Install Oracle VirtualBox on Ubuntu Linux
Learn how to install Oracle VirtualBox on Ubuntu using the Software Center, authenticate with administrator permissions, and verify the installation.
Oracle VirtualBox is desktop virtualization software that lets you create and run virtual machines (VMs). A virtual machine is a software-defined computer with virtual hardware, such as a processor, memory, storage, and network adapter.
This lesson explains how to install VirtualBox on Ubuntu Linux through the graphical Ubuntu Software Center. Ubuntu is the host operating system because it runs directly on the physical computer. An operating system installed inside a VirtualBox VM is called a guest operating system.
After installation, VirtualBox provides the tools needed to create or import VMs, but it does not install a guest operating system automatically.
Virtualization terminology
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Host | The operating system installed directly on the physical computer. | Ubuntu Linux on your desktop or laptop. |
| Guest | An operating system installed and run inside a virtual machine. | Windows or another Linux distribution running in VirtualBox. |
| Virtual machine | A software-defined computer that uses virtual hardware inside the host. | A VM with assigned memory, virtual storage, and a virtual network adapter. |
| VirtualBox Manager | The graphical application used to create, start, configure, and manage VMs. | The window that contains the New control for creating a VM. |
Installation requirements
Before starting, make sure you are logged into the Ubuntu desktop and can open applications from the launcher or applications menu. Installing system software requires administrative privileges, which are permissions to make system-wide changes.
Ubuntu may ask you to authenticate by entering an administrator password. Authentication is the process of confirming that you are authorized to perform the installation. On a managed computer, contact the system administrator if your account does not have the required permission.
| Requirement | Why It Is Needed | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu desktop access | You need to open the graphical software manager and launch VirtualBox. | Confirm that you are logged into an Ubuntu desktop session. |
| Administrator privileges | Installing system software changes files and package settings for the computer. | Be ready to enter an administrator password when prompted. |
| Internet or repository access | The software manager may need to download VirtualBox packages from configured software repositories. | Confirm network access and that Ubuntu software sources are available. |
| Available disk space | VirtualBox needs space, and later VMs require additional space for virtual disk images. | Check that the Ubuntu system has enough free storage for the application and planned VMs. |
Install VirtualBox through Ubuntu Software Center
- Open Ubuntu Software Center from the desktop launcher or applications menu. Ubuntu Software Center is Ubuntu's graphical application for browsing, installing, updating, and removing software packages. If your Ubuntu release uses a differently named graphical software manager, open that application instead.
- Use the search field and search for VirtualBox.
- Review the search results and select the appropriate VirtualBox package. Check the application name and description before proceeding.
- Review the application details, then select Install.
- When Ubuntu requests authentication, enter the password for an administrator account and confirm.
- Wait while the software manager downloads the package and completes installation. Do not close the software manager while package operations are in progress.
- When the software manager reports that installation is complete, open the Ubuntu applications menu.
- Select VirtualBox to launch the VirtualBox Manager.
A software repository is a configured source of packages that Ubuntu's software manager can download and install. Package availability and the displayed VirtualBox version can vary with the Ubuntu release and enabled repositories.
Confirm the installation
Launch VirtualBox from the Ubuntu applications menu or from the software manager. A successful installation should open the VirtualBox Manager window without an installation error.
Look for the New button or an equivalent control in the manager. This control is used to begin creating a virtual machine. An empty list of VMs is normal immediately after installation; it means that VirtualBox is installed but no VM has been created yet.
You can optionally check the installed version in the application's About screen. A terminal-based check is also available:
VBoxManage --versionThis command uses VirtualBox's command-line management utility to print the installed version. It is optional; the primary installation method in this lesson is the graphical Software Center.
What to do after installation
Installing VirtualBox does not install a guest operating system. The next step depends on your goal:
- Create a new VM and assign virtual memory, storage, and other hardware settings.
- Attach installation media, such as an ISO image, and install a guest operating system.
- Import an existing appliance if you have a compatible VM package.
See Create a virtual machine to begin configuring a new VM. When you are ready to install an operating system inside it, see Install a guest operating system.
Some advanced functions may require additional components. For example, an Extension Pack can provide extra VirtualBox features, while Guest Additions can improve integration between a guest and the host. Install these components only when your use case requires them and ensure that their versions are compatible with VirtualBox.
Troubleshooting
The Install button is unavailable or credentials are requested
- Your current account may not have administrative privileges.
- Enter the correct administrator password when prompted.
- On a managed computer, use an account with administrator rights or contact the system administrator.
VirtualBox does not appear in search results
- Confirm that Ubuntu has a working network connection.
- Refresh the available software information in the software manager.
- Check that the standard Ubuntu software sources or required repositories are enabled.
- Search again after the software manager finishes refreshing its package information.
Installation takes a long time or does not finish
- A slow or interrupted network connection may delay package downloads.
- Another package-manager update or installation may already be in progress. Wait for it to finish before retrying.
- Insufficient storage can prevent package installation. Free disk space and try again.
VirtualBox will not open after installation
- Restart VirtualBox after the software manager reports that installation is complete.
- Use the software manager to confirm that the VirtualBox package is installed.
- Review the package-manager or system error message if the problem continues.
- If the installation was interrupted, resolve the reported package problem and retry the installation.
Exam-relevant notes
- Ubuntu is the host operating system in this installation scenario.
- An operating system running inside VirtualBox is a guest operating system.
- Administrative privileges are required for system-wide software installation.
- VirtualBox installation and guest operating system installation are separate tasks.
- The VirtualBox Manager should open successfully before you begin creating or importing a VM.
For broader background, review What is a virtual machine? and What is Oracle VM VirtualBox?.