Install Windows 10 on Virtual Machine on Ubuntu
If you haven’t used Windows in a while and want to check it then, this can help you. Here I will show on installing Windows on a Virtual Machine in Ubuntu. You can use the exact same method to install Windows 11, 8, or 7 on any virtual machine.
How to Install Windows 10 on Ubuntu
For installing Windows 10 (or any version) on Ubuntu, you are going to need the followings. These are must to have, as without these you won’t be able to run Windows.
- First thing is to have a stable internet connection. Internet connection is a must, as you are going to download many files later.
- The second thing will be to download Windows 10 ISO file. You can find the ISO file of Windows 10 on the internet for free. The ISO file of Windows 10 for both VMware and VirtualBox will be provided soon.
- Make sure that you have at least 6 GB of RAM memory. As your Windows 10 will need at least 4 GB to run, the rest of 2 GB will be used by the host (Ubuntu).
- You will need additional 20 GB of free storage for Windows 10. Almost 14-16 GB will be taken by system files of Windows 10, rest will be quickly covered by applications and games from Microsoft Store.
Related: How to Dual Boot Ubuntu & Windows 10?
Download Windows 10
Those who are not confident about downloading the ISO file from the internet due to security can use third-party applications like the Media Creation tool. Media Creation tool is developed by Microsoft to provide setup files for Windows 8, 10, and 11 in the safest way possible.
Here download the Media Creation tool. Once downloaded, run it on your Windows and you will see some options.
Navigate through and select download ISO file. After the selection of editions and versions of Windows 10, the downloading process will begin.
The time to download the ISO file is totally dependent on your internet speed. The faster and more stable your internet speed is, the quicker you will get the ISO file.
Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu
Now we are going to install a virtualization application. I have used VirtualBox, but you can use VMware or any other application that you feel confident in.
We are going to use VirtualBox here to create a virtual machine inside which we are going to install Windows.
For installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu, you will use Terminal.
Open the terminal and use the command below:
$ sudo apt install virtualbox
Now you will be asked for confirmation. You are going to type “Y” and press the Return key.
This is one way to download and install VirtualBox on Ubuntu. However; if you want the setup file then you can use this link to download VirtualBox for Ubuntu. There you will download the setup file and install it manually.
After the installation, we will be processed to the next step.
Create Virtual Machine on Ubuntu
Run VirtualBox on Ubuntu to begin the creation of VM.
Click on the New button on your screen.
Now you are in Name and operating system. Here you will Name your virtual machine and the type of virtual machine you are going to create. The details of your VM should look something like this:
Name: Windows 10
Type: Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows 10 (64-bit/32-bit)
Click on Next and you are at the Memory Size window. Give your VM an amount of RAM memory and click on Next. For running 64-bit, you should give 2GB (4GB is recommended for smooth performance) and 32-bit requires 1GB (2GB for smooth performance).
Since we are creating a virtual disk and not using a VMDK file then we will select Create a virtual hard disk now option. Select the option and click on Create.
You will be asked for the format of your VM. Here you will find different options that are mind-boggling. Instead of getting confused, you will select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) option and click on Next.
Storage on physical hard disk will appear, select Dynamically allocated option and click on Next.
Now you will see the File location and size. Here you will type the name of your new virtual hard disk file that you have created and also insert the size of the VM.
It is recommended to give the VM around 20 GB in size and name the VM something related to Windows 10. After inserting the name and value, you will click on Create.
Configure Virtual Machine for Windows 10
After clicking on Create, you will be probably placed on the start screen of VirtualBox. You will click on the Settings button on your screen to start the configuration of the VM.
Go to Storage and click on add a new optical drive. Find the downloaded ISO file of Windows 10.
For selecting your ISO file, you will see a small popup. Here you will select Choose disk option and then find the Windows 10 ISO file.
After selecting the ISO file of Windows, you will click on OK.
Reaching here means that you have created the VM, now only the installation of Windows 10 is remaining.
Install Windows 10 on VirtualBox on Ubuntu
For the installation, we are going to use the exact virtual machine that we created earlier. Now let’s install Windows 10 on Virtual Machine on Ubuntu. Begin by clicking on the Start button on your screen.
NOTE: if you want the entire process in detail then this can help “How to install Windows 10 on VirtualBox?”. Else, you can continue below.
Like any other system, you will see a Press any key…
By pressing any of the keys on your keyboard, you will begin the installation. Now you will select the following option in the first window.
Language to install English (US)
Time and currency format: English (US)
Keyboard or input method: US
NOTE: you should select the keyboard and language according to yourself. I have selected mine, according to my usage.
Click on Install Now.
You will be asked for the product key. Since we are going to use it on a VM, then we will select I don’t have product key option. And if later required then you can buy one online.
Now you will be asked to select one of the options to perform the installation. Select Custom: Install Windows Only (advanced) option.
From here on, don’t download any updates now, select the partition and install Windows 10. Once the installation begins; it is only a matter of time to use Windows 10.
When the installation got completed then you will customize your Windows 10 and that’s it. The customization is easy and straightforward, so I have left that for you.
Refine your Windows
After installing Windows 10 on Ubuntu, you are recommended to install Extension Pack. With the extension pack, you will get enhanced performance and better graphics with more features. Get the extension pack of VirtualBox for Ubuntu here.
NOTE: if you have already installed the extension pack then there is no need for second installation.
And that is it all about installing Windows 10 on a virtual machine on Ubuntu. If you got any sort of question or experienced an error, then commend down. If you want something quite opposite then try “How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10 using VirtualBox?”.
How to speed up Windows 10 on a virtual machine (Ubuntu host)?
To speed up Windows after installing it on Ubuntu then you are going to VM Settings. Select the VM and you will find Settings on your screen. There you will increase RAM, Processor, and Graphics. Apply the changes and start your VM.
Make sure that you won’t provide all system juice to your VM, as this way your host will be crashed and your guest too. Try to find a point where both guest and host can run smoothly. If you find one fast while the other is slow then increase your system specs by adding new.
How to create an Ubuntu virtual machine in Windows 10?
To create a virtual machine of Ubuntu on Windows 10 then you will need to have either VirtualBox or VMware. There you will select New > Name and operating system > Memory size > Create a virtual hard disk now > VDI (virtual disk image) > Dynamically allocated > File location and size > Create.
Now, you will configure your VM by clicking on Settings. Here you go, you have created a new virtual machine for Ubuntu on Windows 10.
