How to install Android in VirtualBox: complete guide, requirements and tips

There are times when you need to execute native Android apps on your PC And a classic emulator isn't enough. Perhaps you want to try your own app, use mobile games with a keyboard and mouse, or simply experiment with the system without touching your Windows, Linux, or macOS installation. In all these cases, a very powerful solution is... install Android in VirtualBox and run it as a virtual machine.

Throughout this guide you will learn Step by Step How to download the correct Android-x86 ISO, how to create and configure the virtual machine in Oracle VirtualBox, how to complete the installation within the machine, and what limitations and alternatives You should keep in mind these things to get the most out of Android on your computer.

Install VirtualBox on your PC

To begin, you need to have VirtualBox correctly installed on your computer. This hypervisor is free, cross-platform, and allows you to virtualize a wide variety of operating systems, including Android-x86.

The generic steps to obtain the latest stable version The VirtualBox features are:

1. Go to the official VirtualBox website at download section.
2. On the page you will see a section called VirtualBox Xyz platform packageswhere Xyz is the stable version available at that time.
3. Select the appropriate package according to your host operating system:
   • Windows hosts for Microsoft Windows.
   • OS X hosts for macOS.
   • Solaris hosts for Oracle Solaris.
   • Linux distributions for GNU/Linux distributions. Within this section you will find several packages:
   • For CentOS and Oracle Linux (packages rpm).
   • For Ubuntu and Debian (packages deb).
   • For openSUSE and Fedora (packages rpm).
   • A generic installer for all distros (file .run).
4. Download the package corresponding to your system version and type and Install it like any other program on your platform.
5. Optionally, you can Download and install the extension package from VirtualBox. These extensions add extra features (USB 2.0/3.0, network boot, disk encryption, etc.), but they are not essential for Android.

With this you will have VirtualBox ready to run and start creating virtual machines.

Caution: VirtualBox is not an emulator

It is important to understand that VirtualBox is not an emulator such as BlueStacks, MEmu Play, Genymotion, Anbox, or the emulator built into Android Studio. VirtualBox is a virtualization software which creates a virtual machine on which the operating system runs almost as if it were real hardware, taking advantage of the processor's virtualization instructions.

This means you must choose the correct version of Android for your architectureYou can't just use an Android image compiled for ARM on an x86 PC. For that, you'd need CPU emulation software (like QEMU) that translates ARM instructions to x86, with the associated performance cost. With VirtualBox, what you need is a Android build for x86 or x86_64which is precisely what the Android-x86 project provides.

Therefore, if your computer is a traditional PC with an Intel or AMD processor, the correct path is Android x86 and not the official Android for ARM images.

What is the purpose of installing Android on our PC?

Installing Android in a virtual machine with VirtualBox opens up many possibilities, both for Advanced users as well as for more basic users who just want to use mobile apps on the big screen.

Some of the most frequent uses are:

• Test your own applicationsIf you develop apps, you can install your APKs on Android-x86 and check their behavior in a controlled environment, without depending on the Android Studio emulator.
• Use exclusive Android appsThere are tools, games, or messaging clients that don't have versions for Windows, Linux, or macOS. A virtual machine lets you run those apps as if your PC were a tablet.
• Use messaging services without relying on your mobile phoneFor example, you can have WhatsApp installed on Android-x86 and controlled from the keyboard and mouse, more conveniently than on the phone.
• Test suspicious software: being an isolated environment, you can test apps from unreliable sources without putting your main system or data at risk.
• Learn and experiment with AndroidIf you want to familiarize yourself with the interface, developer options, permissions, or advanced settings, a VM is ideal for doing so without fear.

However, it's important to be clear about some things. inherent limitations to this approach:

• Many apps are waiting physical sensors such as gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS, camera or fingerprint reader, which a virtual machine cannot fully emulate.
• El graphics performance It depends on the available 3D acceleration and driver support in VirtualBox, so some demanding games will not run smoothly.
• Android-x86 is not certified as an official device, so certain applications that depend on it Google Play Services or integrity checks might not work.

