When you just want to try Linux for limited use, virtual machines provide the most comfortable option. You can even install Linux within Windows from Microsoft Store (though this only provides you with the command line version of Linux).īut if you want to use Linux without making any changes to your Windows system, you can go the virtual machine route.īasically, you install and use Linux like any regular Windows application.You can dual boot Linux with Windows and choose one of the operating systems at the boot time.You can clean everything from your system and install Linux.If you’re installing Ubuntu or Ubuntu-based distros, we’d recommend selecting at least 4GB of RAM. Then, click “Next. For example, choose Ubuntu for an Ubuntu-based distro like Pop!_OS or Linux Mint.Īllocate the RAM using the slider or enter the value in the text box. If your distro isn’t listed, choose the closest distro, or the one it’s based on. RELATED: The Best Linux Distributions for BeginnersĮnter a name for your Virtual Machine, choose a location you want to save it in, change the type to “Linux”, and set the version to the distro you’re using. If you haven’t already, choose a distro and start downloading the ISO so that it’s ready by the time we reach the step where we load it into the VM. The steps for installing Linux in VirtualBox are pretty much the same on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Ubuntu Linux: Which Distro Should You Choose? Installing Linux in VirtualBox If you’re stuck, learn how to install a DEB file and an RPM file in Linux. Download the relevant package and double-click on it to install VirtualBox.

Ubuntu and Debian use DEB files, whereas Fedora, OpenSUSE, RedHat Enterprise Linux, and CentOS use RPM files.

Set up linux vm on windows 10