How to Install Fedora on VirtualBox [Simple Guide]

Ridoy Chandra Shil
Written by Ridoy Chandra Shil
Monira Akter Munny
Reviewed by Monira Akter Munny
Last updated: Dec 6, 2023
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VirtualBox is a widely used open-source virtualization software. It enables the creation and execution of various virtual machines in the host operating system which empower the user with the freedom to try different distributions. For instance, one such distribution is Fedora, an open-source Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project. As a community-driven project, Fedora consistently incorporates the most up-to-date software, resources, and functionalities, making it an excellent choice for exploration within VirtualBox for both novice and experienced users. In this article, I will dive into how to install Fedora on VirtualBox.

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Minimum Requirements to Install Fedora on VirtualBox

  • Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB+ recommended).
  • Minimum 15 GB free storage (20 GB+ recommended).
  • 2GHz+ dual-core processor recommended.
  • Active internet connection to download Fedora ISO image and update Fedora system.

9 Steps to Install Fedora on VirtualBox

To install Fedora on VirtualBox follow these step-by-step processes:

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

Virtualbox is an open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle. It allows its users to create and manage virtual machines on their host computers. To install VirtualBox in your host system go through the following process:

  1. First download the latest version of the app from the Official VirtualBox website.
  2. Now install the Virtualbox app in your host system.
  3. Make sure you have CPU virtualization technology turned on from your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Step 2: Download Fedora ISO Image

Visit the official Fedora Project download page and download the live ISO file of the latest release.

download fedora linux iso image

Step 3: Create a Fedora Virtual Machine

To create the Fedora virtual machine (VM), follow these steps:

  1. First, open VirtualBox, and select Machine > New.create new VM on virtualbox
  2. Then, add a name for your virtual machine, set its installation location, and select Fedora live ISO image. Click on Next.add vm name, installation location and iso file location
  3. Allocate RAM (Base Memory) and CPU cores for your VM. If you have a newer version of the processor, click on the Enable EFI checkbox. Then click on Next.set ram and processor cores for Vm
  4. Allocate virtual hard disk size for the VM. Click on Next.allocate storage for VM
  5. Revise the summary of the VM and click on Finish.summary of the VM
  6. The newly created VM will be added to the VirtualBox Manager.virtualbox manager interface

Step 4: Start the Newly Created Virtual Machine

  1. Now, select your VM and click on Start.start VM on virtualbox
  2. Then, the Fedora VM will boot up. Select “Test this media & start Fedora-Workstation-Live 39” and press ENTER. This will check the integrity of the Fedora live installer ISO file and start the installation process afterward.select test media and start Fedora workstationfedora checking integrity of the iso file

Step 5: Setup Fedora

  1. After the Fedora live installer boots up, Click on Install Fedora.install fedora
  2. Click on Install Fedora again.install fedora
  3. Select your preferred language and click on Continue.set language
  4. Now, select Keyboard, select your preferred keyboard layout, and click on Done.fedora installation gui
  5. Select Installation Destination. Make sure ATA VBOX HARDDISK is selected. Set Storage Configuration and Encryption according to your preference. Then click on Done.select storage and configuration type
  6. Now set your timezone. Make sure Network Time is enabled. Click on Done.set timezone
  7. After setting up localization and storage drive, you can now proceed with Fedora installation.fedora installation ui

Note: During the setup process changing screen size should automatically adjust Fedora’s screen. In case it does not then you need to manually insert and install the VirtualBox guest additions Image after the Fedora installation is complete.

Step 6: Install Fedora

  1. Now, click on Begin installation.begin fedora installation on virtualbox
  2. This process will take some time.fedora installation started on virtualbox
  3. After installation is complete, click on Finish Installation.fedora installation complete on virtualbox. Finish installation.
  4. You will be back to the Fedora live installer UI.fedora ui on virtualbox

Step 7: Reboot the System

  1. First, shut down your system.shut down fedora vm
  2. Secondly, you must remove the Fedora Live install ISO image from your VM. To do that select your VM and click on Settings.open vm settings
  3. Click on Storage > Fedora-Workstation-Live ISO image > disk icon > Remove Disk from Virtual Drive > OK to remove the ISO image.remove fedora live installer iso file from VMremove iso image and select ok
  4. Now select your VM again. You can see the IDE Primary device is now empty. Click on Start.start fedora vm again
  5. The Fedora virtual machine will now boot up.fedora VM opening on Virtualbox

