How to Install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on VirtualBox

Learn how to install Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS on Oracle VirtualBox 7 running on Windows 11 with this simple beginner-friendly tutorial.

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions for developers, ethical hackers, students, and system administrators. Instead of installing Ubuntu directly on your computer, you can run it safely inside Oracle VirtualBox as a virtual machine.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to install Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS on VirtualBox 7 using easy-to-follow steps.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following:

• Windows OS  (Host Operating System)
• Oracle VirtualBox 7 (Already Installed)
• Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS ISO Image

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Dual-Core Processor or better
• 6 GB RAM (Recommended)
• 25 GB Disk Space (50 GB Recommended)

Step 1: Download Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS ISO

Download the latest Ubuntu Desktop ISO from the official Ubuntu website: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Click Download beside the Intel or AMD 64-bit version to download the ISO image.

The ISO file is approximately 6 GB in size.

After downloading, verify that the file (ubuntu-26.04-desktop-amd64.iso) is available in your download location.

Step 2: Open Oracle VirtualBox

Open Oracle VM VirtualBox from the Windows Start Menu.

Once VirtualBox opens, click the New button.

Shortcut: Press Ctrl + N to create a new virtual machine.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

The Create Virtual Machine window will appear.

Enter the following details:

Also,

• Enable Skip Unattended Installation
• Click Next

Step 4: Configure Hardware

Assign the following resources:

• RAM: 6144 MB (6 GB)
• Processors: 2 CPUs

Click Next.

Note: You can allocate more RAM or CPU depending on your system configuration.

Step 5: Create Virtual Hard Disk

Choose: Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now

Set: Disk Size as 50 GB

Click Next.

Step 6: Review Virtual Machine Settings

The Summary screen displays all the VM configuration.

Verify everything carefully and click Finish.

Your Ubuntu virtual machine will now be created.

Step 7: Start the Ubuntu Virtual Machine

Select the newly created Ubuntu26 VM.

Click Start.

VirtualBox will boot using the Ubuntu ISO image.

Step 8: Ubuntu Installer Starts

Initially, you’ll see the Try or Install Ubuntu screen.

Wait for a few moments.

The installer will automatically launch.

Note: If a temporary video memory warning appears, simply wait. It usually resolves automatically.

Step 9: Select Installation Language

Choose: English

Click Next.

Step 10: Accessibility

Keep the default settings.

Click Next.

Step 11: Keyboard Layout

Select: English (US)

Click Next.

Step 12: Network Connection

Choose: Use Wired Connection

Click Next.

Step 13: Installation Type

Select: Install Ubuntu

Click Next.

Step 14: Installation Mode

Choose: Interactive Installation

Click Next.

Step 15: Installation Selection

Select: Default Selection

Click Next.

Step 16: Additional Software

Leave Install Recommended Software unchecked.

Click Next.

Step 17: Disk Setup

Select: Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu

Click Next.

Since this is a virtual machine, only the virtual disk will be formatted.

Step 18: Encryption

Choose: No Encryption

Click Next.

Step 19: Create Your User Account

Enter your account information.

Example:

Enable:

• Require my password to log in

Click Next.

Step 20: Select Time Zone

Choose your country and time zone.

Click Next.

Step 21: Ready to Install

The installer displays a summary of your selections.

Click Install.

Ubuntu installation will begin.

Step 22: Wait for Installation

Ubuntu will now:

• Copy installation files

• Install system packages

• Configure the operating system

• Complete setup automatically

This process may take several minutes depending on your system speed.

Step 23: Restart Ubuntu

Once installation completes, you’ll see the message: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is Installed and Ready to Use

Click: Restart Now button

Step 24: Finalize Installation

During reboot, Ubuntu asks:

Press Enter to finalize the installation and return to the login screen.

Press Enter.

Step 25: Log in to Ubuntu

Click your user account: TechArry

Enter your password and press Enter.

Ubuntu Desktop will load successfully.

Step 26: Complete the Welcome Wizard

After the first login:

• Click Next on the Welcome screen.

• Keep the default Location Services settings.

• Click Next.

• Select the default Ubuntu appearance.

• Click Finish.

You are now on the Ubuntu Desktop.

Step 27: Open Ubuntu Terminal

Right-click on the desktop and select: Open in Terminal

The Ubuntu Terminal opens.

Verify the logged-in user by running:

$ whoami

Output:

techarry

Your Ubuntu virtual machine is now ready to use.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS on Oracle VirtualBox 7 running on Windows 11.

Using Ubuntu inside VirtualBox allows you to safely learn Linux, practice commands, develop applications, perform cybersecurity labs, and test software without modifying your primary operating system.

Now that your Ubuntu virtual machine is ready, you can begin exploring Linux commands, installing software, configuring development tools, or setting up your own testing environment.