Virtual Machines are fascinating software implementations that allow you to run operating systems.
There are many virtualization software available including VMWare and VirtualBox.
Even Microsoft offers an inbuilt hypervisor called ‘Hyper-V’ to create and run virtual machines.
Well, it is possible to do so.
Without further ado, let’s hop into the details.
Why Run an Operating System Installed on a USB Drive in a Virtual Machine?
Well, technically you might run Ubuntu installed on a USB drive on your PC directly.
But even that has its limitations.
You cannot access or switch to the primary operating system on your PC.
you might minimize/suspend the virtualization software and access your primary operating system.
No need to reboot your system and then boot from the USB drive.
We will demonstrate the process of booting up Ubuntu installed on a USB drive inside a Windows virtual machine.
Since Windows already has higher hardware requirements than Ubuntu, it should boot up without an issue.
Our host system for running VMware Workstation 16 Player is also Windows.
Moreover, you won’t see any lag while using it inside the virtual machine.
Check out our guide on theVirtualBox vs. VMware Playerto understand the differences between the two virtualization programs.
Here’s how to do it.
you’re free to also set it up as the default boot option if you want to.
However, it will not run on full screen like your Windows virtual machine.
You will have to change the screen resolution that matches your display size.
After that, just punch theEnter Full-Screen modebutton to utilize the maximum screen space.
confirm to plug the Ubuntu USB drive into a USB 3.0 port.
If you use a USB 2.0 port, the overall usability experience could be a little poor.
But Ubuntu will still work!
it’s possible for you to minimize VMware and enter the host system.
No need to shut down Ubuntu.
you’re able to dedicate an apt amount of hardware resources to the virtual machine.
It will ensure that Ubuntu doesnt stutter while in use.
And when you are done, simply power off the virtual machine and unplug your portable Ubuntu installation media.
