VirtualBox can import virtual machines appliance that has been exported to the Open Virtualization Format both from a folder (ovf) or an archive file (ova). Open Virtualization Format is a standard format used by other virtualization platforms such as VMware and QEMU.
Settings for the virtual machine can be re-configured during the import process, based on the previous settings from which the virtual machine was exported.
Related: How to export VirtualBox Virtual Machine
Related: How to move VirtualBox virtual machine image
Steps to import VM appliance to VirtualBox:
- Launch VirtualBox.
- Click on Tools.
- Click on the Import button.
- Click on the folder icon to open a file select dialog.
- Select VM appliance with ova or ovf extension and click on Open.
- Click on the Continue button.
- Double click on the VM settings that you want to change.
- Set a new value to change.
- Change the location to import the VM to if required.
- Change change MAC address policy if required.
- Uncheck if you don't want to force the VM's disk to be converted to VirtualBox's VDI format.
- Click on Import to start importing the VM appliance to VirtualBox.

Author: Mohd Shakir Zakaria
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a skilled cloud architect with a background in development, entrepreneurship, and open-source advocacy. As the founder of Simplified Guide, he helps others understand the complexities of computing, making tech concepts accessible to all.

Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a skilled cloud architect with a background in development, entrepreneurship, and open-source advocacy. As the founder of Simplified Guide, he helps others understand the complexities of computing, making tech concepts accessible to all.
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