How to Map Shared Folders in VirtualBox on Windows 11

This guide explains how to link folders from your main computer to your VirtualBox virtual machine on Windows 11.

Why do this? Copying and pasting files is fine for small items, but it doesn’t work well for large files or folders. Using shared folders makes moving data between your real computer and your virtual one much faster and easier.

What happens when done? You will have a virtual drive inside your virtual machine that connects directly to a folder on your main computer. This lets you access your files instantly in both places.

The shared folder feature can also mount ISO files and other portable storage devices that don’t work directly with the guest machines.

If you have not set up your virtual machine yet, learn how to install VirtualBox on Windows 11: How to install VirtualBox on Windows 11

How to map a folder in a VirtualBox VM

Before you begin, you must install the VirtualBox Guest Additions inside your virtual machine. This post shows you how to install VirtualBox on Windows 11.

Note: You will need admin privileges on your host computer to manage these settings.

1. Open VirtualBox.
2. Select your virtual machine and click Settings.

3. Click on Shared Folders in the menu.
4. Click the Add new folder button (it has a green plus sign).
5. In the Folder Path box, choose the folder on your main computer you want to share.
6. Type a name for the folder or keep the default.
7. Check the Auto-mount box so the folder appears every time you start the machine.
8. In the Mount point field, type a drive letter like G: to act as the drive name inside the virtual machine.

8. Click OK and start your virtual machine.

Once you log in to the virtual machine, you will see your shared folder appearing as a drive with the G: drive letter.

If you have turned on Network discovery and Public folder sharing, you can also access the files by typing \\VBOXSRV\ into the file explorer address bar inside the virtual machine.

Summary

Mapping a shared folder is the best way to move large files between your main Windows 11 computer and your virtual machine. By installing the Guest Additions and configuring the shared folder settings in VirtualBox, you create a direct link between the two systems. Once finished, your shared files appear as a simple drive letter, making file management seamless and efficient.