How to Install Linux Xubuntu Under Your Windows OS

Do you have to reboot your computer to switch it between Windows and Linux now and then? Then you know that those reboots slow down your productivity.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install a Linux operating system Xubuntu under your Windows OS using VirtualBox and save yourself some time.

Step #1. Install the VirtualBox

The VirtualBox is an Open Source software. You can download it here.

• Click the big blue button and choose your host type. I selected Windows:

• Download the file as usual and click on it after downloading in order to run the installation file.

The process of installing an application in Windows is pretty much the same always. Take into account that VirtualBox will disconnect your Wifi connection.

Please, make sure you’re not downloading something else during this process.

Step #2. Download a Linux-based Operating System

I’m going to use Xubuntu for this example. Xubuntu is a light Ubuntu-based distribution. It works very well with low-performance machines.

The 16.04 is the last LTS stable version. You can read more about Xubuntu here and download the code here.

Step #3. Create the Virtual Machine

Once you’ve installed VirtualBox, it’s time to create the virtual machine to store our Linux-based OS. Think of it as a computer inside your computer.

• Click the star icon New on the top left.
• Write a proper name for your new virtual machine.
• Choose the defaults relevant to your particular case.
• Click Next.

• Select how much RAM you want your machine to use.

Feel free to use slightly more RAM than suggested by default if you have a chance.

• Now it’s time to create a virtual disk. That means that VirtualBox will borrow some space from Windows while it’s working. Choose Create a Virtual disk now.
• Click Create.

• Leave the default VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click Next.

You can assign the new operating system either a hard drive with a fixed size or you can reserve some space dynamically. That will mean that you choose a limit size and the hard drive will expand itself until it reaches that size.

I’m choosing The Fixed Size alternative. Feel free to choose what you think is best for you.

• Move the slider to determine the size of the hard drive. Xubuntu can run with 1 GB, however, 20 GB are recommended.
• Choose the (virtual) hard disk space you want to assign Xubuntu.
• Click Create.

Well done! You just created a Linux virtual machine inside your VirtualBox. You can now install the operating system inside this machine.

Step #4. Install the Linux-based Operating System

• In your file explorer look for the Xubuntu .iso file you downloaded earlier.
• Right-click and choose Mount. This will mount the .iso file in a virtual drive. Think of it as if you would have burned the DVD and inserted in a DVD drive.

• Take a look at the navigation panel. You should now see the mounted media.

• Open VirtualBox if you have closed it for some reason.
• Click the green Start arrow.

• Choose the mounted .iso file from the dropdown list.
• Click Start.

• Select your language.
• Click Install Xubuntu.

• Mark the checkboxes regarding updates and third-party software.
• Click Continue.

• Leave the default option Erase disk and install Xubuntu.
• Click Install Now. Remember that this is just the free disk space you’re giving to the VirtualBox and to your system here – not the whole drive.

If you’re going to perform an installation directly on your hard drive, please do a backup of your files.

• Continue with the easy installation process, until you come to this screen:

• It’s possible that the restart button won’t work. Just turn the virtual machine off and then on if your system freezes.
• Start your machine once again and log in to your Xubuntu desktop with the credentials you entered previously.
• Click the mouse icon on the top left.
• Choose Settings > Software Updater.

• The system will check for updates and will inform you about them.

• Click Install Now.

• Type your root user password in order to download and install.

• Wait a couple of minutes until everything has been installed and downloaded.
• Turn the virtual machine off and on once again.

Congratulations! You have now a completely functional Xubuntu installation inside your Windows operating system. I hope you enjoyed reading this tutorial!