Step 6: Your Windows 8 virtual hard disk is now ready but before you can use it, you need to make a few modifications. It is time to grab a cup of coffee as VirtualBox will create a large physical file now (for storing the Windows 8 OS) and it might take anywhere between 3-4 minutes to finish the process. Step 6: You are all set to create new hard disk for Windows 8. Also, the virtual hard disk should be allotted a “fixed size” because that is likely to offer the best performance. Set the file type for the disk as VDI or VirtualBox Disk Image.
If you just want to try Windows 8 and don’t plan to install any additional apps, the recommended size is 25 GB. Step 5: Next choose the file location where you would like to save the Windows 8 virtual hard disk. The minimum that you should allocate is 1024 MB (or 1 GB) though you can always move that slider further right to 2 GB for improved performance.
Next you need to allocate RAM to your new Windows 8 VM. Set the Operating System as Windows and pick Windows 8 for the Version. Step 4: Give your virtual machine a name (like Windows 8). Click the “Hide Description” button to get started. Step 3: Launch the Oracle VM Virtual Box program from the Windows Programs Menu and click the “New” button (or press Ctrl+N) to create a new Windows 8 Virtual Machine.
If you have been using an older version of Virtual Box, please upgrade to the latest version of VM VirtualBox as it includes support for Windows 8. Step 2: Download and install the Virtual Box program for Windows available at. Step 1: Download the ISO image of Windows 8 or create a bootable Windows 8 DVD as illustrated in the previous tutorials. Don’t let these steps intimidate you as installing Windows 8 inside a VM is an extremely easy process and should not take more than 20-30 minutes to complete. Here’s a step-by-step guide that explains how you can install Windows 8 as a virtual machine. The former option is risk-free and you can can launch Windows 8 on your computer just like you would use any other Windows software.
You can either install Windows 8 as a virtual machine or you can install Windows 8 on a different partition and use it alongside your existing copy of Windows. If you wish to try Windows 8 on your existing Windows computer but without disturbing any of existing apps or program settings, you have two easy options.