How to Run Ubuntu Server on VirtualBox – Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Looking to create a virtual Ubuntu Server environment on your Windows or macOS machine? Using VirtualBox is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to do it — especially for developers, system admins, and students experimenting with Linux.

This guide walks you through the entire process of downloading, installing, and running Ubuntu Server on Oracle VM VirtualBox.

🧰 What You’ll Need

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

1. Oracle VirtualBox – Free virtualization software
   Download: https://www.virtualbox.org

2. Ubuntu Server ISO – Headless version of Ubuntu (no GUI)
   Download: https://ubuntu.com/download/server

3. At least 2 GB RAM and 10 GB free disk space

4. Basic knowledge of Linux terminal (helpful, not mandatory)

🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

• Download VirtualBox from https://www.virtualbox.org

• Run the installer and complete setup using default settings

• Launch VirtualBox

Step 2: Download Ubuntu Server ISO

• Visit: https://ubuntu.com/download/server

• Choose the latest LTS version (e.g., Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS)

• Download the .iso file (around 1 GB)

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New

2. Set the name (e.g., UbuntuServer)

3. Type: Linux
   Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)

4. Click Next

Step 4: Assign Memory

• Allocate 2048 MB (2 GB) or more

• Click Next

Step 5: Create Virtual Hard Disk

• Choose Create a virtual hard disk now

• Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)

• Choose Dynamically allocated

• Set size: 20 GB or more

• Click Create

Step 6: Attach Ubuntu ISO

1. Select the new VM → Click Settings

2. Go to Storage

3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon

4. Click the disk icon on the right → Choose a disk file

5. Browse and select the downloaded Ubuntu Server .iso

Click OK.

Step 7: Start the Virtual Machine

• Click Start

• Ubuntu Server installer will boot from ISO

Step 8: Install Ubuntu Server

• Choose language and keyboard layout

• Select Install Ubuntu Server

• Configure network (use DHCP if unsure)

• Set hostname, username, and password

• Configure storage (select guided installation)

• Optional: Install OpenSSH server for remote access

• Wait for the installation to complete

Finally, reboot the system when prompted. You now have Ubuntu Server running!

🔧 Post-Installation Tips

Once installed, you’ll be greeted with a terminal login screen. From here you can:

• Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to update packages

• Use ip a to find your server’s IP

• Install additional tools like nginx, docker, or git

• Add shared folders or enable copy-paste in settings (requires Guest Additions)

📡 Optional: Enable SSH Access

To connect from your main system using SSH:

1. During install, ensure OpenSSH server is selected

2. Find the VM’s IP using ip a

3. From host OS (e.g., Windows), use:
   ssh username@vm-ip

🧼 How to Shut Down the Server

Inside the server, run

sudo shutdown now

Or to reboot:

nginx

sudo reboot

Avoid closing VirtualBox window without properly shutting down the VM.

✅ Final Thoughts

VirtualBox + Ubuntu Server is a perfect combo for testing, learning, and sandboxing server environments safely on your computer. Whether you’re experimenting with web servers, setting up a home lab, or learning Linux commands — this virtual setup is your go-to tool.

💡 Pro Tip: You can clone this VM later for multiple isolated environments.