Install Windows 11 safely in a virtual machine with this step-by-step guide from ExtremeTech—ideal for testing software or managing files securely.

To install Windows 11 on Oracle VM VirtualBox, install Oracle VM VirtualBox, create a new Virtual Machine, start VM, boot from Windows 11 ISO file, etc.

You can install Windows 11 as a virtual machine using the free VMware Workstation Player or Oracle VM VirtualBox.

Want to try Windows 11 risk-free? Use Hyper-V to create a virtual machine where you can test the new operating system without losing access to your "real" PC. I've got step-by-step instructions here.

With a virtual machine, you can dabble in all kinds of alternative operating systems, like installing Windows 10 inside Linux. Here's how.

Installing Virtualbox Guest Additions into a new Linux or Windows virtual machine Virtualbox Guest Additions aren't mandatory, but you'll want it installed to have the best experience.

Setting up VirtualBox To get started with your virtual machine—be it Windows, Linux, or macOS (if you’re really going for it)—load VirtualBox and click on the big “New” button in the corner.

The latest version of VMware Workstation Player includes the features needed to install Windows 11 as a virtual machine.

The Sandbox in Windows 11 gives you an isolated and temporary virtual machine to run things without affecting your core OS environment.

Installing Windows 10 on the newly created virtual machine... Note that hitting Ctrl + Alt will change focus from the virtual machine back to your main operating system.

If you want to install Ubuntu in VirtualBox on your Windows 11 computer, make sure to enable Hardware Virtualization from BIOS and then follow this guide.

How to install VirtualBox guest additions Now is the time to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions, which will allow the virtual machine to run full screen and improve its performance.