How to Install Ubuntu Server on VirtualBox

January 18, 2025 1:33 pm by Alex

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

1. Download VirtualBox: Go to the VirtualBox download page and download the version suitable for your operating system.
2. Install VirtualBox: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

Step 2: Download Ubuntu Server ISO

1. Download Ubuntu Server: Go to the Ubuntu Server download page and download the ISO file.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click on “New” to create a new virtual machine.
2. Name and Operating System:
   • Name: Enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g., “Ubuntu Server”).
   • Type: Select “Linux”.
   • Version: Select “Ubuntu (64-bit)”.
3. Memory Size: Allocate memory (RAM) for the virtual machine. A minimum of 1024 MB (1 GB) is required, but I personally recommend at least 4096 MB (4 GB) if your system has enough RAM.
4. Hard Disk:
   • Select “Create a virtual hard disk now”.
   • Click “Create”.
5. Hard Disk File Type:
   • Select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)”.
   • Click “Next”.
6. Storage on Physical Hard Disk:
   • Select “Dynamically allocated”.
   • Click “Next”.
7. File Location and Size:
   • Choose the size of the virtual hard disk (e.g., 20 GB).
   • Click “Create”.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

1. Select the Virtual Machine: In the VirtualBox Manager, select the virtual machine you just created.
2. Settings:
   • Click on “Settings”.
   • Go to the “System” tab and ensure that the “Motherboard” tab has “Enable EFI (special OSes only)” unchecked.
   • Go to the “Processor” tab and allocate at least 2 CPUs.
   • Go to the “Storage” tab:
     • Under “Controller: IDE”, click on “Empty”.
     • Click on the disk icon next to “Optical Drive” and select “Choose a disk file…”.
     • Browse to the Ubuntu Server ISO file you downloaded and select it.
   • Go to the “Network” tab:
     • Select “Adapter 1” and ensure it is enabled.
     • For “Attached to”, select “Bridged Adapter”.
     • In the “Name” dropdown, select the network interface you want to bridge to (e.g., your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter).
   • Click “OK” to save the settings.

Step 5: Install Ubuntu Server

1. Start the Virtual Machine: Select the virtual machine and click “Start”.
2. Boot from ISO: The virtual machine will boot from the Ubuntu Server ISO.
3. Language Selection: Select your preferred language and press Enter.
4. Keyboard Configuration: Select your keyboard layout and press Enter.
5. Network Configuration: The installer will attempt to configure the network. If it succeeds, it will show the obtained IP address.
6. Configure Proxy: If you use a proxy, configure it here. Otherwise, leave it blank and press Enter.
7. Configure Ubuntu Archive Mirror: Select the mirror closest to your location and press Enter.
8. Guided Storage Configuration:
   • Select “Use An Entire Disk” and press Enter.
   • Select the disk to install Ubuntu Server on and press Enter.
   • Confirm the disk to be formatted and press Enter.
   • Confirm the destruction of data and press Enter.
9. Profile Setup:
   • Enter your name, server name, username, and password.
   • Choose whether to encrypt your home directory.
10. SSH Setup: Choose whether to install the OpenSSH server.
11. Featured Server Snaps: Choose whether to install any featured server snaps.
12. Installation Complete: The installation will begin and may take several minutes. Once complete, you will be prompted to reboot the system.

Step 6: Post-Installation

1. Reboot: The system will reboot. You may need to remove the ISO from the virtual optical drive to ensure it boots from the hard disk.
2. Login: Log in with the username and password you created during the installation.

Step 7: Update and Upgrade

1. Update Package List:

   sudo apt update

2. Upgrade Packages:

   sudo apt upgrade

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