Even with these limitations, having Android inside VirtualBox is a very safe and flexible way to enjoy it. mobile apps on PC without modifying your hardware or your main operating system.

Where to download the right version of Android

For Android to work correctly in VirtualBox on a regular PC, you need Android compiled for x86 or x86_64This work is being done by the open-source project Android-x86.

Download the suitable image It is very simple:

1. Access the official Android-x86 download page.
2. Click on one of the download buttons (blue or green), which will take you to the download servers or mirrors.
3. On the new page, select the android version that you want to use. Make sure you choose a file with the extension . . IsoDo not download the packages . Rpmwhich are designed for a different type of installation.
4. If your computer and host system are 64-bit, preferably choose one image x86_64If your CPU or system does not support 64-bit, you will have to opt for a 32-bit image.
5. Wait for the download to finish. ISO files usually take up between 700 MB and 1 GB, approximately.

Which Android versions can you install

Android-x86 offers several Android versions PC-optimized. Compatibility and stability vary depending on your hardware and the development stage of each branch, but broadly speaking you'll find:

• Android 7.1 Nougat: older but stable versions, useful for modest equipment.
• Android 8.1 Oreo y Android 9 PieThey usually offer the best balance between performance and compatibility with keyboard, mouse, Wi-Fi and external displays.
• Experimental versions Based on Android 10, 11 or higher: they integrate more modern features, but may include errors or limitations with graphics, network, or audio controllers.

Before downloading, it is highly recommended that you consult the release notes Check the official website or repositories (e.g., GitHub):

• TO hardware is supported (graphics chip, Wi-Fi, audio).
• TO known bugs They exist for that build.
• If it's a version marked as stable, rc (release candidate) or test.

If you're looking for something robust for everyday use, it makes sense to prioritize a version listed as stable, although it may not be the most modern one available.

Alternatives: other operating systems based on Android and compatible with your apps

Besides Android-x86, there are others derived or compatible systems with Android, which can also be virtualized in VirtualBox and allow running mobile applications:

• Chromium OS / ChromeOSThe operating system Google designed for lightweight laptops. Some versions include compatibility with Android applications.
• Bliss OS: Android-based distribution designed specifically to run on PCs, tablets, and virtual machines, with a desktop-adapted interface.
• Phoenix OS: an Android-x86-like project with a PC-like desktop. It can be virtualized and offers good mouse and keyboard integration.
• LineageOS: Open source Android-based ROM, which in some community builds is adapted to computers and boards like Raspberry Pi.

In all cases, the general procedure in VirtualBox is similar: download the appropriate ISOCreate a Linux-type virtual machine, allocate reasonable resources, and follow an installation wizard comparable to that of Android-x86.

Recommended requirements for Android in VirtualBox

Although Android can boot with modest resources, for a smooth experience in VirtualBox it is advisable to meet certain requirements. recommended minimums (for general use and some multitasking):

• CPU64-bit processor with at least 4 logical cores and hardware virtualization support (Intel VT-x/VT-d or AMD-V).
• RAM: minimum 2 GB allocated to the VMIt is highly recommended to visit 4 GB or more if your equipment allows it.
• Storage: at least 8 GB of virtual disk for the system. If you plan to install many apps or save data, it's preferable 16-32 GB or more. An SSD will greatly improve responsiveness.
• Recorders: support of 3D acceleration VirtualBox is enabled, with sufficient video memory allocated in the machine's configuration.
• Peripherals: mouse, keyboard and, optionally, touch screen or multi-touch touchpad for a more tablet-like experience.
• Internet connection: required to download apps, updates and sync accounts.

Keep in mind that all the resources you allocate to the virtual machine are subtracted from the host systemIf your PC has 8 GB of RAM and you allocate 4 GB to Android, Windows, Linux or macOS will have the other 4 GB to continue functioning.

