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Javier Monreal Trigo

09/09/2026 · admin

How to install Linux Mint in a Windows virtual machine with VirtualBox

Would you like to try Linux without deleting Windows or changing your computer’s partitions? A virtual machine lets you run Linux Mint inside a window, like any other application. This guide combines the technical procedure with a holistic learning approach: understand each decision, check the risks and use digital technology with a social purpose.

We will create a virtual machine with Oracle VirtualBox on Windows 10 or 11 and install Linux Mint Cinnamon. The guest system will use a virtual disk, while still consuming memory, processor time and storage from the host computer.

Before you start

What you need

  • A 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 PC with Intel VT-x or AMD-V virtualisation enabled.
  • As a starting point, 8 GB of RAM and about 30 GB of free storage.
  • Administrator permissions and an Internet connection.
  • The 64-bit Linux Mint Cinnamon ISO.

Check virtualisation

In Windows Task Manager, open Performance → CPU and look for Virtualisation. If it is disabled, enable Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel VT-x, AMD-V or SVM in UEFI/BIOS. If VirtualBox reports a VT-x, AMD-V or Hyper-V error, check this setting first.

1. Download VirtualBox and Linux Mint

1.1. VirtualBox for Windows

  1. Visit the official Oracle VirtualBox downloads page.
  2. Under VirtualBox platform packages, choose Windows hosts.
  3. Open the installer and keep the default options. Windows may briefly interrupt networking while virtual adapters are installed.

1.2. Linux Mint Cinnamon

  1. Open the official Linux Mint download page.
  2. Choose the 64-bit Cinnamon Edition and save the ISO without extracting it.
  3. Keep the checksum and signature files so that you can verify the download.

1.3. Verify the ISO

In PowerShell, calculate the SHA256 checksum:

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso"

Compare the result with sha256sum.txt. If it does not match exactly, download the ISO again and do not continue.

2. Create the virtual machine

2.1. Name and operating system

  1. Open Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager and select New.
  2. Enter Linux Mint as the name.
  3. Select Linux and, if requested, Ubuntu (64-bit).
  4. If unattended installation is offered, enable Skip Unattended Installation so that you can follow the installer manually.

2.2. Memory and processors

Start with 4096 MB of RAM and 2 processors. Do not assign more than half of the available resources: Windows must remain usable while the VM is running.

2.3. Virtual disk

  1. Choose Create a virtual hard disk now.
  2. Use the VDI format.
  3. Select Dynamically allocated.
  4. Set a maximum size of at least 30 GB, depending on your intended use.

2.4. Recommended settings

  • Under System → Processor, confirm 2 CPUs.
  • Under Display, assign up to 128 MB of video memory and disable 3D acceleration if you see flickering.
  • Under Network, leave Adapter 1 set to NAT.

3. Mount the ISO and start Mint

  1. Open Settings → Storage.
  2. Select the empty optical drive and choose the verified ISO.
  3. Select OK, then Start.
  4. At the Mint boot menu, select Start Linux Mint.

4. Install Linux Mint

When the temporary desktop appears, check the keyboard and network. Then double-click Install Linux Mint.

4.1. Language and keyboard

Select your preferred language and the keyboard layout that matches the physical keyboard.

4.2. Codecs and installation type

You may install multimedia codecs and third-party software. Under Installation type, choose Erase disk and install Linux Mint: here “disk” means only the new virtual disk, not the physical Windows drive.

4.3. Time zone and user

  1. Select your time zone, such as Madrid for mainland Spain.
  2. Enter your name, computer name and a short username.
  3. Use a strong password and store it safely.

4.4. Copy files and restart

Continue and wait for the files to be copied. When Restart now appears, restart the machine. If the installer starts again, power off the VM, remove the ISO under Settings → Storage and start it again.

5. First boot and Guest Additions

5.1. Update Mint

Open Update Manager, install the available updates and restart if requested.

5.2. Install Guest Additions

  1. With Mint running, open VirtualBox’s Devices menu.
  2. Select Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
  3. Run the installer inside Mint and restart.

5.3. Clipboard and shared folders

Enable the bidirectional clipboard only when needed. For a shared folder, create a dedicated Windows folder such as C:\VM-Shared, configure it under Settings → Shared Folders and prefer read-only access where possible.

6. Daily use and safe shutdown

  • Shut Mint down from its own menu.
  • Avoid Power off the machine while it is writing data.
  • Back up the VDI file if its contents matter.
  • Virtual-machine isolation does not replace updates or good security practices.

7. Common problems

If virtualisation is unavailable, check UEFI/BIOS and its relationship with Hyper-V. If the VM is slow, reduce open applications and assigned resources. For a black screen, try VMSVGA, 128 MB of video memory and 3D acceleration disabled. For network problems, confirm NAT. If a shared folder is missing, check Guest Additions and the vboxsf group.

8. Final checklist

  • The ISO matches the official SHA256 checksum.
  • The machine uses a virtual disk.
  • Windows retains enough memory, CPU and storage.
  • Mint boots without the ISO mounted.
  • Guest Additions and networking work.
  • Shared folders are limited to dedicated data.
  • The VM is shut down cleanly.

Sources and screenshots

The instructions are based on the Oracle VirtualBox documentation, the Linux Mint verification guide and Microsoft’s Get-FileHash documentation.