A free virtualization tool
VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization tool that can help you create an emulated machine on your Windows computer. The application is fully customizable and offers high performance and flexibility. Even though VirtualBox doesn’t have a very user-friendly interface or an abundance of automated functions, it’s one of the most-sought after virtualization software by tech-savvy users.
With VirtualBox, you can run multiple operating systems on your computer simultaneously. These operating systems aren’t limited to Windows and also include macOS, Linux, and Oracle Solaris. A few VirtualBox alternatives that offer similar features are VMware Workstation Pro, Microsoft Virtual PC, VMware Player, and Parallels Desktop.
What is VirtualBox used for?
VirtualBox, developed by Oracle, is an open-source but powerful AMD64/Intel64 and x86 virtualization software. With its help, users can develop, test, demonstrate and deploy applications and features across different operating systems without needing more than one desktop. Considering the flexibility that the software offers, it’s suitable for both individuals and large-scale businesses.
Unfortunately for beginners, this application can come across as difficult. That is because it requires technical skills to configure various functions. However, once you do get started, the software will turn out to be a great addition to your computer’s utility tools. To make things easier, VirtualBox provides various manuals that you can refer to when you get started.
What are the features of VirtualBox?
One of the best features of VirtualBox is that it offers high-end security. The virtualization engine comes with a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) authentication that helps in boosting security, performing safe migrations, and encrypting disk images. It also includes an SDK that can provide you with additional authentication requirements for maximum security.
Another feature that makes VirtualBox stand out is that it is the only professional tool that is open-source and free. If you’re looking for a high-end virtualization software that includes all functions needed to create multiple operating systems - this could be the only free yet feature-rich choice that you have.
Additionally, VirtualBox provides up to 32 virtual CPUs for each virtual machine that you create. This ensures smooth operations and flawless transition from one machine to another. Hosts can get the power of 1024 CPUs if required. In case you have trouble with any function, you can easily rely on a dedicated community that is active online and ready to help.
Furthermore, the application can be controlled using a command-line interface. It supports all features that are available on the dashboard, along with additional tools that aren’t easy to access from the primary interface. Oracle also continues to provide new features and updates to keep VirtualBox at par with other professional virtualization tools.
Does VirtualBox have any drawbacks?
Compared with paid virtualization tools, VirtualBox does have a few drawbacks. For instance, the application doesn’t offer a robust integration between the host operating system and the VirtualBox guest additions. While there are tools that let you drop files from one OS to another, VirtualBox doesn’t offer such a feature and does things the old-fashioned way.
In addition to this, VirtualBox doesn’t offer any additional technical support. Apart from a community of online users that answer questions, there is no one-stop solution for any issues that you may face. Paid virtualization tools, on the other hand, offer robust support so that you never get stuck while working.
Is VirtualBox free?
As mentioned earlier, VirtualBox is free to download and use. You can use the application to create multiple operating systems and perform additional tasks like 3D visualization, multi-screen viewing, and testing and development. The app also offers various configuration options that can help tech-savvy users customize the tool based on their preferences.
Platform-specific improvements
In its latest iteration, version 7.0 of VirtualBox rolls out several key fixes and enhancements across platforms. Windows hosts see improvements in audio device switching with additional fixes integrated for smoother transitions using the WAS backend. Exporting VMs with NVMe storage is now a breeze, and forgotten touch events on Windows are a thing of the past. macOS hosts gain support for newer storage devices, and Linux guests enjoy kernel upgrades. Solaris guests benefit from streamlined installations. With fixes for BIOS quirks and RDP crashes and improved 3D capabilities, this update guarantees a seamless virtual experience.
Should I download VirtualBox?
If you’re looking for virtualization software that offers professional-grade features at no cost, then look no further and download VirtualBox. Developed by Oracle, VirtualBox download for Windows lets users create multiple operating systems on one machine. Thanks to this feature, users can easily test, develop and deploy cross-platform applications without switching between different computers. The powerful application also offers high-end security and is a great option for tech-savvy users who can configure the tool as per their liking.
User reviews about VirtualBox
by Dasha Evsykova
PROS: Awlays This Is Good App.
MoreCONS:This is BIOS here. SOI SOI
by Chaitanya Tejaswi
it is a perfect program..
Moreno questions of crashing for it. it works very good, for my desktop.
Pros: the thing that i liked the most is that it works without crashing on my desktop
by Aman Chetry
Its useful and we can gather knowledge through it..
MoreIts the most usefull software as per me bacause it helped to learn how to work on Linux OS and also helped me a lot with my further knowledge in Linux.
by Anonymous
not taking any chances.
Moreafter reading amritendu's comment I think I will pass. I already wiped out windows and reinstalled windows once and I don't need to do it again because of a download.
Cons:
more trusted downloads
by Anonymous
Full of Bugs!.
MoreI was using Windows 8.1 host and whenever I started the virtual machine inside virtual box Blue Screen of Death happened!It took a long time to figure out that its a bug of that software! Wastage of time!
by Anonymous
Error box .
>1)Any USB will be not detected.
MoreThis is a good soft to run several OS at once , but there are many problems occuring after the installation of VirtualBox .
2)For laptops the network adapter will not work.
3)For windows , the machine will never get shutdown untill you plug out .
So the virtual box developers are not able to provide solutions for this. (Note: This error is possible specially for HP compaq 6710b Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit users )
As a solution VMware is better for virtual machine , but the file size of vmware is bigger to download. How ever it gives 0 problems for many users , rather than virtual Box )