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Asked: 2024-09-23T20:20:25+05:30 In: ,

What steps should I follow to install Guest Additions in a VirtualBox virtual machine?

I’ve been trying to get my VirtualBox virtual machine to run a bit smoother, especially with sharing files and better screen resolution. I’ve heard a lot about installing Guest Additions, but honestly, I’m a bit lost on what exactly the process entails. I know it’s supposed to improve the overall experience, but every time I try to figure it out, I end up down some rabbit hole with conflicting instructions that leave me more confused.

So, I thought I’d reach out to see if anyone can break it down for me in a straightforward way. What are the step-by-step instructions for installing Guest Additions? I’m not looking for anything too technical; just some easy-to-follow steps would be super helpful.

Here’s the scenario: I’ve got Ubuntu installed on my VM, and I’m running it on a Windows host. I’ve read a few posts saying something about needing to update the OS before I start with the Guest Additions. Is that really necessary, or can I skip that part? Also, once I get rolling, what’s the best way to mount the Guest Additions CD image? I think I saw something about using the Devices menu in VirtualBox, but then I’m not sure what to do next.

And then there’s the actual installation process itself—do I need to run any specific commands in the terminal, or is it more of a graphical installation? Also, what should I keep in mind regarding any potential errors? I’d hate to mess up my VM trying to figure this out!

Honestly, any tips or firsthand experiences you have would be awesome. I’m sure others might be in the same boat, so a detailed walkthrough wouldn’t just help me, but possibly a bunch of other people too. Thanks in advance for your help; I really appreciate it!

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    2 Answers



    1. Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu

      Installing Guest Additions in Ubuntu on VirtualBox

      If you’re trying to make your VirtualBox virtual machine (VM) run smoother, especially for file sharing and better screen resolution, you should definitely install Guest Additions. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:

      Step 1: Update Your Ubuntu OS (Optional but Recommended)

      While it’s not strictly necessary to update your OS before installing Guest Additions, it’s a good practice to ensure everything runs smoothly. To do this, open a terminal and type:

      sudo apt update
      sudo apt upgrade

      Enter your password if prompted, and let it finish updating.

      Step 2: Install Required Packages

      You might need some packages to build the Guest Additions. Run this command in the terminal:

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

      Step 3: Mount the Guest Additions CD Image

      Once the packages are installed, you can mount the Guest Additions CD image:

      1. In the VirtualBox menu, click on Devices.
      2. Select Insert Guest Additions CD image….
      3. If prompted, choose to download the image. It’s small and should only take a moment.

      Step 4: Install Guest Additions

      Now that you have the CD image mounted:

      1. Open a terminal (you can press Ctrl + Alt + T to do this).
      2. Navigate to the mounted directory:
        3. cd /media/cdrom
      3. Run the installation script:
        4. sudo sh VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

      Let it run, and it should take care of the installation. If there are any errors, don’t panic! Just make sure you’ve installed all those necessary packages from Step 2.

      Step 5: Reboot Your VM

      After the installation is finished, restart your VM:

      sudo reboot

      Final Thoughts

      Once your virtual machine reboots, you should notice improved performance, especially regarding screen resolution and clipboard sharing. If you run into any issues, check the terminal output for errors or go back and double-check the previous steps. It’s totally normal to feel a bit lost the first time, but you’ve got this!

      Good luck, and enjoy your smoother VM experience!




    2. Installing Guest Additions on Ubuntu in VirtualBox

      To install Guest Additions on your Ubuntu virtual machine running in VirtualBox, start by ensuring your Ubuntu OS is up-to-date. Open a terminal and run the following command to update your package list and upgrade any packages: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Although it’s not strictly necessary to have the latest updates before installing Guest Additions, doing so will help avoid compatibility issues. Once your system is updated, navigate to the VirtualBox menu at the top of your VM window, click on Devices, and select Insert Guest Additions CD Image…. This action will mount the Guest Additions disk inside your VM.

      After mounting the CD image, open a terminal and enter cd /media/cdrom (or cd /media/your_user/GuestAdditions depending on your mount point) to access the contents. Then, run sudo sh VBoxLinuxAdditions.run to initiate the installation. The installation should proceed automatically. During this process, keep an eye out for any error messages; they may indicate missing dependencies. In such cases, you can usually resolve issues by installing the required packages—common dependencies include dkms and build-essential. After the installation finishes, reboot your VM, and you should notice improved file sharing and enhanced screen resolution!


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