Setting up a virtual machine to run Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the latest Long Term Support release, is a popular way to explore the operating system without modifying your main computer. This process involves downloading necessary software and the Ubuntu installation image, configuring the virtual environment, and then proceeding with the standard installation steps within that environment. It’s a straightforward method for testing, development, or simply learning about Ubuntu.
Here is a detailed guide on installing Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat within VirtualBox, a free and powerful virtualization tool. This method allows you to run Ubuntu in a window on your existing operating system, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.
First, ensure you have VirtualBox and the VirtualBox Extension Pack installed on your host computer. You also need the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO image. Download the latest version of VirtualBox and the Extension Pack from the official VirtualBox website, and get the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO from the official Ubuntu website.
Open VirtualBox Manager. Click the “New” button to create a new virtual machine. Give your virtual machine a descriptive Name, like “Ubuntu 24.04 VM”. Choose a folder where the virtual machine files will be stored. For the ISO Image, click the dropdown and select “Other…” to navigate to the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file you downloaded. Make sure the Type is set to “Linux” and the Version is set to “Ubuntu (64-bit)”. You can leave the “Skip Unattended Installation” box checked for a manual setup, which is recommended for learning the process. Click “Next”.
Now, configure the Hardware. Allocate sufficient Base Memory (RAM) to the virtual machine. A minimum of 4096 MB (4 GB) is recommended for a smooth experience, especially if you plan to run graphical applications. You can adjust this using the slider. Assign Processors to the VM. Give it at least 2 CPUs for better performance. Click “Next”.
Next, configure the Virtual Hard Disk. You need to create a Virtual Hard Disk for Ubuntu to install onto. Choose “Create a Virtual Hard Disk now”. For the disk size, a minimum of 25 GB is required, but allocating 40 GB or more is preferable for future software installations and personal files. Select “Dynamically allocated” as the type. This means the virtual disk file will only grow as needed, up to the maximum size you set, saving space on your host computer initially. Click “Next”.
Review the Summary of your virtual machine settings. If everything looks correct, click “Finish”.
Your new Ubuntu 24.04 virtual machine will appear in the list on the left side of the VirtualBox Manager. Select the VM and click the “Start” button.
The virtual machine will boot, and you should see the Ubuntu installation welcome screen. Select your preferred Language and click “Install Ubuntu”.
Choose your desired Keyboard Layout. You can click “Detect Keyboard Layout” if unsure. Click “Continue”.
Select the Installation Type. For a standard installation on a fresh virtual disk, choose “Normal installation”. You can also choose whether to “Download updates while installing Ubuntu” and “Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats”. It is highly recommended to check both of these options if you have an internet connection, as they provide necessary drivers and codecs. Click “Continue”.
On the Installation type screen for disk partitioning, since this is a clean virtual hard disk, select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu”. Don’t worry, this will only erase the virtual disk within the VM, not your host computer’s hard drive. This is the simplest option for a new VM. Click “Install Now”. You will see a summary of the changes; confirm by clicking “Continue”.
Select your Location on the map. This sets your time zone. Click “Continue”.
Create your User Account. Enter your Name, choose a Username, and set a strong Password. Confirm your password. You can choose to “Log in automatically” or “Require my password to log in”. For better security, choose the latter. Click “Continue”.
The installation process will now begin. Files will be copied and the system will be installed. This will take some time depending on your computer’s speed.
Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to Restart Now. Click the button.
After the virtual machine restarts, you may see a message asking you to remove the installation medium. If prompted, simply press ENTER. The VM should boot into your newly installed Ubuntu 24.04 system.
Log in with the username and password you created. You have successfully installed Ubuntu 24.04 on VirtualBox!
Important Post-Installation Step: To improve performance, screen resolution options, and clipboard sharing between your host and guest OS, install VirtualBox Guest Additions. With the Ubuntu desktop running, go to the VirtualBox menu at the top of the VM window (likely under “Devices”). Select “Insert Guest Additions CD Image…”. Open the file manager within Ubuntu, navigate to the virtual CD drive that appears, and double-click the autorun.sh file or right-click and select “Run Software”. Enter your password if prompted. This will run a script in the terminal to install the Guest Additions. Once finished, Restart the Ubuntu virtual machine for the changes to take effect.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/install-ubuntu-24-04-on-virtualbox/
