Install Windows 8 in VirtualBox

How to run Windows 8 in VirtualBox

By Jim Lynch, ITworld |  Software, windows 8 virtualbox 3 comments

September 18, 2011, 12:50 PM — Microsoft is giving away free copies of Windows 8 on its developer site. Here's how you can install Windows 8 in VirtualBox. VirtualBox is free and open source software that lets you run various computer operating systems.

1. Make sure you download and install VirtualBox on your computer.

2. Download the free Windows 8 developer preview.

3. Click the New button in VirtualBox to begin installing Windows 8. Name your new virtual machine "Windows 8" or whatever you prefer to call it.

4. Under OS Type, be sure you choose Microsoft Windows and then Other Windows for the version.

5. For base memory, choose 2000 MB or more.

6. Follow the rest of the menu prompts until you get to the Virtual Disk Location and Size menu. Make sure that your virtual disk is at least 20GB.

7. Before starting your new virtual machine, click the Settings button and change the video memory to 128 MB.

8. Click the Start button to begin installing Windows 8 into your virtual machine. You'll need to tell VirtualBox where to find the Windows 8 ISO file you downloaded earlier.

9. Follow the Windows 8 install prompts to finish the installation.

That's it, you should be all set to run Windows 8 in VirtualBox. Woohoo!

Jim Lynch is a technology analyst and online community manager. Jim has written for many leading industry publications and sites over the years.


He also writes the Desktop Linux Reviews blog, the Eye On Linux blog and dithers a bit here and there on his own tech linking blog Tech Off the Top of My Head.


You can also read many original columns, reviews and roundups on JimLynch.com. These articles include some excellent free software roundups for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and other platforms.


Jim also runs two discussion forums of his own. You can visit the Desktop Linux Reviews Forum and the Collective Forum. The DLR forum focuses mainly on Linux, and the Collective is a general technology and off-topic forum. Please drop by and say hello.


3 comments

    jakson0100_tw281176531 18 weeks ago
    this doesn't work at all I get to the developer preview screen then random cryptic characters start scrolling down the left corner of the screen i found the same solution in detail i would like to share with you all guys http://www.hypervhd.com/hyper-v-install-and-upgrade-f24/install-windows-8-in-vbox-t1726.html
    Flag comment  |  Permalink Reply
    Chris Taylor
    Chris Taylor 21 weeks ago
    i second this comment
    virtualbox doesnt have any drivers for it
    Flag comment  |  Permalink Reply
    hallybarb_tw49328306 21 weeks ago
    I was able to install it. Is it supposed to be able to connect to internet and if so how? Because so much of it is web based, not much to really see without it.
    Flag comment  |  Permalink Reply

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