How to Enable 64-bit Support in VirtualBox

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

VirtualBox64-bitConfigurationSupportSetupPerformanceOptimizationSoftwareVM

VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization tool that enables you to create virtual machines on your computer. This is useful for testing or running software in different environments without affecting your main operating system. An important feature of VirtualBox is the ability to run 64-bit operating systems, which is essential for working with modern software and applications that require a 64-bit environment. In this guide, we will learn how to enable 64-bit support in VirtualBox, detailing the steps required to properly set up and configure your virtual machines.

Understanding virtualization and VirtualBox

Before getting into the specifics of 64-bit support, it's important to understand what virtualization is and how VirtualBox works. Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of something, such as hardware, storage devices, or network resources. VirtualBox is a type of software known as a hypervisor, which allows you to run virtual machines (VMs) on your physical machine. Each VM behaves like a separate computer, with its own operating system and resources, which are managed through the VirtualBox interface.

Checking your system requirements

To enable 64-bit support in VirtualBox, your physical machine must meet certain requirements. These include having a 64-bit processor with hardware virtualization support and a 64-bit host operating system. Let's understand these requirements:

• 64-bit processor: Your computer must have a CPU that supports 64-bit architecture. Most modern CPUs, such as Intel's Core and AMD's Ryzen series, support 64-bit operation. You can check CPU details through your computer's system settings or by using a tool like CPU-Z.
• Hardware virtualization support: The processor must also support virtualization extensions such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. This feature is usually disabled by default, so you must enable it in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Enter the BIOS/UEFI configuration during the boot-up process (usually by pressing a key such as F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) and locate 'Virtualization Technology' or an equivalent setting, then enable it.
• 64-bit host operating system: Your host operating system must be 64-bit to run a 64-bit guest operating system in VirtualBox. You can check this in your system settings. For example, on Windows, go to 'System Information', and look for the 'System Type' entry.

Installing VirtualBox

If you haven't installed VirtualBox yet, you can download it from the official Oracle website. Choose the appropriate version for your host operating system and follow the installation instructions. Make sure you're installing the latest version, as updates often improve compatibility and add new features.

Checking VirtualBox for 64-bit support

After installing VirtualBox, you need to verify whether it supports 64-bit guest operating systems. Follow these steps:

1. Open VirtualBox.
2. Click on 'New' to create a new virtual machine.
3. On the 'Name and Operating System' screen, enter a name for your virtual machine.
4. Click the drop-down menu for 'Type' and select the operating system you want to install.
5. In the 'Version' drop-down menu, look for the 64-bit version of the OS you want to install. If you only see 32-bit options, or the 64-bit options are missing, it indicates that 64-bit support is not enabled.

Troubleshooting 64-bit support issues

If VirtualBox doesn't display the 64-bit option, you may need to do some troubleshooting:

• BIOS/UEFI configuration: Double-check if hardware virtualization is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Sometimes, it may be necessary to update the BIOS/UEFI firmware to ensure all features are working correctly.
• Hyper-V compatibility: On a Windows host, the presence of Hyper-V may interfere with VirtualBox. Hyper-V is another virtualization technology that conflicts with VirtualBox's ability to present a 64-bit option. You can disable Hyper-V by going to 'Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features on or off' and unchecking 'Hyper-V'.
• Reinstall VirtualBox: Sometimes, reinstalling VirtualBox can resolve configuration issues. When reinstalling, make sure to re-download the installer from the official website to ensure it is the latest version.

Creating a 64-bit virtual machine

Once 64-bit support is confirmed, you can proceed to create a 64-bit virtual machine:

1. In VirtualBox, click 'New'.
2. Enter the name for your virtual machine and select the corresponding type and version, making sure the version is 64-bit.
3. Allocate memory (RAM) to the virtual machine. It is advisable to set around 2-4GB for a 64-bit OS, although it depends on the operating system requirements.
4. Create a virtual hard disk. For the hard disk file type you have options such as VDI, VHD, or VMDK. Use VDI as it is the default VirtualBox option.
5. Configure the storage settings for your virtual machine. You can choose to dynamically allocate space or use a fixed size. For better performance, you may want to use a fixed size.
6. After the initial setup, you can configure further settings such as enabling more CPU cores in the 'Processor' settings, allocating more video memory, and configuring network settings.

Installing a 64-bit operating system

With the created virtual machine, you can install a 64-bit operating system:

1. Select your virtual machine and click 'Start'.
2. When the virtual machine starts, it will prompt you to choose a start-up disk. Here, you can choose the ISO file of your 64-bit operating system.
3. Proceed with the OS installation as you would with a physical machine. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system on your virtual machine.

Customizing your virtual machine

After installing a 64-bit OS, you may want to optimize the performance of the virtual machine:

• Adjust system resources: Go to the VM's settings and allocate enough RAM, CPU cores, and video memory based on the demands of your 64-bit OS.
• Install the Guest Edition: VirtualBox Guest Edition can significantly enhance VM performance and provide features such as clipboard sharing, shared folders, and improved video resolution. Install it via the VirtualBox menu under 'Devices > Insert Guest Edition CD Image'.
• Manage snapshots: Use snapshots to save the state of your virtual machine. This is especially useful when you want to revert to a specific point before you made changes to your system.

Conclusion

Enabling 64-bit support in VirtualBox involves ensuring that your hardware and software meet the necessary requirements, properly configuring BIOS/UEFI settings, verifying settings within VirtualBox, and potentially resolving conflicts with other virtualization software such as Hyper-V. Once enabled, you can create and manage 64-bit virtual machines, allowing you to effectively use modern software tools and systems in a virtualized environment. By following these steps, you can successfully set up a 64-bit virtual machine within VirtualBox, providing a versatile platform for testing and development purposes.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update