Step 8: After Installation Setup

  1. After Fedora boots up, Click on Start Setup.start setup fedora
  2. Set Location Services and Automatic Problem Reporting according to your choice. Then click on Next.set location service and automatic problem reporting according to your preference
  3. Click on Enable Third-Party Repositories and then click on Next.enable third party repositories
  4. You can now Connect Your Online Account and move to the Next step. Or you can Skip this step and add your online accounts later.add online account
  5. Add your Name and Username. Then click on Next.add your name and user name
  6. Add and retype your password. Click on Next.add your user password
  7. Click on Start Using Fedora Linux.start using fedora linux
  8. If you want to take a tour of the Gnome desktop environment then click on Take Tour. Otherwise, click on No Thanks.gnome tour ui
  9. Fedora is now ready to use.fedora ui

Step 9: Update Fedora System

After installing an OS it is a good practice to update your system. You will need an active internet connection for the update process. To update your Fedora system:

  1. Run sudo dnf update command. Provide your sudo user password when prompted.update fedora system on virtualBox
  2. Press “y” to confirm your update. Now, DNF which is the latest and most upgraded package manager of the Red Hat-based operating system will automatically download all packages. This will take some time.press "Y" to confirm update
  3. Now press “y” to import the GPG key. This cryptographic key is used to digitally sign and verify software packages. This ensures that the packages you are installing are authentic and have not been tampered with. After checking your packages DNF will automatically update your system.press "Y" to confirm gpg key
  4. After the update is complete you will get a confirmation message.fedora update complete on virtualbox

Conclusion

Installing Fedora opens up a world of endless possibilities present in the Linux/Unix ecosystem. I hope following this simple guide you will be able to integrate the rich features of Fedora Linux on your host system using VirtualBox.

People Also Ask

What is Fedora?

Fedora Linux is a popular open-source Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project. It is known for its emphasis on cutting-edge technologies, rapid release cycles, and strong community support. Fedora Linux is an ideal choice for those seeking to stay up-to-date with the latest open-source software.

What are the features of Fedora?

The main features of using Fedora Linux are:

  1. Cutting-Edge software.
  2. Rapid updates.
  3. Strong security features.
  4. Stable Base.
  5. Open-source ecosystem.
  6. Strong community support.
  7. Workstation support.
  8. Server support.
  9. Container support.

Can I run Fedora on VirtualBox?

Yes, you can run Fedora on VirtualBox. You can also run Fedora as your host OS, as a dual boot, and on other virtualization software like Vmware.

Should I use Ubuntu or Fedora?

You can use any of those two Linux distros according to your needs. Among these two Ubuntu is recommended for beginners for its user-friendly graphical interface and ease of use. Ubuntu provides an LTS version which ensures a stable system with fewer system updates. In contrast, developers may find that Fedora is a more suitable choice due to its advanced platform, continuous development, and the ability to take advantage of new features with its frequent releases and security patches.

What is Fedora’s disadvantage?

The main disadvantages of using Fedora Linux are:

  1. It takes relatively more time to set up.
  2. It does not support deb files ( As it is a Red Hat-based distribution).
  3. Very limited compatibility with older hardware.
  4. Limited support for games.
  5. Need to add the third-party repository for installing nonfree software.
  6. No long-time support release (need frequent updates).

Is Fedora completely free?

Yes, Fedora is completely free and open-source. It follows the principles of free software, allowing users to download, use, modify, and distribute it without any cost. As a result of its open-source nature, Fedora not only provides free access to its source code but also allows users to review and modify it.

Is Fedora beginner-friendly?

Yes, Fedora is one of the more beginner-friendly operating systems. There are obviously more beginner-friendly OS like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Zorin OS, Elementary OS, etc but one can start using Fedora just after installing it without any major tweaks. Also, the Fedora community provides excellent documentation and support, making it accessible to any user who is willing to explore and learn.

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Ridoy Chandra Shil

Hello everyone. I am Ridoy Chandra Shil, currently working as a Linux Content Developer Executive at SOFTEKO. I am a Biomedical Engineering graduate from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. I am a science and tech enthusiast. In my free time, I read articles about new tech and watch documentaries on science-related topics. I am also a big fan of “The Big Bang Theory”. Read Full Bio

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