Want to run Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on Windows 11 without removing Windows?
The safest and easiest way is using VirtualBox, which lets you run Ubuntu inside a virtual machine (VM) like a normal app.
This guide explains the complete process step by step, perfect for beginners 👇
🔍 Why Install Ubuntu Using VirtualBox?
Using VirtualBox allows you to:
✔ Use Ubuntu without dual boot
✔ Keep Windows 11 safe
✔ Learn Linux easily
✔ Run Ubuntu and Windows together
✔ Test software safely
No risk to your main system ✅
🧰 Requirements Before You Start
Make sure you have:
✔ Windows 11 (64-bit)
✔ Minimum 8 GB RAM (4 GB works, but 8 GB recommended)
✔ At least 30–40 GB free disk space
✔ Virtualization enabled in BIOS
✔ Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO file
✔ Latest version of VirtualBox
✅ Step 1: Enable Virtualization in BIOS
VirtualBox will not work without virtualization.
How to Check:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager
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Go to Performance → CPU
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Look for Virtualization: Enabled
If Disabled:
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Restart PC
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Enter BIOS (F2 / DEL / ESC)
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Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V
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Save & Exit
✅ Step 2: Install VirtualBox on Windows 11
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Download VirtualBox for Windows
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Run the installer
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Click Next → Next → Install
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Allow permissions
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Restart PC (recommended)
✅ Step 3: Download Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO
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Visit the official Ubuntu website
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Download Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (64-bit ISO)
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Save it in a known folder
📌 LTS = Long-Term Support (stable & recommended)
✅ Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine
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Open VirtualBox
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Click New
Fill Details:
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Name: Ubuntu 26.04
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Type: Linux
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Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
Click Next
✅ Step 5: Allocate RAM & CPU
Recommended Settings:
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RAM:
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Minimum: 4096 MB (4 GB)
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Recommended: 8192 MB (8 GB)
-
-
CPU:
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2 cores (minimum)
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4 cores (better performance)
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Click Next
✅ Step 6: Create Virtual Hard Disk
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Select Create a virtual hard disk now
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Disk type: VDI
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Allocation: Dynamically allocated
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Size: 40 GB (minimum 25 GB)
Click Create
✅ Step 7: Attach Ubuntu ISO File
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Select your VM → Settings
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Go to Storage
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Under Controller IDE → Empty
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Click disk icon → Choose a disk file
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Select Ubuntu 26.04 ISO
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Click OK
▶️ Step 8: Start Ubuntu Installation
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Select VM → Start
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Ubuntu boot screen appears
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Choose Install Ubuntu
🛠️ Step 9: Install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Installation Options:
✔ Normal Installation
✔ Download updates during installation (recommended)
✔ Erase disk → (This erases only the virtual disk, not Windows)
Follow on-screen steps:
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Language
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Keyboard layout
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Time zone
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Username & password
Click Install Now
⏳ Installation takes 10–20 minutes.
🔄 Step 10: Restart & Remove ISO
After installation:
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Click Restart Now
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When prompted, press Enter
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If stuck, go to Settings → Storage
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Remove ISO file
Ubuntu will boot normally 🎉
🧠 Optional: Install Guest Additions (Recommended)
Guest Additions improve:
✔ Screen resolution
✔ Mouse integration
✔ Performance
✔ Clipboard sharing
Steps:
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VM menu → Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD
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Open CD inside Ubuntu
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Run installer
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Restart VM
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Will this delete Windows 11?
No. Ubuntu runs inside VirtualBox only.
Q2. Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS stable?
Yes. LTS versions are designed for long-term stability.
Q3. Can I run Ubuntu and Windows together?
Yes. Ubuntu runs like an app inside Windows.
Q4. Do I need internet during installation?
Not mandatory, but recommended for updates.
Q5. Can I uninstall Ubuntu later?
Yes. Just delete the virtual machine from VirtualBox.
🏁 Conclusion
Installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on Windows 11 using VirtualBox is safe, easy, and beginner-friendly.
🐧 No dual boot
🪟 Windows stays safe
💻 Learn Linux easily
⚙️ Full Ubuntu experience
Perfect for students, developers, and Linux learners.
