Need to run Windows software on Linux?
One easy method is to install Windows in a virtual machine.
In this example, the HP laptop has Intel VT-x virtualization.
Virtualization, if not enabled by default, can be switched on in the system BIOS.
The path to doing this will depend on the hardware you’re using.
The laptop used for testing this guide has 12GB RAM.
As such, for this tutorial we’ll be using Oracle VirtualBox.
Install VirtualBox in the command line.
If you prefer to, you’re able to alternatively download the installer from Oracle.
Our guide onhow to install Oracle VirtualBoxexplains this in more detail.
Set Up Windows in Oracle VirtualBox
With VirtualBox installed on your Linux PC, launch the software.
Oracle VirtualBox can be used to run any modern version of Windows.
(Some prefs may differ, but all will run.)
Start by clickingNew, then give the virtual gear a name.
In theTypedrop-down menu ensure that Windows is selected, and inVersion, the correct Windows version.
you’re free to run pretty much anything from Windows 3.1 to date.
ClickNextto continue, and in the subsequent screen, select theMemory sizefor the virtual machine.
Once done, hitCreate, then select your preferred file pop in.
You must then specify whether the virtual HDD should be dynamically allocated (i.e.
it increases in size as required, to the pre-selected upper limit) or a fixed size.
In most cases, you’ll want dynamic.
ClickNextto continue, confirm (or change) the file name, location and size, thenCreateagain to continue.
Now, nudge the greenStartarrow, and opt for location of the source data – the Windows installer disc.
ClickStart,then wait as the virtual computer loads the Windows setup.
Fortunately, there is a solution, provided by Microsoft.
A VM from here can be easily downloaded and deployed in VirtualBox.
To sign on to the Windows VM, use the default username/password of IEUser/Passw0rd!
As a rule of thumb, err towards the maximum rather than the minimum RAM.
Launch Windows and Install Software!
If you’ve made it this far, you’re done.
