Can I Run an Ubuntu VM on Windows 10?

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the desire to explore different operating systems often arises. Windows 10, one of the most widely used operating systems, offers a versatile solution for users to run virtual machines (VMs). One such popular VM is Ubuntu, a Linux distribution known for its stability and security. In this article, we'll delve into the process of running an Ubuntu VM on a Windows 10 system.

Setting the Stage: Installing a Virtualization Software

Before diving into the world of Ubuntu VMs, you need to have virtualization software installed on your Windows 10 machine. Oracle VM VirtualBox is a reliable choice for this purpose. If you don't have it installed, head to the official website and download the latest version.

Creating a New Virtual Machine:

1. Open VirtualBox and click on "New" to create a new virtual machine.

2. Enter a name for your VM (e.g., UbuntuVM) and select "Linux" as the type and "Ubuntu" as the version.

3. Allocate sufficient memory. 2 GB is a reasonable starting point, but adjust according to your system specifications.

4. Create a virtual hard disk. Choose the recommended size (25 GB) and select the file type as VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).

5. Once the VM is created, click on "Settings." Under the "System" tab, move Ubuntu to the top in the "Boot Order" section.

Installing Ubuntu:

1. With the VM selected, click "Start" and choose the Ubuntu ISO file you've downloaded.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu. Select your language, time zone, keyboard layout, and create a user account.

3. During installation, choose the option to install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, ensuring a smoother experience.

Post-Installation Steps:

1. Once Ubuntu is installed, eject the installation ISO and restart the VM.

2. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions for better integration. In the VirtualBox menu, go to "Devices" > "Insert Guest Additions CD image."

3. Open a terminal in Ubuntu and navigate to the CD directory (cd /media/<username>/VBox_GAs_...). Run the installer script (sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run).

Additional Considerations:

Sharing Folders Between Host and Guest:

1. In VirtualBox settings, under the "Shared Folders" tab, add a new shared folder.

2. In Ubuntu, open a terminal and install the Guest Additions. Use the command: sudo apt-get install virtualbox-guest-utils.

3. Mount the shared folder using the command: sudo mount -t vboxsf <folder_name> <mount_point>.

Running an Ubuntu VM on Windows 10 provides a flexible environment for exploring Linux without the need for a separate machine. With VirtualBox, the process is streamlined, allowing users to seamlessly switch between Windows and Ubuntu environments. As you navigate this virtual journey, feel free to explore additional settings and configurations to tailor the experience to your needs.