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Install Oracle VirtualBox on Ubuntu Linux
Learn how to install Oracle VirtualBox on Ubuntu using the graphical Software Center or App Center, verify the installation, and prepare for your first virtual machine.
Oracle VirtualBox is desktop virtualization software. It lets you create and run virtual machines (VMs) on a physical computer. A VM is a software-defined computer that runs inside another operating system.
In this lesson, Ubuntu is the host operating system: the main operating system installed directly on the physical computer. An operating system installed inside VirtualBox is a guest operating system. For example, Ubuntu can be the host while Windows or another Linux distribution runs as a guest.
Installation prerequisites
Before installing VirtualBox, use a supported Ubuntu desktop installation and make sure the computer can access the internet. The graphical software catalog obtains application packages from configured software repositories. A software repository is a configured source of software packages that Ubuntu can browse and install.
| Requirement | Why It Is Needed |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu desktop system | Provides the graphical launcher and Software Center or App Center used in this procedure. |
| Internet connection | Allows Ubuntu to refresh package information and download VirtualBox. |
| Administrative privileges | System-wide software installation requires authorization. This is often provided through sudo authentication. |
| Available storage | VirtualBox needs space for its files, and each future virtual machine needs additional disk space. |
| Available RAM | The host must keep enough memory for Ubuntu while also assigning memory to running guest systems. |
Administrative privileges are permission to install, remove, or change system-wide software. Ubuntu may ask for the password of an administrator-enabled account during installation.
Also check whether hardware virtualization is available. Many guest operating systems and workloads perform much better when the computer supports hardware virtualization, such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. This feature may need to be enabled in the computer's firmware settings. Its exact name and location vary by manufacturer.
Virtualization terminology
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Host | The physical computer's main operating system. | Ubuntu installed directly on the computer. |
| Guest | An operating system installed and run inside a virtual machine. | Windows running inside VirtualBox. |
| Virtual machine | A software-defined computer that uses part of the host computer's resources. | A VM with its own virtual disk, memory, and network adapter. |
| ISO image | A disk-image file commonly used as installation media. | A Linux or Windows installer ISO attached to a new VM. |
Install VirtualBox through Ubuntu Software Center
1. Open the graphical software catalog
Open the Ubuntu application launcher and select Ubuntu Software, Software Center, or App Center. The name and appearance depend on your Ubuntu release. This application is Ubuntu's graphical software-management tool, similar to an app store.
2. Search for VirtualBox
Use the search field and enter VirtualBox. Wait for the catalog to display matching applications. Select the listing named VirtualBox, rather than an unrelated virtualization, remote-desktop, or documentation package.
Package names, descriptions, icons, and available versions can vary between Ubuntu releases. Read the listing details to confirm that it is the VirtualBox application before continuing.
3. Start the installation
Open the VirtualBox listing and choose Install. Ubuntu may request administrator authentication. Enter the correct password for an administrator-enabled account and approve the request.
The software catalog will download the package and install its files. Keep the software catalog open while this process runs. Installation time depends on the internet connection, system performance, and package activity already in progress.
4. Wait for completion
Wait until the download and package installation finish. A completed installation normally changes the listing to show an option such as Launch or Remove, or otherwise displays a completion state.
Confirm that VirtualBox is installed
Launch VirtualBox from Ubuntu
- Open the Ubuntu application launcher.
- Search for VirtualBox.
- Select VirtualBox to start the application.
- Confirm that the VirtualBox Manager window opens.
The manager should present controls for creating a new virtual machine or adding an existing one. Seeing this window confirms that the graphical application is available and can start.
You can optionally open the application's information or About dialog to view the installed VirtualBox version. The exact menu location depends on the VirtualBox and Ubuntu release.
Optional command-line verification
The graphical procedure is sufficient, but the VirtualBox management utility can also report the installed version:
VBoxManage --versionIf the utility is installed and available in the command path, it prints a version number. If the command is not found, use the VirtualBox Manager and the software catalog to check whether installation completed successfully.
Troubleshooting installation problems
The Install button is unavailable or authentication fails
- Make sure you are using an administrator-enabled account.
- Enter the correct account password when Ubuntu requests authorization.
- If authentication was canceled, start the installation again.
- On a managed computer, contact the system administrator instead of changing system settings yourself.
VirtualBox does not appear in search results
- Confirm that the computer has internet access.
- Close and reopen the Software Center or App Center.
- Allow the catalog to refresh its package information.
- Check that the configured Ubuntu software sources provide the package.
Installation remains pending or fails
- Restore the network connection and retry the installation.
- Wait for another software update or package-management operation to finish.
- Check available disk space and remove or move unnecessary files if the disk is full.
- Reopen the software catalog and retry after the interruption has ended.
VirtualBox is installed but will not launch
- Restart the Ubuntu session or computer, then try launching VirtualBox again.
- Check for pending Ubuntu system updates and install them if appropriate.
- Use the Software Center or App Center to confirm that the package is installed.
- If the installation appears incomplete, reinstall the package through the graphical software catalog.
Next steps: create your first virtual machine
After VirtualBox Manager opens, you can choose to create a new virtual machine. Creating a VM involves selecting a guest operating system, assigning resources such as memory and storage, and providing installation media.
Before creating the VM, obtain an appropriate ISO image from the operating-system provider. An ISO image is a disk-image file that VirtualBox can present to the VM as virtual installation media. Also ensure that the host has enough free storage for the VM's virtual disk and enough RAM to run both Ubuntu and the guest at the same time.
- Learn the difference between host and guest operating systems.
- Create a new VirtualBox virtual machine.
- Install Windows or a Linux distribution in the VM using an ISO image.
- Learn how virtual machine memory, processors, storage, networking, and shared folders work.
For a concise related reference, see Oracle VirtualBox installation on Linux.
Exam-relevant notes
- Ubuntu is the host operating system in this lesson; an operating system running inside VirtualBox is the guest.
- VirtualBox is desktop virtualization software, not a guest operating system.
- Installing VirtualBox does not automatically install a guest OS.
- Graphical installation requires the Software Center or App Center, internet access, and administrative authorization.
- An ISO image is commonly used as installation media for a new guest operating system.