Complete Guide: Installing VirtualBox on MacBook M1
Step-by-Step Instructions for VirtualBox Installation
VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on your MacBook M1. Although it is not officially supported on the M1 chip, you can still install and use it with a workaround. Follow these steps:
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Download and Install Rosetta 2: To run VirtualBox, you need Rosetta 2, a translation layer that enables Intel-based applications to function on Apple Silicon. Open Terminal and enter the command
softwareupdate --install-rosetta
to install Rosetta 2. -
Download VirtualBox: Visit the official VirtualBox website and download the latest version of VirtualBox for macOS.
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Install VirtualBox: After the download finishes, open the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions to install VirtualBox on your MacBook M1.
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Grant Permissions: During installation, you may encounter a security prompt asking for permission to install Oracle software. Click ”Allow” and enter your administrator password when prompted.
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Launch VirtualBox: Once the installation is complete, you can find and launch VirtualBox from your Applications folder. Now, you can create and run virtual machines on your MacBook M1 using VirtualBox.
Pro Tips: Enhancing VirtualBox Performance on MacBook M1
To ensure optimal performance while using VirtualBox on your MacBook M1, consider implementing these pro tips:
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Allocate Sufficient Resources: When creating a virtual machine, allocate an appropriate amount of RAM and CPU cores based on the guest operating system’s requirements. Avoid allocating excessive resources, as it may impact your MacBook M1’s performance.
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Enable Hardware Acceleration: VirtualBox supports hardware acceleration, which significantly improves virtual machine performance. To enable it, go to your virtual machine’s settings, navigate to the “System” tab, and check the “Enable EFI (special OSes only)” option.
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Regularly Update VirtualBox: Oracle frequently releases updates for VirtualBox, addressing bugs and enhancing performance. Keep your VirtualBox installation up to date by regularly checking for updates and installing them.
By following these steps and implementing the pro tips, you can successfully install VirtualBox on your MacBook M1 and optimize its performance. Enjoy the flexibility of seamlessly running multiple operating systems on your Apple Silicon-powered device with VirtualBox.
The macOS platform has revolutionized the world of computing, providing users with an array of powerful features and resources to make their computing experience more efficient and enjoyable. With the launch of the new MacBook M1, Apple has opened the door to a wealth of new opportunities for users to explore.
One of those new opportunities is the ability to run virtual machines (VMs) on the MacBook M1 and use them for running multiple operating systems or applications side-by-side. In this guide, we will show you how to get started with running a VM on your MacBook M1 using VirtualBox, the open-source virtualization software for macOS.
First, you need to install VirtualBox on your MacBook M1. This can be done easily through the App Store. Once VirtualBox is installed, you can then create a virtual machine to house your operating system or application. To do this, you will need to select the operating system or application you wish to install and configure the virtual machine.
Once your virtual machine is set up, you can install the operating system of your choice on it. For measuring performance, you can adjust the RAM, processor number, and storage size settings. When you have finished configuring your virtual machine, you can then start it up and begin using it.
One of the most useful features of VirtualBox when running a VM on the MacBook M1 is the ability to snapshot your virtual machine. This is useful for reverting back to a previously stable version in case you make any mistake during the configuration process. As with any VM or computer-based system, remember to back up your virtual machines regularly to ensure you don’t lose any data or progress made in your virtual machines.
Your MacBook M1 is now ready to start running virtual machines and exploring new possibilities of running multiple operating systems or applications. Get ready to unleash the power of your MacBook M1 and push it to its limits.
We hope this guide has been helpful in showing you how to get started with virtual machines on your MacBook M1 using VirtualBox. With the help of VirtualBox, you can now start taking advantage of all the features and possibilities of running multiple operating systems or applications on your Mac. As always remember to back up your data regularly to protect yourself from any data loss.