How to Install Linux Mint on VirtualBox: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Are you curious about trying out Linux Mint but hesitant to mess with your current operating system? Installing Linux Mint inside a virtual machine is the perfect solution! In this post, I’ll walk you through how to install Linux Mint on VirtualBox, so you can explore one of the friendliest Linux distros without touching your PC’s core setup.

Why Use VirtualBox for Linux Mint?

VirtualBox is free, open-source virtualization software that lets you create and run virtual machines (VMs) on your computer. It’s a safe environment where you can install different operating systems without affecting your main OS.

Linux Mint is known for its user-friendly interface and stability — ideal if you want to dip your toes into Linux. Running it virtually means zero risk and full freedom to experiment.

What You Need Before Starting

A computer running Windows, MacOS, or Linux
At least 4GB RAM and enough free disk space (recommend 20GB or more)
Download VirtualBox: https://www.virtualbox.org/
Download Linux Mint ISO image: https://linuxmint.com/download.php

Step-by-Step Installation of Linux Mint on VirtualBox

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

Download the latest version of VirtualBox from the official site.
Run the installer and follow the prompts — it’s straightforward.
After installation, launch VirtualBox.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Click the New button in the top-left corner.
Name your VM something like “Linux Mint.”
For Type, select Linux.
For Version, select Ubuntu (64-bit) (Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu).
Click Next.

Step 3: Allocate Memory (RAM)

Assign the amount of RAM you want for your VM. For best performance, at least 2048 MB (2GB) is recommended but allocate according to your system’s capacity—avoid giving more than half your total RAM.

Click Next once done.

Step 4: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click Create.
Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) as the hard disk file type.
Select “Dynamically allocated” so it grows with data usage.
Set disk size — at least 20 GB recommended.
Click Create.

Step 5: Attach the Linux Mint ISO Image

With your VM selected in VirtualBox, click Settings.
Go to Storage, then click on the empty CD/DVD icon under Controller: IDE.
Click the CD icon on the right side and choose “Choose a disk file.”
Navigate to and select your downloaded Linux Mint ISO file.
Click OK.

Step 6: Start Your VM and Begin Installation

Select your VM and press Start.
The VM boots from the ISO image; you'll see the Linux Mint welcome screen.
Click “Start Linux Mint” (Try without installing) if you want a test run, or proceed directly with “Install Linux Mint” to begin installation.

Step 7: Follow Through with Installation Steps

The installer will guide you through:

Selecting language
Keyboard layout
Installing multimedia codecs (optional but recommended)
Preparing installation type — choose “Erase disk” but don’t worry; this affects only your virtual hard drive!
Set up username, password, and computer name
Review settings and click Install

Step 8: Complete Installation and Restart VM

Once installation finishes:

Remove the mounted ISO from storage devices (go back to Settings > Storage > remove ISO).
Restart the VM when prompted.

You’ll boot into a freshly installed version of Linux Mint running smoothly inside VirtualBox!

Bonus Tips for Better Performance

Enable 3D acceleration in VM settings under Display.
Increase video memory to at least 128 MB for smoother visuals.
Install guest additions via Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image — this adds better mouse pointer integration, shared clipboard, folder sharing between host and guest OS.

Conclusion

Installing Linux Mint on VirtualBox is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with Linux in a safe, sandboxed environment with no risk to your existing OS setup.

Have questions during setup? Drop them in the comments — happy to help!

Happy computing!

If you'd like me to tailor this post further based on a specific title or approach—or include screenshots/examples—just let me know!

How To Install Linux Mint On Virtualbox