[Guide] How to install Windows 8 on Virtualbox

A Developer Preview of Windows 8 was released to the public recently which demonstrated the upcoming features in the latest version of Windows. You can either install it by dual booting it side by side with Windows 7 or Install it on a virtual environment like VirtualBox.

If you prefer installing Windows 8 alongside Windows 7, you can read our dual boot guide for installing Windows 8 on a machine running Windows 7 here.

Microsoft has explained that it is not ideal to run Windows 8 on virtual platform because it requires dedicated hardware for optimal performance. But the process is not impossible and can be done on the following virtualization software.

• Hyper-V in Windows 8 Developer Preview
• Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2
• VMware Workstation 8.0 for Windows
• VirtualBox 4.1.2 for Windows

The following software do not support installing Windows 8

• Microsoft Virtual PC (all versions)
• Microsoft Virtual Server (all versions)
• Windows 7 XP Mode
• VMWare Workstation 7.x or older

If you are interested in installing Windows 8 on VirtualBox keep reading.

1. Download Windows 8 - You will have three options to choose from
1. 64-bit edition with developer tools (4.8 GB)
2. 64-bit edition (3.6 GB)
3. 32-bit edition (2.8 GB)
   
2. Download and install the latest version of VirtualBox. The method is the same for all versions of VirtualBox (PC, Mac, Linux).
   
3. Launch VirtualBox and select 'New' to create a new virtual machine. When required to provide name and type,
1. Enter Windows 8 for name
2. Select Microsoft Windows for Operating system
3. And Windows 7 (Windows 7 64-bit depending on version) for version.
   
   
   
4.  When asked to select Memory move slider to at least 1GB (1024MB).
   
5. The next step will require you to create a virtual disk and define its location and size.
1. Leave location as it is.
2. Windows 8 requires at least 20GB minimum.
   
   
   
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6. Before you start your newly created virtual machine, Select it;
1. Right Click on it and Select 'Settings'.
2. Select 'Storage' and in the newly opened Window.
3. Under IDE Controller Click The disk icon and 'choose a Virtual CD/DVD disk file'.
4. Browse and select your Windows 8 ISO file and you select 'OK' to continue.
   
   
   
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7. Select your virtual machine once again and Click the green Start Arrow to begin installation.
8. The installation process should be pretty strait forward. You can follow the on screen instructions or read our step by step guide here.