How to Install Zorin OS on Virtualbox in Windows 10

A perfect way to give the operating system a test run or to install any Linux program you don’t want to run on your main system is to install Zorin OS within a VirtualBox virtual machine in Windows 10.

Zorin OS

With the main purpose of making Linux user-friendly, the Zorin OS project started in 2008. Its developers aimed to make Linux available to everyday users, and they did so by adding user interface familiarity.

The distro markets itself to first-time Linux users who are used to the Windows and macOS methods of popular proprietary operating systems. It does so thanks to its custom Zorin Appearance software that tweaks the Gnome desktop environment of Zorin to make it look both in form and work like Windows.

In many different editions, Zorin is available. Three of these are given as free downloads, namely Core, Lite, and Education. Zorin is based on Ubuntu, and the standard version of the Core edition contains all the software you’ll need on a normal desktop.

You can use the Lite version, which is optimized for underpowered computers when you have an older computer. As its name suggests, the Education version is intended for learning and ships with all of the common open-source educational applications and utilities.

There is a fourth version, in addition to these three, called the Ultimate edition, which is currently available for $39. It includes support as well as a few additional features, such as the ability to use macOS-mimic interfaces, and is full of all kinds of apps and games.

System Requirements

• Zorin OS Ultimate, Education, and Core:

CPU	1 GHz Dual-Core – Intel/AMD 64-bit processor
RAM	2 GB
Storage	10 GB (Core & Education) or 20 GB (Ultimate)
Display	800 × 600 resolution

• Zorin OS Lite

CPU	700 MHz Single Core – Intel/AMD 64-bit or 32-bit processor
RAM	512 MB
Storage	8 GB
Display	640 × 480 resolution

Here are the steps to install Zorin OS on Virtualbox in Windows 10:

Step 1. Download Zorin OS ISO File

First, you have to download the ISO installer image of Zorin OS from the official website of Zorin OS. For the purpose of this guide, I am going to download Zorin OS 15.3 Core 64-bit ISO file.

The Ultimate version of Zorin OS comes with some good features and it costs only $39. While, Core, Lite, Education editions are free to use.

Download Zorin OS

Step 2. Download & Install VirtualBox To Install Zorin OS

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 VirtualBox for Windows

Step 3. Create a New Virtual Machine to Install Zorin OS

Once you have downloaded and installed both the Zorin OS 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 “Ubuntu (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.

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. Install Zorin OS via VirtualBox

Now, your virtual machine has been successfully created and it is time to install Zorin OS 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 Zorin OS ISO file and then click Open.

Make sure that Zorin OS ISO is selected and click Choose.

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

Now, click on Install Zorin OS from the installer.

Select your keyboard layout and click on Continue.

Click on Continue.

Select Erase disk and install Zorin OS and click on Install Now.

 Click on Continue.

Now, select your location and click on Continue.

Type in your personal details and click on Continue.

Zorin OS 15.3 Core should start installing. It may take a while to complete.

Once Zorin OS 15.3 Core is installed, click on Restart Now.

Provide username and password.

Now, your Zorin OS is ready to use.

How to Install Guest Additions for Zorin OS on VirtualBox

Step 1. Click the Devices tab and select Insert Guest Additions CD image.

Step 2. Now, simply click Run.

Step 3. Provide the password and click Authenticate. Wait until the installation is completed.

Step 4. Press the Return or Enter key to close the window.

Step 5. Restart the virtual machine.

Step 6. Your Zorin OS is now in full-screen mode.

Wrapping Up

That’s it. This is how you can install Zorin OS 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.

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