How to Install Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 on VirtualBox in Windows 10

A perfect way to give the operating system a test run or to load any Linux program you don’t want to run on your main system is to install Manjaro within a VirtualBox virtual machine. In this tutorial, you will learn how to install Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 on VirtualBox virtual machine in Windows 10.

Manjaro Linux

Based on Arch Linux, Manjaro Linux is a fast, user-friendly, desktop-oriented operating system. Arch Linux distribution-based operating systems are known for their high adaptability and regular upgrades. The intuitive installation process, automated hardware discovery, secure rolling-release style, ability to load multiple kernels, special Bash scripts for graphics driver control, and comprehensive configurability of the desktop are core features of Manjaro.

The key aim of Manjaro Linux’s growth is to include a complete, user-friendly Linux operating system. With the aid of its pre-loaded apps, it is programmed to work “straight from the word go” once installed.

Manjaro Features:

• It’s an Arch-based Linux OS using the XFCE desktop environment for its flagship variant, so it is abnormally lightweight for a Linux OS, an excellent characteristic for any VM. It is also available in GNOME and KDE versions.
• It is one of the few Arch-based installs that work out of the box, scanning your system for necessary drivers
• The Pacman package manager is one of my favorites
• Kernel management is excellent, always up to date with the latest kernel
• Many Linux newbies users feel Arch Linux (fairly or unfairly) is just too difficult for new users. I wanted to prove that it’s not. Manjaro is the perfect vehicle for that.
• Manjaro is rolling-release (which ensures newer software faster and no need to reinstall)
• The Manjaro Architect gives the user a great deal of control
• Access to the Arch User Repository (AUR) ensuring easy access to a vast array of applications without the complication of PPA or compiling
• Manjaro is gaining in popularity, actively developed, and well supported.

So, without further delay, here are the steps to install Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 on VirtualBox virtual machine in Windows 10:

Step 1. Downloading Manjaro 20.2.1 ISO File to Install Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux offers XFCE as the core desktop options, as well as KDE, GNOME, and a minimalist Net edition for more advanced users. Community-supported desktop flavors are also available. For the purpose of this guide, I am going to download the XFCE version of Manjaro Linux.

Download Manjaro

Step 2. Download & Install VirtualBox

Oracle VM VirtualBox has been developed by Oracle Corporation as a free and open-source virtualization framework. Using Windows, macOS and Linux, Solaris, as well as OpenSolaris you can mount the VirtualBox. This allows users to build virtual machines to run other operating systems. “It supports guest development and management of Windows and Linux running virtual machines and restricted virtualization on Apple hardware of macOS guests.” For certain guest operations, there is also a bundle of guest add-ons, which is typical of improving performance, especially graphics.” “Guest Additions”

A virtual machine is a virtual system or program that offers the same features as physical machines (eg, a computer system with its own CPU, memory, network interfaces, and storage capacity). A virtual machine like a real device is used to run applications or OS.

Download Oracle VirtualBox VM

Step 3. Create a New Virtual Machine to Install Manjaro

Once you have downloaded and installed both the Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 ISO and VirtualBox, open-up the virtual machine and click on the “New” option.

Type a name for your virtual machine with its location. Based on the name you entered, VirtualBox will try to predict the “Type” and “Version“. Otherwise, from the drop-down menu, select “Linux” as the type and “Arch Linux (64-bit)” as the version and click on the “Next” button.

On the following screen, choose how much RAM (the amount of memory) you want to allocate to your VM, and then click Next. The default recommendation is 1024 MB, which is enough to run most installers. Heavier code or applications might require at least 1 GB.

Select the “Create a virtual hard disk now” option and click on the “Create” button to continue.

Select the “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” option and click “Next“.

On the next screen, if you want a faster setup, select Dynamically allocated. If you want faster performance (which we recommend), select Fixed size, and then click Next. If you don’t know which one to choose from then leave it as it is.

Select the amount of space for your virtual machine and click the “Create” button.

Step 4. Installing Manjaro Linux via VirtualBox

Now, your virtual machine has been successfully created and it is time to install Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 on it.

Go back to VirtualBox, and then click Start.

A new window opens so you can do this manually. Click the folder with the green up arrow.

Click the Add button and locate the Manjaro ISO file and then click Open.

Make sure that Manjaro Linux ISO is selected and click Choose.

Now, you are ready to install Manjaro Linux via VirtualBox on your Windows 10 PC, click Start.

Please be patient as Manjaro Linux (Live) boots. Choose Launch installer at the Welcome to Manjaro! window.

 Enter your preferred language and click Next.

Select your desired Region and Zone and click Next.

Choose your keyboard layout and select Next.

Select the Erase Disk option and Swap (with Hibernate), click Next.

Set up your user account and select Next. 

Review your settings on the Summary screen. If you notice errors or changes you’d like to make, click Back to return to the relevant window. When satisfied with your settings, click Install.

Once again, click Install now. It might take a few minutes to finish.

After installation completes, check Restart now and click Done.

You have to manually unload the ISO file that you loaded at the initial steps.

Provide username and password.

Finally, Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 is successfully installed on VirtualBox virtual machine.

Wrapping Up

That’s it. This is how you can install Manjaro Linux 20.2.1 on Windows 10 via VirtualBox virtual machine. Meanwhile, the process is very easy and it might seem a bit tricky while following the above-mentioned steps but that’s not the case. If you faced any kind of problem feel free to contact us in the comment section below.

Read More:

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• How to Install Linux Mint on a Virtual Machine (VirtualBox)