3 Configuring Oracle VirtualBox

Before creating, adding or importing any Virtual Machines, configure Oracle VirtualBox for your host.

• Install any extension packs you require, see Install the Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack.

  Extension packs provide extra functionality to the Oracle VirtualBox base package. The Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack includes VirtualBox Remote DesktopProtocol (VRDP) support, disk image encryption using AES, and cloud integration features. For more information, see Oracle VirtualBox Components.

• Set Oracle VirtualBox Preferences. These are settings that apply to Oracle VirtualBox rather than individual VMs.

• If the default NAT network is not sufficient for your needs, set up virtual networks. See Configure Networking.

Managing Oracle VirtualBox Extensions

Oracle VirtualBox extension packs (file extension .vbox-extpack) extend the features of Oracle VirtualBox on the host machine. For more information on the Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack, see Oracle VirtualBox Components

Extension packs can be installed and managed using the Extensions tool in Oracle VirtualBox Manager.

Alternatively, you can use the VBoxManage command line to install and manage extension packs. See VBoxManage extpack.

Install the Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack

1. Download the latest Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack from Download VirtualBox and save it on the host machine.

2. In Oracle VirtualBox Manager, Click Extensions.

3. Click Install and select the extension package file. Follow the on-screen instructions.

   The extension pack is installed on the host and displayed in the extensions list.

Alternatively, in VBoxManage, use extpack install to install the extension pack.

Remove the Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack

1. In Oracle VirtualBox Manager, Click Extensions.

2. Click Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack, and then click Uninstall.

   The extension pack is uninstalled from the host.

Alternatively, in VBoxManage, use extpack uninstall to remove the extension pack.

Set Oracle VirtualBox Preferences

Use the Preferences to change settings that apply to all virtual machines.

Note:

Settings will differ, depending on your host OS.

1. From the File menu, choose Preferences.

2. Choose your preferred experience level. To display all preferences, set the experience level to Expert.

   See also Experience Levels for VirtualBox Manager.

3. On the General tab, specify the default folder or directory for VM files, and the VRDP Authentication Library.

4. On the Input tab, set keyboard shortcuts, both in Oracle VirtualBox Manager and in individual VMs. For example you might want to specify a different Host key. This is the key that toggles whether the cursor is in the focus of the VM or the Host OS windows, see Capturing and Releasing Keyboard and Mouse. The Host key is also used to trigger certain VM actions, see Typing Special Characters.

5. On the Update tab, select the type of software updates you want to install, and how frequently to check for updates.

6. On the Language tab, choose the language used for menus, labels, and text in Oracle VirtualBox Manager.

7. On the Display tab, specify the display properties for all VM displays.

8. On the Proxy tab, configure an HTTP proxy server if you need one.

9. On the Interface tab, select the color theme to be used by Oracle VirtualBox Manager. This can only be changed on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Other OSs use system settings.

Experience Levels for VirtualBox Manager

When you use Oracle VirtualBox Manager to configure preferences, and settings for virtual machines, you can select an experience level for the user interface. The following experience levels are available:

• Basic. Only a limited number of settings and tools are shown. Workflows are used to display settings and configuration options. This is the default setting for new installations.

  This level is suitable for a first time user of Oracle VirtualBox.

• Expert. All available settings and tools are shown.

  Single pages show all settings and configuration options. This is the default setting for upgrades when a user already has at least one saved VM.

  This level is suitable for an experienced user who needs more control of virtual machine settings.

Experience levels apply, and can be set, in the following places in Oracle VirtualBox Manager:

• Home (new installations only)

• Preferences

• Settings for a virtual machine

Wherever you set it, the preference applies throughout Oracle VirtualBox Manager.

Selecting the Experience Level

1. In the File menu, choose Preferences.

2. Click Basic or Expert to select the required experience level.

   
   
   

   The number of available settings and tools changes depending on the selected experience level.