How to Install Software in A Windows Virtual Machine

An excellent way to operate multiple operating systems on a single machine without affecting the host operating system is through virtual machines. Software testing, operating system evaluation, and even playing online games can all be done on virtual computers.

However, many Windows users don’t know how to set up a virtual machine from scratch and download and install the necessary software on it. Thus, in this blog post, we’ll help you in setting up the Windows virtual machine and install software on it.

A Comprehensive Guide on Installing Software on a Windows Virtual Machine

Below is the step-by-step guide to download and install the best software for PC on your Windows virtual machine.

Step 1: Create a Virtual Machine

You must first build a virtual machine before you can install software on it. To build a virtual machine, you can use programs like VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V. You can use any program based on your preferences. Follow the instructions given below:

From the official page of the program, you wish to use, download and install it.

Open the app, then select the “New” option.

Give your virtual machine a name, then choose “Microsoft Windows” as the OS and the version you want to install.

Decide how many CPU cores and RAM you want to give the virtual machine.

Select to create a virtual hard disk right away and specify its size. Click “Create” after choosing the virtual hard disk’s file location and file size.

Step 2: Install Windows on the Virtual Machine

Now, it’s time to install Windows on the virtual machine you just made. To do so, follow the steps given below.

From the Microsoft website, download the Windows ISO file.

Select the newly created virtual machine in the program and hit the “Settings” button.

Select the empty CD/DVD disc after choosing “Storage” from the menu.

Choose the Windows ISO file after clicking on the “Choose Virtual Optical Disk File” option.

Start the virtual computer, then install Windows as directed on the screen.

Step 3: Install Virtual Machine Additions

You must install Virtual machine Additions after Windows has been set up on the virtual machine. Drivers and software that enhance the virtual machine’s performance are among these additions. Follow the instructions given below to install the additions:

Choose the “Insert Guest Additions CD Image” option from the “Devices” options in the application.

Windows will detect the CD automatically and launch the installation process.

To install the Virtual Machine Additions, adhere to the directions prompted on the screen.

Step 4: Install Software on the Virtual Machine

You can now install any software you want because your virtual machine is ready and functioning. To install the software, follow the instructions given below:

From the internet, download the software you want to install.

Copy the software installer file to the desktop or a folder of the virtual machine after opening it.

To begin the installation procedure, double-click the installer file.

Then, to install the program, follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 5: Configure the Software

Configuring the network is the next step in the software installation process for Windows Virtual PC. This will make it possible for the software to connect to the internet as well as other network resources. To do so, follow the instructions given below.

Open the virtual machine, then pick the “Network” tab to configure the network.

In this section, you can choose the network type you wish to use and establish the network’s settings.

After configuring the network, you can save your changes and exit the program.

Step 6: Test the Software

Now, it’s time to try the software after installation and configuration. To do so, follow the instructions given below.

Open the program and check how it works.

Check to see if the software performs as expected.

Step 7: Backup the Virtual Machine

Always make a backup of the virtual machine to prevent losing any settings or data. To do so, follow the instructions given below.

Select the newly created virtual machine in the program and hit the “Settings” button.

Click the “Add Hard Disk” button in the “Storage” area.

Then, to make a virtual hard drive backup, adhere to the instructions prompted on the screen.

Step 8: Install the Updates

You have to install the latest updates that are accessible after you have set up the software and made a backup. To do so, follow the instructions given below.

Open the program and choose the “Updates” option.

Click the “Install” button after selecting the updates you want to apply.

The updates will then be downloaded and installed on the virtual computer. You can close the software and continue with the next process after the updates have been installed.

Conclusion

The use of virtual machines is a wonderful way to run different operating systems on the same machine without affecting the host operating system. On a virtual machine, software installation is simple and quick. You may just simply follow the steps in the systematic order outlined in this article in order to set up your virtual machine. Of course, if you ever have any problems, you can contact an IT service.