Running a Linux Mint VM in Virtualbox 🌱

  1. Download Linux Mint Download
  2. Launch Virtualbox
  3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

    Name: Linux Mint
    Machine Folder: C:\VMs
    Type: Linux
    Version: Ubuntu (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 Linux Mint.vdi
    File size: 30 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 Network
  13. Set the attached to dropdown to Bridged Adapter
  14. Select Storage
  15. Click on the CD-ROM drive
  16. Select the disc dropdown to the right > Choose a virtual optical disc file...
  17. Browse to and select the downloaded Linux Mint .iso file
  18. Click OK
  19. Make sure the Linux Mint VM is selected and click Start > Normal
  20. Press Enter to Start Linux Mint (or wait 10 seconds)
  21. Click the Install Linux Mint icon on the desktop
  22. Select a language > Click Continue
  23. Select a keyboard layout > Click Continue
  24. Choose whether or not to install multimedia codecs > Click Continue
  25. Click Install Now then Continue to confirm the partitions
  26. Select a Region > Click continue
  27. Enter a name, computer name, username and password > Click Continue
  28. Wait while Linux Mint copies files and installs
  29. When prompted to Restart, click Restart Now to complete the installation, the VM will reboot
  30. Press Enter at the remove installation medium prompt
  31. Login with the username and password created earlier in the process
  32. Welcome to Linux Mint

Optional Steps

  1. Click the Applications button > Search "terminal" > Click Terminal
  2. Run the following commands to install updates
    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get upgrade
    sudo apt-get clean
  3. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image...
  4. If the installation autoruns, select Run otherwise
  5. Open the Files application > Select the Guest Additions Disc > Right click in the white space > Open terminal here
  6. In the Terminal window run the following commands
    sudo sh ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
    sudo reboot
  7. The VM will reboot
  8. Upon rebooting, you can now full screen the VM and the internal resolution will automatically change to match the window size
  9. Log back in