How to Upgrade to VirtualBox 7.0 on Windows 11
Earlier, installing Windows 11 in VirtualBox was no easy feat. But with VirtualBox 7.0 you can install Windows 11 much faster without performing any registry hacks.
If you use VirtualBox 6.1 on your system, it is better to upgrade to the newest version. Unlike most apps that auto-update, VirtualBox needs manual efforts to update to the new version. We will elaborate on the methods to update to VirtualBox 7.0 on Windows 11 and install the necessary add-ons.
What’s New in VirtualBox 7.0?
VirtualBox comes with support for Secure Boot in UEFI mode. It can now emulate TPM chips which are a mandatory requirement for Windows 11. Along with that, there are some subtle but useful design changes that make it feel like a latest-gen app. Some menu options appear in new places, but it isn’t something to worry about. Plus, you can enjoy the dark mode on VirtualBox now and protect your eyes!
VirtualBox does remind you that an update is available. But unlike most apps, you need to visit the official site and download all the necessary components and the new installer file to upgrade VirtualBox. Then, you need to install the new version on your system which will replace all the files of the current build present on your system.
But that’s not all! If you connect USB devices to VirtualBox virtual machines, you will have to remove the old extension pack and install the latest one released for the new build. Lastly, you will have to install the new guest additions pack for VirtualBox 7.0. So, let’s begin.
1. Download the VirtualBox 7.0 Installer File and the Extension Pack
Repeat the following steps to download all the necessary files for VirtualBox 7.0.
Now, you have all the necessary files to upgrade to VirtualBox 7.0.
2. Install VirtualBox 7.0
To install VirtualBox 7.0, repeat the following steps:
VirtualBox 7.0 will launch on your system. But wait! Don’t close the app yet.
3. Install the New Extension Pack
Even after you upgrade the VirtualBox app to the newest version, the extension pack doesn’t upgrade along with it. So, it will have the older version of the extension pack which worked with the older VirtualBox version. You need to remove it and install the new extension pack that you download in the second method.
To install the VirtualBox 7.0 extension pack, do as follows:
Now, you can easily connect the USB devices to one or many virtual machines that you created using VirtualBox. Check out our guide onhow to add a USB device to VirtualBox on Windowsfor more information.
4. Install the Guest Additions
VirtualBox Guest Additions offers all the necessary drivers for a virtual machine. Since VirtualBox supports DirectX 11, it is advisable to install Guest Additions as it will offer drivers for all the components.
Here’s how to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions on a virtual machine:
It may take a while to install the guest additions. Once done, you may change the resolution of the virtual machine to match the display resolution.
Will the Old Virtual Machines Work With VirtualBox 7.0?
Yes. VirtualBox 7.0 will run the old virtual machines that you created without any issues. But you have to install the extension pack and the guest additions otherwise it could crash or not run at all. We tried running old Windows 10 and 11 virtual machines that we created in version 6.1.32, and they worked fine.
Upgrade to VirtualBox 7.0 With Ease
VirtualBox 7.0 is the first third-party hypervisor to introduce emulation of TPM 2.0 chips. Microsoft still impedes Windows 11 installation as a virtual machine if the hypervisor cannot emulate the chip. But VirtualBox 7.0 can now install Windows 11 after enabling the passthrough of the TPM 2.0 chip for a virtual machine.
Download virtual machine images to save time! Here are the best sites to download virtual disk images for VirtualBox.
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