Introduction

VirtualBox has emerged as a leading virtualization solution, especially for those working with Linux systems. Are you looking to create multiple virtual machines on Ubuntu 24 for development or testing? This guide walks you through the crucial steps of installing VirtualBox, ensuring you are set up for efficient virtualization.

With the growing demand for virtualization solutions, understanding how to effectively install and configure VirtualBox on Ubuntu is a valuable skill for IT professionals and enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the installation process.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before we jump into the installation steps, make sure that your Ubuntu 24 system is fully updated. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This command ensures that all packages are current, which is essential for a smoother installation process.

Installing Required Dependencies

VirtualBox requires certain dependencies to be present in your system. You can install these using the following command:

sudo apt install -y build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)

Expected output for successful installation should include entries indicating that the packages were either newly installed or already present:

Selecting previously unselected package ...
Setting up ...

Adding the VirtualBox Repository

To get the latest version of VirtualBox, it is recommended to add the official Oracle repository. Execute this command to add the repository:

sudo add-apt-repository "deb https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -cs) contrib"

After adding the repository, proceed to import the Oracle public key:

wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

Successful key addition will result in a message similar to:

OK

Installing VirtualBox

Now that you have the repository set up, it’s time to install VirtualBox:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y virtualbox-6.1

During installation, you should see output indicating that the package is being unpacked and installed:

Unpacking virtualbox (6.1.x) ...
Setting up virtualbox (6.1.x) ...

Verifying the Installation

To confirm that VirtualBox has been successfully installed, run:

virtualbox --version

The expected output will show the installed version:

6.1.x

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues during installation, consider checking the following:

1. Kernel Headers: Ensure that the kernel headers are properly installed to match your current kernel version.
2. Virtualization Support: Enable virtualization support in your BIOS/UEFI settings if VirtualBox fails to run virtual machines.
3. Permissions: Check if your user is in the ‘vboxusers’ group by running:

   groups $(whoami)
   

   If not, add your user to the group:

   sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $(whoami)
   

   Log out and log back in to apply the changes.

Conclusion

Installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu 24 is a straightforward process, enabling you to leverage the power of virtualization efficiently. Following the steps outlined in this guide, from dependency installation to troubleshooting tips, allows for a smooth setup process, setting the stage for effective development, testing, and learning environments. Don’t hesitate to explore VirtualBox features to maximize your virtual environments!