Install Guest Additions on Windows

Unlock Full Performance: How to Install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide)

Welcome back to Darren’s Tech Tutorials! If you’ve been running a Windows virtual machine (VM) in VirtualBox, you might have noticed things are a little… clunky. Low resolution, slow graphics, and frustrating file sharing.

The secret weapon for optimizing your VM experience is the VirtualBox Guest Additions. These drivers and system applications integrate your host operating system (the machine running VirtualBox) with your guest OS (the Windows VM). The difference in performance is night and day!

While we specifically demonstrate this process using Windows Server 2016, the steps are virtually identical for Windows 10, Windows 11, and other Windows Server versions.

Let’s dive in and transform your virtual desktop!

Why You Need VirtualBox Guest Additions

Before we start, let’s quickly cover the benefits of installing this package:

1. Dynamic Display Resolution: Your screen size will automatically adjust when you resize the VM window. No more scrolling!
2. Shared Clipboard and Drag-and-Drop: Easily copy text and files between your host machine and your virtual machine.
3. Better Mouse Integration: Seamlessly move your cursor between the VM window and your host desktop without needing to capture and release the mouse.
4. Enhanced Graphics and Video Performance: Essential drivers are installed to dramatically speed up graphical operations.

Pre-Installation Check

Ensure your Windows Guest OS is fully running and you are logged in as an Administrator before proceeding.

Step 1: Mounting the Guest Additions CD Image

Guest Additions are provided by VirtualBox as a virtual ISO file that we must “mount” into the VM’s virtual CD drive.

1. Locate the VirtualBox Menu: With your Windows VM window focused, look at the menu bar at the top of the window (this is part of the VirtualBox application, not the Windows OS inside).
2. Insert the Image: Click on the Devices menu.
3. Select Insert Guest Additions CD image…

VirtualBox will now attach the necessary ISO file to your virtual machine’s CD/DVD drive. Windows will treat this just like a physical installation disc was inserted.

Step 2: Running the Setup Program

Now that the image is mounted, we need to execute the installer inside the Windows Guest OS.

1. Open File Explorer: Inside the Windows VM, click on the Start Menu and open File Explorer.
2. Access the Drive: Navigate to This PC (or My Computer). You should see a new CD Drive listed, often named something like VirtualBox Guest Additions.
3. Launch the Installer: Double-click on the CD drive icon to view its contents.
4. Execute the Setup: Locate and double-click the installer file. For 64-bit Windows systems, the file is usually named VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe.

Step 3: Completing the Installation and Rebooting

The installation wizard will now guide you through the setup process.

1. Start the Wizard: Click Next to begin the installation.
2. Choose Installation Location: The default path is usually fine. Click Next.
3. Select Components: Ensure all default components are selected and click Install.
4. Driver Prompts: During the installation, Windows may present security warnings asking if you want to install device software from “Oracle Corporation.” You must click Install or Trust for each prompt to allow the necessary drivers to be installed.
5. Finish and Reboot: Once the installation is complete, the wizard will prompt you to reboot your system to finalize the driver changes. Select Reboot now and click Finish.

Success! Your VM is Supercharged

As your virtual machine reboots, you will immediately notice the difference!

Upon logging back into Windows, try dragging the corner of your VM window—the resolution should snap right into place. You can now configure shared folders and enjoy a much smoother, higher-performance virtual environment.

You’ve successfully upgraded your VirtualBox experience!

If this step-by-step guide helped you unlock better performance in your Windows VM, please consider hitting the Like button and Subscribing to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, actionable guides. We’re constantly rolling out new tips to make complex tech accessible!