How to Install Windows 11 on VirtualBox
You install Windows 11 on VirtualBox by creating a virtual machine and then manually bypassing its strict hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0. VirtualBox is free virtualization software that allows you to run an operating system, like Windows 11, within your existing Windows or PC environment.
This method creates a sandboxed computer inside your computer, ideal for testing software or exploring new OS features without affecting your main system. You’ll prepare a new virtual machine within VirtualBox and then proceed with a standard Windows 11 setup.
The key step involves modifying the installation process to bypass the mandatory TPM 2.0 check, which is often not automatically satisfied by VirtualBox. Once you’ve successfully navigated these checks, you’ll have a working Windows 11 environment running in a window on your desktop.
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 on VirtualBox, you first need to set up your virtual machine’s system settings, making sure it has enough RAM and processing power for Windows 11. Open VirtualBox, go to Settings, then System, and under Motherboard, set the RAM to at least 4096 MB (4 GB).
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. For the Graphics Controller, choose VBoxSVGA and then check the box for 3D Acceleration.
Installing 🪟 Windows 11
Now that your virtual machine is ready, installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox means loading the operating system’s setup files using your Windows 11 ISO. You do this by going to the virtual machine’s storage settings and selecting your ISO file before you start the machine. Once selected, click OK, then Start.
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. (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. 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 you finish the setup steps, your virtual computer will restart. You can now log in to your new Windows 11 desktop.
Summary
To successfully install and run Windows 11 on VirtualBox, ensure your virtual machine has at least 4 GB of RAM, 2 processors, and 64 GB of storage, and be prepared to use the Registry Editor to bypass security checks like TPM and Secure Boot.
Is VirtualBox safe for 🪟 Windows 11?
Yes, you can definitely run Windows 11 in VirtualBox, with some tweaking and adjustments. It's a bit of a journey, but if you enjoy tinkering and experimenting with operating systems, you'll find it a joy.
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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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