Virtual Machine Experience Guide
If you're not ready to install Debian directly on your computer, a virtual machine is the perfect starting point. It lets you create a "virtual computer" within your existing system to experience and learn Debian with zero risk.
🎯 Why Start with a Virtual Machine
Advantages at a Glance
- Zero risk — Does not affect your existing operating system or data
- Rollback anytime — Use snapshots to restore the system with one click if anything goes wrong
- Learning and experimentation — Freely try various commands and configurations without fear of breaking things
- Multiple versions side by side — Run multiple Debian virtual machines simultaneously
Installation Method Comparison
| Method | Risk | Performance | Suitable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Machine | ✅ No risk | 70-90% | Learning, testing |
| Dual Boot | ⚠️ Requires partitioning | 100% | Daily use + Windows |
| Direct Install | ⚠️ Overwrites original OS | 100% | Fully switching to Debian |
| Live USB | ✅ No risk | Lower | Quick preview |
💡 Beginner Tip
It is recommended to try Debian in a virtual machine first, and consider installing on physical hardware after you are comfortable with the basics.
💻 Choosing Virtual Machine Software
Choose the appropriate virtual machine software based on your operating system:
Software Comparison
| Software | Price | Supported Systems | Features | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VirtualBox | Free | Windows/macOS/Linux | Cross-platform, full-featured | ✅ Highly recommended |
| VMware Workstation | Free (Personal) | Windows/Linux | Excellent performance | ✅ Recommended |
| UTM | Free | macOS | Apple Silicon support | ✅ Recommended for Mac users |
| KVM/QEMU | Free | Linux | Near-native performance | Suitable for advanced users |
📥 Installing VirtualBox
Windows Installation
- Visit the VirtualBox website
- Download the "Windows hosts" installer
- Run the installer and click "Next" through the wizard
- Restart your computer after installation
macOS Installation
bash
# Method 1: Download the installer directly
# Visit https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
# Download "macOS / Intel hosts"
# Method 2: Using Homebrew
brew install --cask virtualboxLinux Installation
bash
# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox
# Or install the latest version
# Download the .deb package from the official website
sudo dpkg -i virtualbox-7.1_7.1.x-xxxxx~Debian~bookworm_amd64.deb
sudo apt install -f⚠️ Important Notice
Before installing VirtualBox, make sure virtualization technology (VT-x / AMD-V) is enabled in your BIOS.
🔧 Creating a Virtual Machine
Creation Workflow
Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine
- Open VirtualBox and click "New"
- Fill in the basic information:
- Name:
Debian 13 - Type:
Linux - Version:
Debian (64-bit)
- Name:
Step 2: Allocate Memory
Choose based on your physical memory:
| Physical Memory | Recommended Allocation | Desktop Environment |
|---|---|---|
| 8 GB | 2 GB | Xfce / MATE |
| 16 GB | 4 GB | GNOME / KDE |
| 32 GB+ | 4-8 GB | Any desktop |
💡 Beginner Tip
Do not allocate more than half of your physical memory to the virtual machine, or your host system will slow down.
Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
- File type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
- Allocation method: Dynamically allocated (recommended — only uses actual space as needed)
- Size: 25-40 GB recommended
Step 4: Mount the ISO Image
- Select the newly created virtual machine and click "Settings"
- Go to the "Storage" section
- Click the disk icon under "Empty"
- Select "Choose a disk file"
- Browse and select the Debian ISO file you downloaded
⚙️ Virtual Machine Configuration Details
System Settings
- Processor: Allocate 2-4 cores
- Boot Order: Optical drive first
- Enable EFI: Recommended (simulates modern UEFI boot)
Display Settings
- Video Memory: Set to 128 MB
- Graphics Controller: VMSVGA
- Enable 3D Acceleration: Can be enabled after installing Guest Additions
Network Settings
| Mode | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| NAT | VM accesses the internet through the host; external devices cannot reach the VM | Everyday browsing (default) |
| Bridged | VM gets its own IP address; accessible on the local network | Server testing |
| Host-only | Can only communicate with the host; no internet access | Internal network testing |
🚀 Installing Debian in the Virtual Machine
- Select the virtual machine and click "Start"
- The virtual machine will boot from the ISO image
- Follow the installation wizard to complete the installation
💡 Beginner Tip
Installing in a virtual machine is exactly the same as installing on a physical machine. For detailed installation steps, refer to the Installation Guide. In the virtual machine, you can safely choose "Use entire disk" — it will not affect your real hard drive.
