How to Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox on a Mac M1
If you’ve got a shiny new Mac M1 and you’re eager to explore the world of Ubuntu, you’re in luck! Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox on a Mac M1 is easier than you might think.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up Ubuntu on VirtualBox on your Mac M1.
Step 1: Download VirtualBox and Ubuntu ISO
The first step is to download and install VirtualBox on your Mac M1. Head over to the VirtualBox website and download the version for macOS hosts. Once you’ve installed VirtualBox, you’ll also need to download the Ubuntu ISO file from the Ubuntu website.
Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
Open VirtualBox and click on the “New” button to create a new virtual machine. Give your virtual machine a name, select “Linux” as the type, and choose “Ubuntu (64-bit)” as the version. Allocate some memory and create a new virtual hard disk.
Step 3: Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox
Click on your new virtual machine and then click on “Settings.” Go to the “Storage” tab and select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier as the optical drive. Start the virtual machine, and you should see the Ubuntu installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu on your virtual machine. Once the installation is complete, you’ll have a fully-functional Ubuntu system running on your Mac M1 through VirtualBox.
Step 4: Configure Ubuntu
Once Ubuntu is installed, you can configure it to your liking. Install any updates or additional software you need, and set up your user account.
VirtualBox provides useful features like shared folders and clipboard sharing between your host Mac and the Ubuntu virtual machine, so be sure to explore these options to enhance your experience.
Conclusion
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed Ubuntu on VirtualBox on your Mac M1. Enjoy the flexibility of running Ubuntu alongside macOS on your powerful new machine.
Whether you’re a developer looking to test applications on Ubuntu or simply curious about the Linux world, VirtualBox makes it easy to experiment without committing to a full installation.