Introduction:
What is VirtualBox Guest Additions? VirtualBox Guest Additions
is extra software that can be installed inside the OS running inside of
the virtual machine,at or the guest machine. While VirtualBox generally
does a good job of running the guest OS, it has some limitations. VirtualBox Guest Additions is software that makes up for those deficiencies and adds additional integration features, such as the infamousSeamless mode offered by VirtualBox. Even Windows Aero works nicely on Linux, thanks to VirtualBox Guest Additions!
That said, let’s get started!
Prerequisites:
We need the following:
- VirtualBox, latest version. You can get the latest release here.
- Fresh install of Windows 7, any version, inside the guest machine. Any install configuration will work as long as it is a fresh install, and Windows 7 can boot.
- A graphics card capable of handling Windows Aero, plus any features for any software that will be run on Windows 7. Since the support depends on your hardware, poor graphics hardware will not be able to run Windows Aero.
Important note:
Although Aero may work, it’s quite possible that other 3D apps may not
work, and even crash the guest virtual machine. Your mileage may vary!
That said, let’s get started!
Steps:
(Note:
The screenshots below were taken on Linux. Things should be pretty much
the same as on other operating systems, but there may be slight
differences depending on your software and hardware configuration.)
1) Boot up your guest virtual machine.
Boot up your guest virtual machine to the desktop.
2) In the VirtualBox menu, click
Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image….
3) In a moment, a box should pop up asking you about the VirtualBox Guest Additions CD. Click
Run VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe.
4) In the box that pops up, click
Yes.
5) You should now see the setup wizard. Click
Next > and accept any license agreement(s) that follow.
6) You should now be at the install location part. Click
Next > to accept the default location.
7) You should now be at the component selection part.
If you wish to enable 3D hardware acceleration, continue. Otherwise, skip to step 8.
To enable 3D hardware acceleration, check the box labeled
Direct3D Support (Experimental).
You should now see a confirmation dialog.
If you want to enable Windows Aero and some advanced features (such as graphics shaders), click
No.
You will then see the following dialog:
If not, click
Yes. You will then be prompted to restart into safe mode. Restart into safe mode, and redo the above steps.
(The rest of the tutorial assumes that advanced graphics support is enabled.)
8) Once done, click
Install.
9) During the installation, you may receive device driver installation dialogs. Click
Install for all of them.
10) Allow it to reboot immediately – simply click
Finish.
11) Now
VirtualBox Guest Additions should be installed. If you did not enable advanced 3D hardware acceleration, you’re done! Otherwise, continue on!
12) Close (turn off) the guest virtual machine, and edit its settings. Under the display category, make the following changes:
- Ensure that the video memory is at least 128 MBs, if not more. We chose 256 MBs, the max. You can adjust based on your usage.
- Check the box labeled Enable 3D Acceleration.
13) Turn on the guest virtual machine again. Right click on the desktop and select
Personalization.
14) Click on the
Windows 7 theme under
Aero Themes.
