Windows 11 has been making waves since its release in late 2021. This latest version of the legendary OS promises exciting improvements – but is it worth upgrading your main machine right away?
Using Oracle‘s VirtualBox software, you can safely test run Windows 11 in a virtualized environment first. This allows you to evaluate the OS and all its capabilities without commitment.
As a long-time VirtualBox user and Windows power user myself, I‘ll walk you through the entire process start to finish. Follow these steps to get Windows 11 running smoothly inside a virtual machine (VM) on your existing computer.
What‘s New in Windows 11? An Overview
First, let‘s do a quick rundown of what‘s new in Windows 11:
- Revamped UI – Rounded corners, centered taskbar icons, new Start menu
- Android app support – Run mobile apps and games natively
- Teams integration – Built-in chat and meetings features
- Gaming optimizations like Auto HDR and DirectStorage access
- Enhanced security through hardware-based mechanisms like TPM 2.0
Early adoption rate statistics show about 16% of Windows 10 users having upgraded to Windows 11 so far. However, hardware requirements have been a barrier to entry for many.
VirtualBox neatly sidesteps this problem. By virtualizing Windows 11, even older systems with limited RAM and CPU power can still run the OS smoothly.
Now let‘s look at setting this up…
Why Oracle VM VirtualBox?
First released in 2007, VirtualBox is a hosted hypervisor developed by Oracle for x86 virtualization. It‘s free, open source software that allows you to run multiple operating systems in isolated VMs.
Compared to options like VMware and Hyper-V, VirtualBox offers:
- Cross-platform compatibility – Runs on Windows, Mac, Linux
- Lower resource usage during operation
- Supports older host computers without virtualization extensions
- Easy portability of VMs across hosts
Over 150 million users globally have VirtualBox installed. Let‘s see how to leverage this powerful tool to test drive Windows 11 risk-free.
Downloading the Windows 11 ISO
Navigate to Microsoft‘s Windows 11 download page in any browser.
Under the first option Download ISO file, select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) and 64-bit architecture.
[insert screenshot of ISO download process here]The 5 GB image file will begin downloading to your host computer. Meanwhile, proceed to install VirtualBox…
Step 1: Installing Oracle VM VirtualBox
Download VirtualBox 6.1 or later from the official site. Run the Windows .exe package and follow the prompts.
During custom setup, I recommend:
- Leaving USB support unchecked
- Enabling both networking options
- Adding virtualization capabilities if asked
Once installed, launch the VirtualBox Manager window.
[Insert annotated screenshot of VirtualBox Manager window]With the platform set up, it‘s time to create our virtual machine.
Step 2: Creating a Windows 11 Virtual Machine
Click "New" in the top menu bar, then fill out the new VM prompt:
- Name: Windows 11 VM
- Machine Folder: C:\VMs
- Type: Microsoft Windows, Version: Windows 11 (64-bit)
On the memory size screen, tweak the slider to allocate 8192 MB of RAM for best performance.
[insert screenshot highlighting RAM allocation]Next, create a virtual hard disk for the VM – VDI type, dynamically allocated, 40 GB minimum space.
We‘re all set on the hardware front – let‘s install our OS!
Step 3: Booting and Installing Windows 11
With the new VM created, hit Start in the toolbar. When asked, select the Windows 11 ISO downloaded earlier.
Accept license terms, choose Custom install, then proceed normally through the interactive Windows 11 setup.
Supply your Microsoft account credentials or set up a local profile. Make privacy choices based on your personal preference.
Once the OS files finish copying over, your fresh Windows 11 desktop will load up inside VirtualBox!
[Insert screenshot of Windows 11 desktop within VirtualBox window]Take some time familiarizing yourself with the brand new interface and included apps.
Configuring Windows 11 and VirtualBox Integration
To sync Windows 11 properly with VirtualBox‘s tools and drivers:
- Open Windows Update and install all system updates
- Download the VirtualBox Guest Additions ISO under Devices menu
- Double-click to auto-run and install Guest Additions
- Restart the VM when prompted
Some additional tweaks like enabling Auto HDR for gaming require accessing elevated Command Prompt prompts.
[Insert screenshots demonstrating the above steps]Lastly, personalize Windows 11 to your liking via the new Settings app!
Achieving Optimal Performance
To maximize speed and responsiveness, change your VM settings to:
- Processor tab > Increase CPU cores
- Display tab > Enable 3D acceleration
- Storage tab > Move the VDI to your fastest physical drive
Likewise for the guest Windows 11 OS itself:
- Set visual effects to Best performance
- Disable unused background apps and services
- Run periodic disk checkups and defrags
- Update drivers, games, development tools as needed
These tips will help emulate a blazing-fast native setup!
Use Cases for Windows 11 + VirtualBox
With Windows 11 now smoothly operational in a portable VM package, what can you do with this powerhouse virtualized environment?
- Experiment with OS interface tweaks via third-party tools
- Develop and test apps across Windows and Android
- Run graphics and video editing software
- Play casual games without dual-booting
- Anonymously browse the web through a Windows VPN
And much more! Feel free to replicate this VM across all your devices using built-in VirtualBox cloud sync.
Share the Windows 11 experience with friends by exporting and distributing copies as .ova files.
Closing Thoughts
VirtualBox makes previewing Windows 11 risk-free before committing to a system-wide upgrade so much easier. I hope this guide gives you a headstart with optimally configuring your new Windows 11 virtual machine.
In an afternoon or two of focused effort, you can be up and running with the latest from Microsoft – without worrying about disruption. Put Windows 11 through its paces, customize to your heart‘s content, and keep your daily work uninterrupted.
Here‘s to the virtual future! What hidden gems or killer features will you uncover first in Windows 11?
