Know the steps to follow to install Windows 10 in a virtual machine, more specifically in VirtualBox, a multiplatform software.
Do you want to have Windows within Windows, Mac or Linux? Maybe you want to try the new versions of Windows Insider?
Unlike installing Windows 10 from a USB on your hard drive, installing it in a virtual machine does not affect your main operating system. Namely, you can continue to use the operating system you currently have and, only when you want, you can open VirtualBox to use Windows.
This is perfect for test Insider builds (beta) Windows 10 and with it its new functions. But it is also useful to test programs or open files without fear of infecting your PC with viruses..
1. Download the Windows ISO 10
If you downloaded the ISO from a site other than Microsoft or this website, we recommend that you discard that installer as it is probably not the original and may contain malicious files.
Instead of, download the latest version of Windows 10 in Spanish from the following link (in order to 32 O 64 bits):
Download Windows ISO 10 Pro / Home 32 Y 64 bits
If you want the commercial version, You can refer to this guide on how to download Windows 10 Enterprise and LTSC for free.
The download is done from Microsoft's own servers, so you can be sure it is the original ISO file.
2. Configure the virtual machine
There are currently several virtual machines for Windows, Mac y Linux, both free and paid. However, in this case we will use VirtualBox for being free, cross-platform and very easy to use.
So download VirtualBox from your website and proceed to install it on your PC or Mac. Once installed, follow the steps below to create a new virtual machine:
1. Open VirtualBox and click on the option “New”
2. Enter a name and select Windows 10 (32 O 64 bits) as the version to install.
3. Indicate the amount of RAM you want to allocate. Note that, according to Windows requirements 10, need at least 1 GB for 32 bits y 2 GB for 64 bits.
4. In the following windows, leave the default options: “Create a virtual hard drive now” Y “VDI” as hard disk file type.
5. You can now choose between "Dynamically reserved" or "Fixed size". We recommend choosing the first option (default)
6. By last, assign hard drive size. Windows 10 requires 16 GB (32 bits) O 32 GB (64 bits) for your installation. But it is best to follow VirtualBox's recommendation and assign it 50 GB.
Smart! With this you already have the virtual machine created.
3. Instale Windows 10 in VirtualBox
Follow these steps to install Windows 10 in the virtual machine:
1. Click the button “Start”.
2. In the window that opens, click the folder icon and then click “Add”. Now select the Windows ISO 10 that you downloaded earlier. Continue by clicking Open, Select and then Start.
3. Now the Windows installer will start 10. In the first window, indicate the language, time format and keyboard. Click Next to continue.
4. In the next window, click on “Install Now”.
5. If you request a license, enter one of these free Windows keys 10. You can also skip this step by clicking “I don't have a product key”.
6. Accept the license agreement.
7. Click on the second option “Personalized”.
8. Select the disk drive and click “Next”. You can also create new partitions if you want.
9. Wait for Windows to install 10. It may take a few minutes and restart during the process.
10. Finish setting up your system
That's all. Now you can start using the operating system on the virtual machine.
4. Additional settings
After installation, there are some settings that we think are important and that you should make.
We refer to Guest additions, a complementThe "complement" In Spanish grammar refers to the elements that enrich the meaning of a verb, noun or adjective. There are different types of accessories, Like the direct complement, who receives the action of the verb, and indirect complement, que indica a quién o para quién se realiza la acción. What's more, se encuentran los complementos circunstanciales, que aportan información sobre las circunstancias de la acción, como lugar, tiempo o modo.... de VirtualBox que permite que la máquina virtual se comunique con el host. For example, move the mouse between the VM and its host or share folders between the two.
Follow these steps to install Guest Additions:
- Click on the menu “Devices”
- Choose “Insert Guest Additions CD Image”
- Abra el File BrowserThe "File Browser" It is a fundamental tool in operating systems that allows users to manage and organize their files and folders efficiently.. Through a graphical interface, users can browse their directories, copy, move or delete files, as well as access specific properties of each element. Esta funcionalidad es crucial para mantener un sistema ordenado y facilitar el acceso a documentos importantes.... y vaya a “This computer”
- Haga clic en VirtualBox Guest Additions (that is mounted as if it were a disk)
- Click on VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe and proceed with the installation
What's more, you can go to the menu “Devices”, select Shared clipboard and then “Bidirectional”. Same for drag and drop. The former allows you to share files between the virtual machine and your main system, while the second allows you to drag and drop files between the two.
To apply the changes, reboot system.
Remember that you do not need a license to install Windows 10 in a virtual machine. However, you need it for activation.
You can refer to this page to activate Windows 10 for free.
