Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu: Easy Setup Guide for 24.04

If you want to Install VirtualBox Ubuntu systems for testing, development, or running multiple operating systems, VirtualBox remains one of the most reliable solutions available. It is a free and open-source virtualization platform that allows users to create isolated virtual machines without affecting the primary operating system.

Whether you are experimenting with Linux distributions, testing Windows software, or building development labs, VirtualBox offers a flexible and lightweight virtualization environment for Ubuntu users.

Why Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu Systems?

VirtualBox is widely used by developers, cybersecurity professionals, and system administrators because it supports multiple guest operating systems on a single machine. You can run Linux, Windows, or even older operating systems simultaneously.

Another advantage is portability. Virtual machines can be backed up, cloned, or transferred between systems with minimal effort. Additionally, VirtualBox supports snapshots, making it easy to revert to previous states after testing software or configurations.

For Ubuntu users, installing VirtualBox through Oracle’s official repository ensures access to the latest stable releases and security updates.

Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu Using Oracle Repository

Before installing VirtualBox, update your Ubuntu package index:

sudo apt update

Next, import Oracle’s official GPG signing key:

wget -O- https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc | \sudo gpg --yes --output /usr/share/keyrings/oracle-virtualbox.gpg --dearmor

After that, add the VirtualBox repository to your Ubuntu system:

echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/oracle-virtualbox.gpg] https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -cs) contrib" | \sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list

Refresh the package database again:

sudo apt update

Now install the latest VirtualBox version:

sudo apt install virtualbox-7.2

Once installation finishes, verify it using:

VBoxManage --version

This confirms that VirtualBox is correctly installed and ready to use.

Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu Extension Pack

The Extension Pack adds advanced functionality such as USB 3.0 support, remote desktop access, and disk encryption capabilities.

First, save the installed VirtualBox version:

VBOX_VERSION=$(VBoxManage -version | cut -d'r' -f1)

Download the matching Extension Pack:

wget https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/${VBOX_VERSION}/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-${VBOX_VERSION}.vbox-extpack

Then install it using:

sudo VBoxManage extpack install Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-${VBOX_VERSION}.vbox-extpack

Accept the Oracle license agreement when prompted to complete the setup.

Launching and Using VirtualBox

You can open VirtualBox directly from the Ubuntu application menu or by running:

virtualbox

After launching the application, click the New button to create your first virtual machine. From there, allocate RAM, storage space, and choose the operating system you want to install.

For better performance, ensure virtualization technology such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V is enabled in your BIOS settings.

Conclusion

Learning how to Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu systems is essential for developers, IT professionals, and security researchers who need safe and isolated environments for testing. By using Oracle’s official repository, you gain access to the latest VirtualBox updates, better stability, and enhanced virtualization features.

With the Extension Pack installed, Ubuntu users can unlock additional enterprise-grade capabilities and build powerful virtual environments with ease.