VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on the same physical machine. It provides you with the flexibility and versatility to test different software configurations or run legacy applications on your current system. However, to achieve a seamless integration between the host and guest operating systems, you need to install VirtualBox’s Guest Additions. In this article, we’ll explain what they are and how to install them.

What are VirtualBox’s Guest Additions?

VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are a set of drivers and utilities that improve the usability and performance of the guest operating system. They enable features such as shared folders, mouse pointer integration, seamless window mode, and support for virtual graphics adapters. Essentially, they make the virtual machine feel more like a native installation, eliminating many of the limitations and restrictions that come with virtualization.

How to install VirtualBox’s Guest Additions

Installing VirtualBox’s Guest Additions is a straightforward process, but the steps may vary slightly depending on the operating system and version of VirtualBox you’re using. Here are the general steps:

Step 1: Start the virtual machine that you want to install Guest Additions on.

Step 2: From the VirtualBox top menu, select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image. This action will mount the Guest Additions ISO file as a virtual CD-ROM in the guest operating system.

Step 3: Use the command prompt or file manager in the guest OS to navigate to the virtual CD-ROM drive and run the corresponding installer. The installer file may be named VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe (for Windows) or VBoxLinuxAdditions.run (for Linux).

Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the installation, which may include restarting the guest OS.

Step 5: After the installation is complete, you should see a confirmation message. You can now enjoy the additional features and benefits of Guest Additions.