Install Android in VirtualBox step by step

Once you have VirtualBox installed and downloaded the Android-x86 ISOThe time has come to create and configure the virtual machine, and then perform the system installation within it.

If you're used to working with virtual machines, this process will be familiar. If not, following these steps You will be able to complete the installation without difficulty.

1. Create the Android virtual machine

1. Opens VirtualBox and, on the main screen, press the button New to create a virtual machine.
2. Enter a descriptive nameFor example, "Android" or "Android-x86". In the system type, select Linux and, in version, choose Linux 2.6 / 3.x / 4.x (32 or 64 bits depending on the downloaded ISO).
3. When you are asked for the amount of RAM, you can indicate 2048MB (2GB) at a minimum. If your system supports it, it's advisable to upgrade to 4096MB (4GB) or even more for a smoother experience.
4. Create a virtual hard drive where Android will be installed. Although the system can function with just over 1 GB, it is recommended to allocate at least 8-16 GBIf you're going to install a lot of apps, consider sizes like 32 GB or higher. You can choose VDI format and dynamically allocate space to save physical storage.
5. The wizard finishes. The virtual machine will be created with a basic configuration that you will now need to adjust.

2. Adjust the virtual machine settings

In the VirtualBox main window, select your Android virtual machine and click on the icon. ConfigurationNext, review these key sections:

• System:
  • In the Motherboard, disable the diskette from the list of boot devices, as it will not be necessary.
  • In the Processor, assigns at least 1 vCPUsHowever, if your CPU has multiple cores or supports HyperThreading/SMT, it is highly recommended to upgrade to 2 or more virtual processors to prevent unexpected app closures and improve fluidity.
• Screen:
  • Increase the video memory above the minimum value (for example, 64 MB or 128 MB) so that apps have more margin for graphical use.
  • Activate the 3D acceleration If your computer supports it, this can improve performance in games or animated interfaces.
  • Change the graphics driver of VMSVGA a VBox VGA If you're not going to install the Linux Guest Additions, Android-x86 usually works more reliably with VBoxVGA in VirtualBox.
• Storage:
  • Select the optical drive (CD icon) that appears as Emptiness.
  • In the attributes panel, click the disk icon and choose Select a disk file to search and associate the Android-x86 ISO image that you downloaded.
• Audio:
  • Make sure the audio driver is Intel HD Audiosince Android-x86 usually supports it natively.
• Red:
  • The default configuration (usually a NAT adapter) is generally sufficient for Android to access Sales.
  • If you prefer that the virtual machine not have a connection, you can disable the network adapter from this same section.

3. Start the Android installation

1. Return to the VirtualBox main menu and click on Start with the selected Android machine. The VM will boot from the ISO you mounted as if it were an installation CD.
2. On the Android-x86 loader's home screen, you'll see several options. You'll typically find:
   • LiveCD or similar, which allows you to test Android without installing it on the virtual disk.
   • The option Installation - Install Android-x86 to harddiskwhich is the one you should choose to perform the installation on the virtual hard drive.
3. If you want to force a specific screen resolutionYou can press the Tab key in the installation entry and modify the video parameter (for example, by changing vga=788 by other available means or using vga=ask (to see the list).

4. Create and format the partitions

1. After choosing the installation option, the wizard will ask you which drive you want to install Android on. Since there are no partitions yet, select the option. Create/Modify partitions and press Enter.
2. The installer will ask you if you want to use a GPT partition tableYou can answer no if you prefer a classic MBR-type configuration, or yes if you follow the recommendations of some guides; a simple MBR table usually works in virtual machines.
3. You will enter a partition manager, normally cfdisk or similar. There you'll see the disc as Free space.
4. Move the cursor with the arrow keys to the option New, Select Primary When prompted, accept the default size to occupy the entire virtual disk.
5. With the newly created partition selected, check the option Bootable to make it start-up.
6. Choose next Write to write the changes to disk. The wizard will ask for confirmation by typing Yes (in lowercase). Do it and press Enter.
7. Finally choose Quit To exit the partition manager and return to the main installer, click [button name]. The new partition will now appear in the list of available destinations.

