How to Install Windows 8 In a Virtual Machine

What is a Virtual Machine VM?

In the computing environment VM is defined as a software tool or an instrument allowing a user to install and run an Operating System (OS) or a computer program. It is because of the process of virtualization that the concept of cloud computing is possible.  Many media observers, analysis and researchers argue that virtualization and VM is meant for hobbyists and experiments. However, there are plenty of applications and advantages virtualization and VM offer.

Windows 8 Virtual Machine
The Windows 8 platform

To put it in a nut shell, Windows 8 is smooth and polished platforms that has outsmarted its predecessors hands down. One of the outstanding features of Windows 8 is its ability to allow creation of VM on its platform.

Requirements to create a Windows 8 Virtual Machine

    Firstly to begin with, the most important requirement is that you will need is a PC that supports virtualization.

    You can download a copy of Windows 8. 32-bit or a 62-bit should serve the purpose.

    The additional requirements are not many. You will need about 1 to 2 GB of RAM.

    You will also need around 20 to 30 GB of storage allocation space dedicated to Windows 8 VM.

    Finally you will require virtualization software, VirtualBox, form Oracle should be good enough. This software is available for free.

How to create a Virtual Machine VM with Windows 8

You can follow the step by step process in creating a VM with Windows 8

Create a Virtual Machine

The first step is to create a VM. To do so, you can install and run the VirtualBox. Then click on ‘New’ button. The VM is now created. You can assign a common name to the VM, say Windows 8 PC or Windows 8 VM. From the drop down menu that appears, you will have to select the Operating System as Windows Microsoft 8 or Windows 8 (64 bit) depending on the OS your using.

Selection of specifications

You will have to define the kind of memory space your virtual system has. Ideally, it is recommended that you opt for 2048 MB. However, if you are short of RAM you can opt for the minimum memory requirement of 1 GB for 32-bit. Then click on ‘Next’.

Drive image creation

It is best that you stick to default settings to create a new hard disk drive. The VDI drive image is VirtualBox’s file format.

Virtual Disk size

You can change the size and the location of your virtual disk if required. However, it is best to stick to the default size of 20 GB. You can check if the summary is appropriate. Click on ‘Create’ button to proceed to the next step.

Virtual optical

The next thing that you have to do is to right click on windows 8 PC. Form the options select ‘Settings’ and click on ‘Storage’. From the list select CD icon from the IDE Controller. Then you have to locate the Windows 8 ISO. To do so you must click on CD icon to the right of the controller. Next you will have to select a virtual CD/DVD disk file. The file must be pointed at the Windows 8 ISO and select ‘Open’.

Installing Windows 8 on your VM

You can do a custom installation of Windows 8 on your VM. Select the virtual PC and then click on ‘Start’ button. The installation of Windows 8 is simple and hassle free. Once the installation on the VM is done, you can log into your account.

Installing guest additions

You can install guest additions in the Safe Mode. Follow the steps to install guest additions

  • On the desktop view press ‘Windows tab + R’
  • Launch MSConfig
  • Select Boot option
  • Also select safe boot and base video
  • Once you have saved the changes click on ‘Ok’

The final step in installing Guest Additions is to reboot your device into Safe Mode.

Launch VM

Make sure that you enable 3D support while installing the Guest Additions from VirtualBox Devices Menu. You can increase the video memory to 128 MB in the Display Settings. Next you must enable 2D and 3D acceleration. Launch the VM.

These are the simple steps involved in creating a Virtual Machine with the Windows 8 platform.


original: SociablWeb

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