How to Install Fedora on VirtualBox

The installation of Fedora using VirtualBox is a great option to test this Linux distribution without impacting the primary operating system. Fedora is a cutting-edge Linux distribution that is the best choice to test the latest open-source technologies. It enables users, including students, developers, and IT professionals, to try out software, master Linux functions, and discover the features of Fedora in a secure, protected, isolated environment.

This comprehensive article will guide you through every step of installing Fedora on VirtualBox.

System Requirements for VirtualBox Fedora Installation

• A stable internet connection for downloading the Fedora ISO
• At minimum, 4GB of RAM (8GB or more is recommended)
• 20GB disk space available (minimum)
• A 64-bit processor with virtualization support
• VirtualBox is installed on the host system

How to Install Fedora on VirtualBox

VirtualBox allows you to make snapshots, revert changes, and effectively manage resources. This setup can also be useful to test the performance and compatibility before installing Fedora on hardware. 

Before beginning the installation process, make sure you meet these requirements:

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free Oracle virtualization tool that allows you to operate multiple operating systems concurrently on your PC. You can easily install VirtualBox on Windows or any other operating system by following the appropriate instructions.

For Windows Users

1. Check out VirtualBox’s official site at virtualbox.org
2. Select “Downloads” and select “Windows hosts.”
3. Install the executable, and start it as an administrator.
4. Follow the wizard to install by accepting the default settings.
5. Restart your computer whenever you are asked to do so.

macOS Users

1. Get the version of macOS from the VirtualBox website. 
2. Download the .dmg file
3. Simply double-click on the VirtualBox.pkg installer
4. Follow the installation instructions.
5. Install the program to run in the System Preferences > Security and Privacy, if necessary.

For Linux Users

The majority of Linux distributions come with VirtualBox in their repository. Make use of your package manager for the installation of VirtualBox:

Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt install virtualbox

CentOS/RHEL

sudo install VirtualBox

Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S virtualbox

Step 2: Download Fedora ISO

The Fedora ISO file contains the entire operating system you’ll install on the virtual machine.

1. Go to the official Fedora website
2. Simply click on “Workstation” for the desktop version.
3. Select “Download icon” for the standard version.
4. Choose the right architecture (usually x86_64 is the most common architecture for computers).
5. Then wait for the download to be completed (typically 1.5-2GB)

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

Then you’ll create a virtual world where Fedora can be loaded.

Start VirtualBox and then click on the “New” button in the toolbar:

Make sure you name your Virtual Machine: Type “Fedora” or any descriptive name. After this, select Type: Linux and Version: Fedora (64-bit). Then browse and select your downloaded Fedora ISO file:

Allocate Memory

• Minimum: 2GB (2048 MB)
• The recommended size is at least 4 GB (4096 Megabytes) or more
• Do not over 50 percent of your host’s RAM

Create Virtual Hard Disk

• Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now”
• Choose “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)”
• Size should be at least 20GB (30GB recommended)

Step 4: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

The correct configuration is essential to ensure the best functionality and compatibility.

System Settings

Right-click on your new VM and then select “Settings…”

In the System tab, ensure the following configurations are made:

• Motherboard: Check that the boot order includes “Optical” before “Hard Disk”
• Processor: Allocate 2 or More CPU cores if there are
• Acceleration: Enable VT-x/AMD-V and Nested Paging

Display Settings

1. Go to the “Display” tab:
2. Video Memory Set to 128MB (maximum allowed)
3. Graphics Controller: Choose VMSVGA
4. Turn on 3D Acceleration: Click this box to improve graphics performance.

Storage Configuration

Click on the “Storage” tab:

1. Select the empty drive.
2. Click the disc icon, and choose “Choose Virtual Optical Disk File.”
3. Browse and select the Fedora ISO file

Network Settings

Click on the “Network” tab:

• Adapter 1: Enable and set to “NAT” (default)
• This permits internet access inside the VM

Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine and Begin Installation

With everything set, it’s time to boot Fedora for the very first time. 

Start the VM: Highlight your Fedora VM and press “Start”: 

This will bring you to the Fedora live environment. Pick the language of your choice for the installation: 

On the desktop, click the “Install Fedora” button to proceed with the Installation:  

Step 6: Completing Fedora Installation 

Anaconda, the Fedora installer, will take you through the steps to complete the installation.

Installation Summary Screen: All options for the installation are shown here. Resolve any issues that have warning signs next to them.

Installation Destination

1. Click on “Destination”.  
2. Select your virtual hard disk; it should be automatically detected, and hit the “Next” button.

Step 7: Start Installation

1. After setting everything up, to start the process use click on “Erase data and install”  
2. The installer will commence formatting the disk and copying the necessary files.

Completing these steps usually takes 30 minutes, depending on system specifications. Interruption during the process is strongly discouraged: 

Step 8: Complete Installation and Reboot

Select the “Exit to live desktop” option and restart the virtual machine:

Step 9: First Boot and Initial Setup

After reboot, you’ll go through Fedora’s initial setup:

Step 10: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Recommended)

To receive optimal integration with host and guest systems, prioritize system updates. To do so, open Terminal and enter the following commands:  

sudo dnf update

Insert Guest Additions CD

In VirtualBox menu: Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image:

Then, opening the CD with a file explorer, right-clicking that folder, and clicking “Open in Terminal”  

Install Guest Additions

Afterwards, run these commands to install:  

sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

Then, finally completes the process by restarting the virtual machine to fully activate the Additions.  You can confirm with the command: 

cat /etc/os-release

Step 11: Post-Installation Optimization

To get the best experience from your Fedora virtual machine:

Enable Shared Clipboard

1. Navigate to VM Settings > General > Advanced or “Devices” tab.
2. Change “Shared Clipboard” to “Bidirectional.”

Configure Shared Folders

1. Make a new folder in your host system.
2. Go to Devices > Shared Folders.

3. Click on the folder icon with the plus sign and navigate to your folder.
4. Check “Auto-mount” and “Make Permanent.”

With the successful installation of Fedora in VirtualBox, you can learn Linux, test software, or delve into open-source development. 

Conclusion

The features of Fedora, paired with the virtualization options offered by VBox, make it easy for both new and experienced users to polish their Linux skills on a single, versatile platform. Working in a virtualized environment lets you freely experiment with the newest features of Fedora without the risk of impacting your primary operating system.

Don’t forget to use sudo dnf update to keep your virtual machine up to date and check on Fedora’s software repositories. Don’t miss out on Fedora’s one-of-a-kind features, including its newest desktop interface, a number of apps, and powerful developer tools. 

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