Running a Windows 8 VM in Virtualbox 🌱

  1. Locate a Windows 8 iso
  2. Launch Virtualbox
  3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

    Name: Windows 8
    Machine Folder: C:\VMs
    Type: Microsoft Windows
    Version: Windows 8 (64-bit)
    Memory Size: 4096 MB
    Hard disk: Create a virtual hard disk now

  4. Click Create
  5. On the Create Virtual Hard Disk dialog

    Name the virtual disk image Windows 8.vdi
    File size: 40.00 GB
    Hard disk file type: VDI
    Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically Allocated

  6. Click Create
  7. Select the VM and Click Settings
  8. Select System > Processor
  9. Give the VM at least 2 processors
  10. Select Display
  11. Slide the Video Memory to 128 MB
  12. Select Storage
  13. Click on the CD-ROM drive
  14. Select the disc dropdown to the right > Choose a virtual optical disc file...
  15. Browse to and select the Windows 8 .iso file
  16. Click OK
  17. Make sure the Windows 8 VM is selected and click Start > Normal
  18. Click Next
  19. Click Install Now
  20. Check the I accept box > Click Next
  21. Click Custom (advanced) > Click Next
  22. Wait for Windows to copy files, the VM will reboot
  23. Give the PC a name > Click Next
  24. Click Sign in without a Microsoft account
  25. Click Local account
  26. Enter a username > Enter a password > Re-type the password > Enter a password hint > Click Next
  27. Click Finish
  28. Welcome to Windows 8

Optional Steps

  1. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image...
  2. If VirtualBox Guest Additions doesn't autorun, open My Computer > CD Drive > Double click VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe
  3. Install Guest Additions accepting the defaults
  4. Accept any driver popups from the Guest Additions installer by clicking the Install button
  5. After the installation completes select Reboot now > Click Finish