How to Share Folders in VirtualBox with Ubuntu
You share folders between your Windows host and Ubuntu guest in VirtualBox by setting up shared folders in VirtualBox and installing Guest Additions within Ubuntu.
Shared folders enable direct file access and transfer between your main computer and your virtual machine, simplifying data management and workflow.
This functionality is essential for seamlessly moving files, such as project documents or code, between your host and guest environments.
For optimal performance with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS guests, ensure you are using VirtualBox version 7.0 or newer.
Configure shared folders in VirtualBox settings and install VirtualBox Guest Additions in Ubuntu. After installation, add the host folder via VirtualBox’s “Settings” > “Shared Folders” and reboot the guest.
Install VirtualBox Guest Additions
Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions is a key step to make sharing folders between your computer and Ubuntu easier.
The tool offers seamless integration between the host and virtual machine operating systems. It enhances the graphics performance of the virtual machine and allows for shared folders between the host and guest machines. Additionally, it enables users to copy and paste text, images, and files between the host and guest machines, improving overall usability.
To install the tool on Ubuntu, follow the steps below. First, run the commands below to update the Ubuntu system.
sudo apt update && sudo apt dist-upgrade && sudo apt autoremove
After completing your tasks, execute the commands below to install the latest kernel headers and the dkms package required for VirtualBox support.
sudo apt install virtualbox-guest-dkms build-essential linux-headers-virtual
After installing the packages above, restart your machine and continue below.
To install VirtualBox Guest Additions software on Ubuntu virtual machine operating systems, select the Devices from the VirtualBox host application menu and click Insert Guest Additions CD image…
This should mount a virtual CD/DVD drive inside the Ubuntu guest machine. When that happens, you should get a prompt to run the software. Click Run to begin the installation.
You will have to type your password to install the software. If your account is not an administrative account, the installation will fail.
The Guest Additions suite of utilities is the official tool for VirtualBox virtual guest machines.
Restart the guest machine, and you’re set.
To enable copying and pasting between the guest machine and the host, access the guest machine’s settings page by navigating to General -> Advanced, and enable the feature as shown below.
Share the Host Folders
To share folders from your main computer into Ubuntu running in VirtualBox, you first need to add your user to a specific group.
The command to do that is below:
sudo usermod -G vboxsf -a $USER
After executing the command from one Ubuntu guest to another, share the folder from the host machine using the host software’s settings.
Select the virtual machine you wish to share with, navigate to the Settings tab, and select Shared Folders from the list. Click the Plus (+) button at the top to add the folder you want to share.
Navigate to the folder on the host machine and select it. Choose this option if you want the folder to mount automatically every time the guest machine starts.
Click OK to save your changes and close.
Turn on the guest machine or reboot if you’re already logged in. The next time you log in, the shared folder on the host should be mounted.
If you don’t see it mounted, go to the /media/sf_FOLDERNAME
That’s it!
Conclusion:
This post demonstrated the process of sharing folders from VirtualBox host computers with Ubuntu guest machines. Here are the key points to remember:
- Ensure you are using the latest version of VirtualBox and install Guest Additions for optimal functionality.
- Install required packages and update your Ubuntu system to prepare for folder sharing.
- Use the VirtualBox menu to insert the Guest Additions CD image and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
- Enable copying and pasting between guest and host by adjusting the guest machine’s settings.
- Add the shared folders in VirtualBox settings and configure them for auto-mounting if desired.
- Access shared folders on the guest machine, typically located in /media/sf_FOLDERNAME.
If you encounter any issues during this process, please feel free to leave a comment for assistance.
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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.
As a newbie, I am baffled from Step 2 onwards.
My guest machine is Windows XP, so I can’t run Linux commands on it.
The title of this tutorial is “Share Host Folders with VirtualBox Ubuntu Guests”. Emphasis is on the last three words. 😉
Well done, It worked for me.