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Choose a virtualization platform like VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V, or Parallels, with VirtualBox recommended for its free and user-friendly nature. 2. Download a Windows ISO file using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool from the official website, selecting the desired version such as Windows 10 or 11, and save the ISO to your computer. 3. Create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox by naming it, setting the OS type, allocating at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended), and creating a dynamically allocated virtual hard disk of at least 64 GB. 4. Configure VM settings by assigning 2–4 CPU cores, increasing video memory to 128 MB, attaching the Windows ISO to the virtual optical drive, and enabling PAE/NX for 64-bit support. 5. Start the VM to begin installation, follow the on-screen prompts to select language, enter a product key (or skip), choose custom installation, and select the virtual drive to proceed. 6. Wait for the installation to complete over several reboots, which may take 10–20 minutes, and avoid interrupting the process even if the screen appears stuck. 7. Complete the initial Windows setup by creating a user account and configuring privacy settings, then install VirtualBox Guest Additions via Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image to enable better display, shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, and performance. 8. Optionally, set up shared folders in VM settings to transfer files between host and guest systems using \\vboxsvr\folder_name, and take snapshots via Machine > Take Snapshot to save the VM state for safe testing. 9. Remember to back up important data within the VM, as the entire process is reversible and safe to experiment with once the ISO is obtained, making it easy to manage, pause, clone, or restore the virtual machine at any time.
Installing Windows in a virtual machine is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Whether you're using it for testing software, running legacy applications, or learning about system administration, a virtual machine (VM) lets you run Windows safely within your existing operating system. Here's how to do it.

Choose a Virtualization Platform
First, you’ll need virtualization software. The most popular free and reliable options are:
- Oracle VM VirtualBox – Free, cross-platform, and user-friendly.
- VMware Workstation Player – Free for personal use, available for Windows and Linux.
- Hyper-V – Built into Windows Pro and Enterprise editions (no extra download needed).
- Parallels – For macOS users who want to run Windows on Apple Silicon or Intel Macs.
For this guide, we’ll use VirtualBox as an example since it’s free and widely used.

Prepare the Windows Installation Files
You’ll need a Windows ISO file (installation disc image). You can download one officially from Microsoft:
- Go to the Microsoft Windows Download page.
- Choose the version you want (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11).
- Click “Download now” to get the Media Creation Tool.
- Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC.”
- Save the ISO file to your computer.
Make sure you have a valid product key if you plan to activate Windows. Some versions allow installation without activation (with limited features).

Create a New Virtual Machine
- Open VirtualBox.
- Click New to create a VM.
- Enter a name (e.g., “Windows 10”) – the OS type will auto-detect.
- Allocate memory (RAM):
- Minimum: 4 GB (4096 MB) for Windows 10/11.
- Recommended: 8 GB if your host system allows.
- Create a virtual hard disk:
- Select “Create a virtual hard disk now.”
- Choose VDI (VirtualBox format).
- Use dynamically allocated to save space.
- Set size to at least 64 GB for comfortable usage.
Configure VM Settings Before Installation
Before starting the VM, adjust a few settings:
- System > Processor: Assign at least 2 CPU cores (4 if possible).
- Display > Video Memory: Increase to 128 MB for better graphics.
-
Storage:
- Click on the empty optical drive.
- Click the disk icon and select your Windows ISO file.
- Settings > Enable PAE/NX (if available) – helps with 64-bit OS support.
Install Windows in the VM
- Select the VM and click Start.
- The VM boots from the ISO and begins the Windows installer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts:
- Choose language and preferences.
- Click Install Now.
- Enter your product key (or skip if you’ll activate later).
- Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- Choose the virtual disk (usually “Drive 0”) and click Next.
- Wait for files to copy and the system to install (this may take 10–20 minutes).
- The VM will reboot several times automatically.
Note: At one point, the VM might appear stuck or restart into a black screen. Be patient — the installation continues in the background.
Complete Setup and Install Guest Additions
After installation:
Finish the initial Windows setup (create user account, privacy settings, etc.).
-
Once on the desktop, install VirtualBox Guest Additions:
- In the VirtualBox menu, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
- Run the setup from the CD drive inside the VM.
- This improves screen resolution, enables shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, and better performance.
Reboot the VM after installation.
Optional: Set Up Shared Folders and Snapshots
-
Shared Folders: Transfer files between host and guest OS.
- In VM settings, go to Shared Folders, add a folder from your host.
- Access it from This PC > Network or via
\\vboxsvr\folder_name
in File Explorer.
-
Snapshots: Save the VM’s state before making changes.
- Use Machine > Take Snapshot in VirtualBox.
- Useful for testing risky software or system changes.
That’s it. You now have a working Windows virtual machine. You can pause, save, or clone it anytime. Just remember to keep backups if the VM contains important data.
Basically, the hardest part is getting the ISO — everything else is guided and safe to experiment with.
The above is the detailed content of How to install Windows in a virtual machine. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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