassing specific security requirements.
VirtualBox is a free virtualization software that allows you to run an operating system, like Windows 11, within your existing operating system, essentially creating a computer inside your computer.
This is perfect for testing software, experimenting with new OS features, or developing in a sandboxed environment without impacting your primary system. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, which VirtualBox doesn’t always meet out of the box.
You’ll need to manually bypass these checks during the installation process to get Windows 11 running. Once complete, you’ll have a fully functional Windows 11 instance operating in a window on your desktop.
Setting Up Your Virtual Machine
Before you begin, ensure you have VirtualBox installed. If not, follow this guide: How to install VirtualBox on Windows 11. Next, create a new virtual machine by following these instructions: How to create a Windows 11 virtual machine.
Open VirtualBox and go to Settings > System. Under the Motherboard tab, set the RAM to at least 4096 MB (4 GB).
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. Ensure the Graphics Controller is set to VBoxSVGA and check the box for 3D Acceleration.
Installing 🪟 Windows 11
Go to Settings > Storage. Click on the empty disc icon and use the browse button to select your Windows 11 ISO file.
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. language to install, time and currency format, keyboard input method.
On the “Install Now” screen, press Shift+F10 on your keyboard. This opens a command prompt window. (Requires Admin Privileges)
Type the following command into the black box and press Enter:
regedit
In the window that opens, go to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Right-click the Setup folder, select New > Key, and name it LabConfig.
Now, right-click the LabConfig folder. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Create these three items, one by one, and set the “Value data” for each 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 you finish the setup steps, your virtual computer will restart. You can now log in to your new Windows 11 desktop.
Summary
To run Windows 11 on VirtualBox, you must configure the virtual machine with at least 4 GB of RAM, 2 processors, and 64 GB of storage. Because Windows 11 has specific security requirements, you must use the Registry Editor (regedit) to create three specific keys—BypassTPMCheck, BypassRAMCheck, and BypassSecureBootCheck—inside HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig. Once these are set, the installation will proceed normally, allowing you to use Windows 11 for testing and development.
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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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