How to Install Windows XP on Ubuntu with VirtualBox

Last Updated: October 2, 2022

Oracle VM VirtualBox is a program that allows you to create operating systems on virtual machines, i.e. to use Windows programs on Linux. If a program doesn't work under WINE, for example, it will probably work in its native environment, Windows. Using VirtualBox would be a better and easier alternative than installing a separate partition for Windows on a Linux machine.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Install Oracle VM VirtualBox. VirtualBox acts as a "computer" on which to host operating systems.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

the "New" button (the first of the four below the menu).
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

to create a virtual partition for Windows XP. Windows XP is the default OS selected, so all you have to do is name it. (Windows XP, for example, is a good name).
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

the amount of RAM to be allocated to this OS (when it's in use). Don't allocate too much because there will be less RAM for your host system to run, which will crash your entire system.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

a new hard disk since you probably don't have one already. Click Next to Continue. You will be taken through the Create New Virtual Disk wizard, which will allow you to choose hard disk size, dynamically expanding/fixed size, etc.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

the summary it provides at the end and verify the information is correct. After that, the new Virtual Machine will be created.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

the ISO image by clicking on the Settings button. Click the Storage section on the left hand side of the window. Click on the Empty CD medium in the Storage Tree.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

the Virtual Media Manager, depicted with an icon like a folder with an up arrow, next to CD/DVD Device under "Attributes".
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

the disk image file by clicking Add, then choosing the location of the Windows XP ISO image. Select it with "Select", then press OK in the Settings Window. Launch the VirtualBox by pressing "Start".
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Windows. You should have the Windows installer running now. Remember that since you have not yet install the Guest Additions, you will have to press your Host key (normally Right-Ctrl)
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid1097592-v4-728px-Install-Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with-VirtualBox-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Guest Additions. While the machine is running, under the "Devices" menu, click "Install Guest Additions", which will launch a setup wizard inside Windows XP. Now you will have OS mouse integration, so you won't have to press the host key to switch between your host and guest. You also can copy and paste between the two operating systems. Now that you have Windows XP installed, you can install programs you use.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I have a Windows XP installation CD. I've installed VBox and extension on Ubuntu 14.04. How can I install XP from the installation disc?

Antonios Kaz

Community Answer

Use a program like NERO and make in image from your installation disc. Then use that image like the article tells you to use it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Add filters in the USB settings to allow USB devices to work.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 5
See VirtualBox's website for documentation, updates, and support.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
There are more settings in the Settings menu you so you can customize your machine.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Not all operating systems are supported by VirtualBox. Such operating systems do not have Guest Additions for desirable features.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Some settings, such as EFI support or IO APIC may not be compatible with Windows XP, so don't enable them. It will crash Windows and you will have to reinstall.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Beware of 3D games if you don't enable 3D acceleration or your graphics card doesn't support it. VirtualBox has limitations in 3D capability and may crash (even your system) if you use a game without such support.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Log in

How to Install Windows XP on Ubuntu with VirtualBox

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories