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How To Download And Install Linux On Windows 11

4 min read 16 days ago
Published on Sep 15, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

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Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of downloading and installing Linux on Windows 11 using VirtualBox. By following these steps, you will be able to run a Linux operating system on your Windows machine without any changes to your existing setup. This is an excellent way to explore Linux, test software, or even develop applications.

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

  1. Go to the VirtualBox website

  2. Select the appropriate version

    • Download the version for Windows hosts.

  3. Run the installer

    • Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to start the installation.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You can choose default settings unless you have specific preferences.

  4. Launch VirtualBox

    • After installation, open VirtualBox from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Step 2: Download Linux ISO File

  1. Choose a Linux distribution

    • For this tutorial, we will use Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, but you can choose any Linux distribution you prefer.

  2. Download the ISO file

    • Visit the Ubuntu downloads page and select the 20.04 LTS version.
    • Click on the download link to save the ISO file to your computer.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

  1. Open VirtualBox

    • If not already open, launch VirtualBox.

  2. Create a new virtual machine

    • Click on the "New" button in the toolbar.
    • Enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g., "Ubuntu 20.04").
    • Select "Linux" as the type and "Ubuntu (64-bit)" as the version.

  3. Allocate memory

    • Choose the amount of RAM to allocate (at least 2048 MB is recommended).
    • Click "Next."

  4. Create a virtual hard disk

    • Choose "Create a virtual hard disk now."
    • Select the hard disk file type (VDI is recommended).
    • Choose "Dynamically allocated" for storage on the physical hard disk.
    • Set the size of the virtual hard disk (at least 20 GB is recommended).
    • Click "Create."

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine Settings

  1. Select the virtual machine

    • Highlight your newly created virtual machine and click on "Settings."

  2. Adjust system settings

    • Under "System," ensure that the boot order has "Optical" before "Hard Disk."
    • Adjust the number of processors for better performance if your machine allows.

  3. Load the ISO file

    • Go to the "Storage" section.
    • Click on "Empty" under the Controller: IDE.
    • Click on the disk icon and select "Choose a disk file."
    • Browse to the location of the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file and select it.

  4. Network settings (optional)

    • Under "Network," make sure "Adapter 1" is enabled and set to "NAT" for internet access.

Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine and Install Linux

  1. Start the installation

    • Click "OK" to save settings and then click "Start" to boot your virtual machine.

  2. Select installation options

    • Choose "Try Ubuntu" or "Install Ubuntu" when prompted.

  3. Follow the installation prompts

    • Select your language and keyboard layout.
    • Choose installation type (usually "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" is recommended for a virtual machine).
    • Follow the prompts to set up user information and preferences.

  4. Complete the installation

    • Wait for the installation to finish. Once complete, restart the virtual machine.

  5. Remove the ISO

    • When prompted, remove the installation media (the ISO) from the virtual drive to boot from the virtual hard disk.

Step 6: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Optional)

  1. Update your system

    • Open a terminal in Ubuntu and run the following command:
    sudo apt update

  2. Install required packages

    • Use the command below to install necessary packages:
    sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)

  3. Insert Guest Additions CD

    • In VirtualBox, go to the menu and select "Devices" > "Insert Guest Additions CD image."

  4. Run the installer

    • Open the terminal and navigate to the CD drive:
    cd /media/cdrom
    • Run the installer:
    sudo sh VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

Conclusion

You have successfully downloaded and installed Linux on your Windows 11 computer using VirtualBox. This setup allows you to explore Linux without affecting your main operating system. Consider experimenting with different Linux distributions or delve into software development within your virtual environment. Happy exploring!

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