Installing Windows 11

System Requirements & Setup

Written in January 17, 2026

Released in late 2021, Windows 11 represents a major visual and functional shift for the Microsoft ecosystem. Built on the same core as Windows 10, it introduces the "Fluent" design language, characterized by rounded corners, a centered Taskbar, and "Mica" translucency effects that give the interface a clean, glass-like appearance.

You can watch my YouTube video about a Windows 11 installation using VirtualBox.

Source: YouTube - Windows 11 installation in VirtualBox (lab demo)

Instructions

To run Windows 11 smoothly in VirtualBox 7.0+, you should select the "Windows 11 (64-bit)" template, which automatically enables the required EFI, Secure Boot, and Virtual TPM 2.0. Allocate at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB is recommended for performance), 2 to 4 CPU cores, and a virtual hard disk of at least 64 GB to 80 GB.
  1. Ensure hardware virtualization (Intel VT-x/AMD-V) is enabled in your host BIOS/UEFI before starting.
  2. Open VirtualBox 7.0+ and click "New" to create a new virtual machine.
  3. Name the VM (for example "Windows 11"), set Type to "Microsoft Windows", and choose the "Windows 11 (64-bit)" template so EFI, Secure Boot, and TPM are configured automatically.
  4. Allocate at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended) and assign 2 to 4 CPU cores under Settings → System → Processor.
  5. Create a new VDI virtual hard disk, dynamically allocated, with a capacity between 64 GB and 80 GB.
  6. Open Settings → Display, enable 3D Acceleration, and set Video Memory to 128 MB or higher.
  7. In Settings → Storage, attach your Windows 11 ISO to the virtual optical drive.
  8. Start the VM and boot from the ISO to launch the Windows 11 installer.
  9. Follow the setup wizard to choose your language, edition, and installation type, then create and format an NTFS partition.
  10. If the installer checks for TPM or Secure Boot, confirm that the VirtualBox VM is using EFI with the virtual TPM device enabled (handled by the template).
  11. Complete the online/offline account setup, region, and privacy settings to reach the Windows 11 desktop.
  12. After installation, remove the ISO from the virtual drive and install VirtualBox Guest Additions for smoother graphics and input integration.