Running Windows on Linux via Virtualization: A Comprehensive Guide

It is indeed possible to run Windows on Linux using virtualization software such as VirtualBox and VMware. Understanding the differences between these tools and the steps involved in setting up a virtual machine can help you make the most of virtualization on a Linux system.

Understanding Virtualization on Linux

Both VMware Player and VMware Workstation, as well as VirtualBox, can be installed and used on a Linux system like Ubuntu. However, it's important to note that VMware Player is used for running pre-configured virtual machines, while VMware Workstation is a full-featured virtualization tool. Hence, VirtualBox is a product name committed by Oracle, and VMware is a company name, and they shouldn't be mixed up. The term “for free” typically refers to VMware Player which is open-source and free to use, whereas VMware Workstation is a commercial product with a cost associated with it.

Installing Virtualization Software on Linux

To install VMware Player/Workstation, you can download the respective software from the official VMware website. However, if you are looking for a free and open-source alternative, VirtualBox is a great choice. It is developed by Oracle and is widely used for creating and managing virtual machines on Linux and other operating systems.

The installation process for VirtualBox on a Linux system is straightforward. For Debian-based systems, the following commands can be used:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install virtualbox

Setting Up a Windows Virtual Machine with VirtualBox

Step 1: Download Windows 11 ISO

First, you need to download the Windows 11 ISO file. You can obtain it from the official Microsoft website.

Step 2: Creating a New Virtual Machine

Once VirtualBox is installed, follow these steps to create a new virtual machine:

Step 2.1: Create a New VM

Go to the New button and enter a name for your virtual machine. Choose a desired location for the VM files and select the version of Windows you are installing (in this case, Windows 11 64-bit).

Step 2.2: Set Memory (RAM)

Assign 4GB of memory (4096 MB) to the VM, as this is recommended by Microsoft for Windows 11 to run smoothly. If you have more RAM, you can increase the allocation.

Step 2.3: Disk Space Allocation

For the virtual hard disk, allocate at least 80GB of space. This aligns with Microsoft's recommendation of around 64GB of free disk space. You can add more space if needed.

Step 2.4: File Format and Type

Select the VDI (Virtual Disk Image) format and dynamic allocation to manage storage efficiently. Choose the default settings for the file location and size.

Step 2.5: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

After creating the virtual machine, you will see it in the VirtualBox main screen. Click on Settings to further configure the VM.

Step 2.6: Configure Boot Order

Set the optical drive as the first boot device in the boot order menu to boot from the ISO file. Select the ISO file you downloaded earlier.

Step 2.7: Start the Virtual Machine

Once the ISO file is selected, click Start. Windows 11 will start installing, and you can proceed with the installation steps.

Conclusion

Installing and running Windows on Linux via virtualization is a powerful technique that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. Whether you're using VirtualBox or VMware, the process is similar and relatively straightforward. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up and run a Windows 11 virtual machine on your Linux system.

If you run into any issues or need more detailed guidance, refer to the official documentation for both VirtualBox and VMware. A combination of these tools and a solid understanding of virtualization can greatly enhance your computing capabilities on a Linux environment.