Recommended choices during installation:
- Partitioning scheme: Use entire disk (virtual hard disk — completely safe)
- Desktop environment: GNOME or Xfce (Xfce is lighter and runs more smoothly in a VM)
- Check: SSH server + standard system utilities
🔌 Installing Guest Additions
Guest Additions significantly improve the virtual machine experience:
Features
- ✅ Automatic resolution adjustment
- ✅ Seamless mouse switching
- ✅ Shared clipboard
- ✅ Shared folders
- ✅ Drag and drop files
- ✅ Better display performance
Installation Steps
bash
# 1. Install build dependencies
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
# 2. In the VirtualBox menu, select:
# Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD image...
# 3. Mount and install
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
sudo /mnt/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
# 4. Reboot the virtual machine
sudo rebootEnable Clipboard Sharing
After installation, in the VirtualBox menu:
- Devices → Shared Clipboard → Bidirectional
- Devices → Drag and Drop → Bidirectional
📁 Shared Folder Configuration
Shared folders allow you to conveniently exchange files between the host and the virtual machine.
Creating a Shared Folder
- Go to VM Settings → Shared Folders
- Click the Add icon on the right
- Select a folder path on the host
- Set a name (e.g.,
shared) - Check Auto-mount and Make Permanent
Accessing in the Virtual Machine
bash
# Add your user to the vboxsf group
sudo usermod -aG vboxsf $USER
# After logging out and back in, the shared folder is at
ls /media/sf_shared/
# Or mount manually
sudo mount -t vboxsf shared /mnt/shared📸 Snapshot Management
Snapshots are one of the most powerful features of virtual machines — save the system state at any time and restore with one click if something goes wrong.
Creating a Snapshot
- Select the virtual machine in VirtualBox
- Click the "Snapshots" tab
- Click "Take Snapshot"
- Enter a snapshot name and description
Restoring a Snapshot
- Select the snapshot you want to restore from the snapshot list
- Click "Restore"
- The virtual machine will return to the state it was in when the snapshot was taken
💡 Snapshot Best Practices
- Create a "clean system" snapshot immediately after installing the OS
- Create a snapshot before installing important software or making major configuration changes
- Snapshots consume disk space — periodically clean up snapshots you no longer need
⚡ Performance Optimization
Optimization Checklist
| Item | Optimization | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | Allocate 2-4 GB | System responsiveness |
| CPU | Allocate 2-4 cores | Processing speed |
| Video Memory | Set to 128 MB | Display quality |
| Hard Disk | Store virtual disk on SSD | I/O performance |
| Guest Additions | Install Guest Additions | Overall experience |
| 3D Acceleration | Enable after installing GA | Graphics performance |
Additional Optimization
bash
# Optimize inside the VM: reduce swap usage
echo 'vm.swappiness=10' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p
# Disable unnecessary services
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo systemctl disable cups🆘 Common Issues
Virtual Machine Fails to Start
Error: VT-x is disabled in the BIOS
Solution:
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings
2. Find Virtualization Technology (VT-x or AMD-V)
3. Set it to Enabled
4. Save and restartPerformance Is Too Slow
- Increase the allocated memory and CPU cores
- Make sure the virtual disk is stored on an SSD
- Install Guest Additions
- Choose a lightweight desktop environment (e.g., Xfce)
No Network Connectivity
bash
# Check if the network mode is set to NAT
# VirtualBox Settings → Network → Attached to: NAT
# Check inside the virtual machine
ip addr show
ping -c 4 debian.org
# If there is no connectivity, try restarting the network
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManagerGuest Additions Installation Fails
bash
# Make sure all dependencies are installed
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
# Remount the CD
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
# Check the error log
sudo /mnt/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run 2>&1 | tail -20Cannot Display in Full Screen
bash
# Make sure Guest Additions are installed
# VirtualBox menu → View → Auto-resize Guest Display
# Or manually set the resolution
xrandr --output Virtual-1 --mode 1920x1080Next Steps
After experiencing Debian in a virtual machine, you can:
- Installation Guide - Install Debian on physical hardware
- Dual Boot Installation Guide - Keep Windows while installing Debian
- First Boot Configuration - Complete initial system setup
Is Debian running smoothly in your virtual machine? Ready to install for real →