Windows 8.1 installation on Oracle virtual box

INTRODUCTION:

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, the ability to create and manage virtual environments is more valuable than ever. Whether you're a developer testing new applications, a cybersecurity enthusiast exploring different operating systems, or simply a tech-savvy user wanting to experiment without compromising your primary system, virtualization offers unparalleled flexibility. In this blog post, I delve into the fascinating world of Oracle VirtualBox and guide you through the installation of Windows 8.1, a versatile yet often overlooked operating system. Get ready to unlock a world of possibilities as I walk you through each step of the installation process, ensuring a smooth and seamless setup that will open doors to endless virtual adventures.

STEP 1: Download and install the Oracle Virtual Box. Go to Oracle's official website , here you'd download the virtualbox software also ensure to download your specific platform package (either windows OS, mac OS or Linux distribution) . In the image below I just selected windows hosts.

      STEP 2: Get the software. Windows 8.1 can be downloaded from Microsoft's webpage here. (Make sure you download the iso).

      STEP 3: Open VirtualBox and select new machine.

      STEP 4: In the 'Name' box, type Windows 8.1. After that, click on the 'Type' box and select Microsoft Windows, then click on the 'Version' box and select Windows 8.1 (64-bit). Then click on 'Next'.

      STEP 5: Just use the default RAM setting. When the setup wizard asks you how much RAM to give the machine, giving the machine the default RAM is fine. (Should you have surplus or limited RAM, adjusting the slider is fine). Then click on 'Next'.

      STEP 6: Leave the 'new virtual hard disk' box blank. When the wizard asks about a new virtual hard disk, do not select anything. Simply select next.

      STEP 7: Select your virtual hard drive. The wizard will ask what type of virtual hard drive you want—select VDI or virtual box disk image, then select next.

      STEP 8: Choose disk space. The wizard will ask you to set the amount of disk space for the hard drive: you can choose between dynamically allocated and fixed size. You can select either, but most of the time, it is better to have fixed size since it's faster and also stable.

      STEP 9: Select the size of the disk. At minimum, choose 20 gigabytes, but the more the merrier. Then click on 'Next'.

      STEP 10: Creating the virtual machine.  When the summary page comes up, click ‘Finish’ and step aside for a while.

      STEP 11: Launch your virtual machine. Now, click on the virtual machine and select ‘start’.

      STEP 12: Select your Windows 8.1 ISO when a dialog box appears. You should also remember to navigate to the path where the ISO file is saved in case the file doesn’t show up immediately on the dialog box. Then click on 'Mount and Retry Boot'

      STEP 13: Now, continue to follow the on-screen instructions. Enjoy your cutting-edge new OS.

CONCLUSION

Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the installation of Windows 8.1 on Oracle VirtualBox, transforming your virtual environment into a versatile playground for exploration and experimentation. With your new virtual machine up and running, you're now equipped to test software, troubleshoot issues, or simply get acquainted with Windows 8.1 in a risk-free setting. Virtualization not only enhances your tech toolkit but also empowers you to push boundaries and explore new horizons without disrupting your primary system. As you continue to explore the capabilities of Oracle VirtualBox and Windows 8.1, remember that the world of virtualization is vast and full of opportunities. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and enjoy the limitless potential that virtual machines offer.