From 1f96b842d0cea294600afb08ef02836a5b906a1e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Aiden Gerbrandt Date: Sat, 7 Mar 2026 13:16:20 -0600 Subject: [PATCH] added VirtualBox --- VirtualBox.md | 79 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 79 insertions(+) create mode 100644 VirtualBox.md diff --git a/VirtualBox.md b/VirtualBox.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..799bced --- /dev/null +++ b/VirtualBox.md @@ -0,0 +1,79 @@ +# VirtualBox + +## Alternative + +If the situation doesn't specifically require VirtualBox and you can use any Hypervisior, I strongly suggest using [Virtual Machine Manager](VirtualMachineManager.md) (virt-manager); as it uses KVM, which has support built into the kernel, which means a much simpler install for some distributions and less potential for issues. + +## Install + +Note: After install a reboot may be required. +Most distributions package it in their repositories and can be installed as such: + +### Arch-based + +```sh +sudo pacman -S virtualbox +``` + +### Debian +Debian doesn't package virtualbox in the offical repositories, so we need to add VirtualBox's repository. Source: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads + +Replace `` in the first command with `trixie` or the current version of Debian if you are on a newer **stable** version. +```sh +# Add virtualbox repository to system +echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/oracle-virtualbox-2016.gpg] https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian contrib" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list +# Add VirtualBox's signing keys to system +wget -O- https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc | sudo gpg --yes --output /usr/share/keyrings/oracle-virtualbox-2016.gpg --dearmor +# Update package list and install virtualbox +sudo apt update +sudo apt install virtualbox-7.2 +``` +Note: For the last command you can type up to `sudo apt install virtualbox-` and triple tap TAB to see what version options there are. + +### Fedora +Fedora doesn't package virtualbox in the offical repositories, so we need to add the RPMFusion repository which packages additional software, including virtualbox. +RPMFusion is a long-standing repo operated by some of the same contributors as the main Fedora repos; it just contains things that Redhat cannot legally distribute. + +#### Install VirtualBox +```sh +# Import the RPMFusion repository +sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm +# Install virtualbox +sudo dnf install virtualbox +``` +When prompted to import the RPMFusion key, ensure it has the below signature, then input "y" +``` +E9A4 91A3 DE24 7814 E7E0 67EA E06F 8ECD D651 FF2E +RPM Fusion free repository for Fedora (2020) +``` +If you don't use secure boot, you can simply reboot and skip to the Check functionality stage + +#### Sign VirtualBox modules +Now, assuming you are using secure boot, we will need to allow the kernel modules used by virtualbox. We will do this using akmods +```sh +# enable akmods if it not already +sudo systemctl enable --now akmods +# Register the key with Secure Boot (MOK) +sudo mokutil --import /etc/pki/akmods/certs/public_key.der +``` +That last command will prompt you for a password, it can be whatever, just be sure to remember it. + +1. Reboot +2. Once you get a blue menu press any key to enter MOK management. + - If you miss this prompt you can re-run the last command and reboot again. +3. Select `Enroll MOK` and follow the prompts to enroll the key +4. Enter the password you chose when prompted + +#### Check functionality +Once booted you can now ensure the VirtualBox module is working with +```sh +systemctl status vboxdrv +``` +And ensure it it started. + +### Ubuntu/Mint + +```sh +sudo apt install virtualbox +``` +