Windows 7 is a relic. Not quite as ancient as Windows XP, but Windows seven has long since passed its 2020 terminate-of-life appointment. Unless you're paying major money, Microsoft isn't delivering Windows 7 security patches. Companies that rely on Windows vii will pay Microsoft to go along working on and fixing the operating system. Only those fixes are unlikely to reach the public.

One selection is to install Windows 7 on a VirtualBox virtual machine. And so, if y'all take a Windows 7 license key and a Windows 7 ISO, here's how y'all can install Windows seven on a virtual machine.

What You Need to Install Windows vii in VirtualBox

Earlier you get going, you need a few things in place.

The tutorial uses VirtualBox, a free virtual machine programme. Yous need to download and install VirtualBox before continuing. Download and install VirtualBox version v.2.xx using the link beneath. VirtualBox 5.two.xx tin can install and run both 32- and 64-bit paradigm files.

Download: VirtualBox v.2.xx (Free)

There is a later version of VirtualBox, version 6.x. However, VirtualBox version 6.x tin can only install and run 64-bit image files. In that, the earlier 5.two.xx version is handy as it tin handle both architectures and is however receiving updates.

Yous likewise need your Windows 7 disk image (ISO). If you don't have your Windows vii ISO, yous can enter your Windows vii production cardinal on the official Microsoft Windows 7 page to secure an official download.

In one case yous install VirtualBox and have your Windows 7 ISO, you tin can continue.

How to Install Windows seven in VirtualBox

Now you tin install Windows 7 in a virtual machine, using VirtualBox.

Open VirtualBox. Select New. Give your Windows 7 virtual auto a name.

virtualbox windows 7 ram and disk size

At present, decide how much retention to allocate to the virtual auto. How much you allocate depends on the host system as well as what yous use Windows seven for. For case, my desktop has 16GB RAM, and then I tin afford to allocate the virtual motorcar more memory then that it runs faster. In this example, I'thousand allocating 2048MB, which is 2GB.

In the lesser panel, select Create a virtual hard deejay now, so Create.

Adjacent, configure the Windows seven virtual machine disk size. Microsoft recommends a minimum of 16GB storage for Windows 7. Allocate as much as you desire or need, but make certain information technology is more than 16GB.

Keep the Hard deejay file type as a VDI (you can movement this virtual automobile deejay type to other virtual car software), and let VirtualBox dynamically classify the disk size (if you lot need more storage than you allocate, the disk can dynamically expand).

Hit Create.

Configure Your Windows vii Virtual Machine

Before hitting Showtime, at that place are a few options that y'all must configure.

Right-click the virtual machine and select Settings.

Now, under the System tab, select Processor. You lot take the selection of allocating your Windows 7 virtual machine more processing power by way of assigning another processor core. If you accept a multi-core system, assigning an extra core volition give yous a faster virtual machine experience. Depending on your system hardware, it could outcome in slower performance for the host machine.

windows 7 virtual machine processors

Next, under the Display tab, increase the Video Memory to 128MB.

On to the Storage tab. Here is where you insert your Windows 7 ISO. Under Storage Devices, select the Empty slot. Then, under Attributes, select the deejay icon. Scan the location of your Windows 7 ISO. Press OK.

windows 7 virtual machine disc selection iso type

You're at present ready to boot your Windows 7 VirtualBox virtual motorcar for the starting time time.

Windows seven Installation Guide

When the virtual auto boots, select your keyboard linguistic communication and continue. Striking Install Now, then accept the licensing agreement.

windows 7 virtual machine installation page

On the next page, select Custom, then select the virtual disk image drive created earlier. After that, the Windows 7 installation process volition start. Go and make a loving cup of tea because this tin can take a moment. Afterwards the installation process completes, your Windows seven virtual machine will restart automatically.

Windows 7 will restart a few times during the installation process. It is zippo to worry nigh. Do non touch a cardinal when prompted or you lot will return to the Install At present option, rather than letting the installer do its thing.

Eventually, you will arrive at the Windows 7 Username fix, followed by the countersign creation folio.

Side by side upwardly is to input your Windows vii product key. If you already input your product key and downloaded Windows 7 directly from Microsoft, you might non encounter this page. If y'all do not have a Windows vii production key now, you can skip this page, merely your Windows 7 virtual machine will have express functionality.

Employ the Recommended security settings, choose your time zone, and continue.

Install the VirtualBox Guest Additions ISO

The last setup is for the VirtualBox Guest Additions ISO. VirtualBox Invitee Additions give your virtual auto meliorate mouse pointer integration, the utilise of shared files between the host and the customer, ameliorate video support, shared clipboards, and a host of other handy tools.

windows 7 virtual machine guest additions install
  1. Caput to Devices > Insert Invitee Additions CD Prototype.
  2. Within the Windows 7 virtual auto, select Start Menu > Computer. Open the Guest Additions CD Image, then run VBoxWindowsAdditions.
  3. Install the Guest Additions, and then Reboot.

Windows vii End of Life Support Date

Microsoft shut off Windows 7 life support on fourteen January 2020. Some companies, products, and services accept no choice only to continue using Windows 7. But if yous're a home user who is clinging to Windows 7 because it is familiar, the end-of-life date for Windows seven has come and gone, and y'all should no longer use this antiquated and potentially dangerous operating system.

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