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How to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Windows VM

VirtualBox Guest Additions is a set of drivers and utilities that enhance the performance and integration of a Windows VM running on VirtualBox. Installing Guest Additions enables features such as better video support, seamless mouse integration, shared folders, clipboard sharing, and automatic resolution adjustment. These tools improve the interaction between the host machine and the virtual machine, making the Windows VM more user-friendly and responsive.

The installation process for Guest Additions on a Windows VM is straightforward. It involves inserting the Guest Additions CD Image, running the installer, and rebooting the virtual machine. The installer will add the necessary drivers for improved video, input devices, and shared folder capabilities, allowing for a more seamless experience between the host and guest systems.

This guide will show you how to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on a Windows VM, ensuring that the VM can take full advantage of the enhanced features provided by VirtualBox.

Steps to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Windows VM:

  1. Start the Windows VM in VirtualBox.
  2. Log into Windows as an administrator.
  3. In the VirtualBox window, go to the top menu and click Devices, then select Insert Guest Additions CD Image.

    If you do not see the prompt, open File Explorer inside the VM, navigate to the This PC section, and manually run the VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe from the mounted CD drive.

  4. The installer should automatically launch. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the installation.
  5. In the Oracle VM VirtualBox Guest Additions Setup Wizard, click Next.
  6. Select the installation location and click Next again.
  7. Choose whether to install Direct3D support if prompted, then click Install.

    Direct3D support is optional and generally used to improve graphical performance in certain applications. It may not be necessary for all Windows VMs.

  8. Wait for the installation to complete. Once done, click Finish to close the wizard.
  9. Reboot the VM to apply the changes.

    After the reboot, verify the installation by checking if features like shared clipboard, automatic screen resizing, and seamless mouse integration are working correctly. You can also open Device Manager inside the VM to confirm that the VirtualBox Guest Additions drivers have been installed.

CLI method to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Windows VM

You can also install Guest Additions on a Windows VM using the command line interface (CLI) by following these steps:

  1. Insert the Guest Additions ISO using the following command on the host machine: 
    VBoxManage controlvm "Windows VM" insertdvd /path/to/VBoxGuestAdditions.iso
  2. Run the Guest Additions installer in the Windows VM by opening the command prompt inside the virtual machine and navigating to the mounted CD drive: 
    cd /d D:\VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe
VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe /S
  3. Reboot the VM to complete the installation: 
    shutdown /r

Using the command line with the VirtualBox Guest Additions installer allows for unattended installation with the /S option, making it useful for automated deployment in multiple VMs.