Install Windows 7 in Virtualbox - how it works
With Virtualbox you can install Windows 7 in a virtual environment parallel to your current operating system. In our practical tip, we will show you how to do this.
Install Windows 7 in VirtualBox: You need that
- The "VirtualBox" program: Download VirtualBox and install it on your PC.
- VirtualBox Extension Pack: In addition, you should install the Virtualbox Extension Pack so that all functions run smoothly under Windows 7.
- Windows 7: Of course you also need a Windows 7 version. Either as a CD or as an ISO file. You can download Windows 7 here.
Install Windows 7 in Virtualbox: Create a virtual machine
First, create a virtual machine in which you will later install Windows 7. To do this, you have to select the desired operating system and assign working memory and hard disk space to the machine.
- Start Virtualbox and click on "New". You will now be guided through the setup of a virtual machine in which you will later install Windows 7.
- First enter the operating system you want to install - Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit - and give the system any name you want.
- The next step is to determine how much RAM you want to make available to the system. The correct amount of RAM depends on the one hand on the available memory and on the other hand on your requirements for the Windows 7 version. You should make at least 512 MB available, but not more than half of the total available RAM. Orient yourself by the colored marking in the assistant.
- Next, create a virtual hard drive on which you install Windows 7. With 20 GB you have enough space for the operating system and some programs. Select "VDI" as the file type of the hard disk.
- In the next step you can decide whether you want to assign the hard drive a size of 20 GB from the beginning or whether the storage space should grow as needed. We recommend the latter, ie "dynamically growing medium".
- In the next step, confirm the size you have already defined and click "Next".
- You will now see an overview of the settings made. Confirm with "Complete".
Install Windows 7 in VirtualBox: Install operating system
After you create the virtual machine, you can start it and install Windows 7.
- Start the created virtual machine by double-clicking on it (in the left program area).
- The start wizard opens and guides you through the installation of Windows 7. Click on Continue".
- Now select the medium on which your Windows 7 version is saved. If you have a Windows 7 CD, insert it and select the appropriate drive from the list. If you have an ISO file, click on the yellow folder icon and select the file on your PC. Then click Next".
- You will now see a summary. Click on "Finish" to start the installation. The installation wizard will now guide you through the installation of Windows 7.