Running a Windows 11 VM in Virtualbox 🌱

  1. Download the Windows 11 iso Download
  2. Launch Virtualbox
  3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

    Name: Windows 11
    Machine Folder: C:\VMs
    Type: Microsoft Windows
    Version: Windows 10 (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 11.vdi
    File size: 50.00 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 11 .iso file
  16. Click OK
  17. Make sure the Windows 11 VM is selected and click Start > Normal
  18. Click Next
  19. Click Install Now
  20. Click I don't have a product key
  21. Select the edition you'd like to install
  22. Check the I accept box > Click Next
  23. Click Custom (advanced) > Click Next
  24. Wait for Windows to copy files, the VM will reboot
  25. Select a Region > Click Yes
  26. Select a Keyboard layout > Click Yes
  27. Click Skip
  28. Select Set up for personal use > Click Next
  29. Click Sign-in options
  30. Click Offline account
  31. Click Limited experience
  32. Enter a username > Click Next
  33. Enter a password > Click Next
  34. Re-type the password > Click Next
  35. Select and answer 3 security questions
  36. Uncheck everything > Click Accept
  37. Welcome to Windows 11

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