5. Format the partition and install GRUB

1. Select the newly created partition and press Enter. The installer will ask you which file system you want to format it with. Choose ext4which is the recommended format for Android-x86.
2. Confirm the formatting when prompted. This will create the ext4 file system on the virtual disk partition.
3. Next, the installer will ask you if you want install GRUB as a boot manager. Responds yesThis is necessary so that the virtual machine can boot Android from the virtual hard drive.
4. You will also be asked if you want the partition /system is read and writeAccepting this option will allow you to modify system files more easily (for example, for advanced changes or root access).
5. When the file copying and configuration are complete, the installer will offer you the option to run Android-x86 immediately or restart the machine. You can choose either option.

6. Remove the ISO and start the already installed Android.

1. If you decide to restart the machine, it is very important that, before restarting it, you go back to Settings> Storage y delete the ISO from the virtual CD (or change the optical drive to EmptinessOtherwise, the VM will boot again from the installer and not from the virtual disk.
2. With the ISO removed, restart the virtual machine. This time GRUB should appear, followed by the system. Android will start already installed from the virtual hard drive.

Setting up Android for the first time in VirtualBox

After the first boot of Android-x86 in VirtualBox, you will see a wizard very similar to that of a brand new mobile phone.:

• Choice of interface language and region.
• Connection to Sales via the virtual network (usually shown as VirtWifi or another similar connection).
• Optionally, login or account creation Google account, if the build includes Play Store and Google services.
• Initial settings such as backup, location services, or data restoration from another device.

It's not mandatory You need to use a Google account to run Android on the virtual machine. You can skip that step and choose instead:

• Install applications using alternative stores, like F-Droid.
• Download files APK from trusted repositories and upload them manually.

Keep in mind that apps that depend directly on Google Play Services or those that use strict device checks might not work, or might only work in a limited way, on Android-x86.

You'll also notice that the Android-x86 interface It's not always identical to that of a mobile device. Many projects include a desktop-style taskbar at the bottom, several notification areas, and menus adapted for use with a mouse and keyboard, making working on a PC more comfortable.

From this point on, you can do anything you would do on an Android installed on a real device: install or uninstall apps, run your favorite programs, browse the Internet, modify system settings, use developer mode, etc.

Warnings and limitations when using Android in VirtualBox

Installing Android-x86 in a virtual machine is a very versatile solution, but it is not without its drawbacks. limitations which should be valued:

• Android is designed to touchscreensTherefore, some keyboard and mouse interactions may be unintuitive.
• The support of drivers (Graphics, sound, network, camera) is limited compared to a real mobile device. Some devices virtualized by VirtualBox may not be recognized or may not perform at 100% of their capacity.
• The OTA updates (Automatic system updates) do not usually work as well as on a certified device, forcing you to download new ISOs for major version changes.
• Certain applications can detect that they are running on an unofficial Android development and refuse to start or display ads.
• For very demanding games, the combination of VirtualBox and Android-x86 may not offer the graphics performance expected, even with 3D acceleration enabled.

Even so, for most everyday uses, testing and developmentAndroid in VirtualBox is stable and fast enough, especially if your PC has good specifications.

Even easier: avoid installing Android in VirtualBox

If you don't want to follow all the installation steps, there is the option to download a pre-configured Android virtual machine and ready to use in VirtualBox. In that case, you'll just need to import it or open the virtual disk in the hypervisor and boot the system.

You can find these machines on this webThey usually come with Android-x86 already installed and configured, and sometimes with sample accounts or additional tools. Even so, It is advisable Review the VM configuration (RAM, CPUs, network, etc.) and adapt it to the capabilities of your computer.

Beyond these pre-configured images, there are also different alternatives VirtualBox is for you if your main goal is to run Android apps quickly and easily:

• BlueStacks and other commercial emulators: they offer very simple installation and an experience designed primarily for play on pcThey usually integrate their own stores and services.
• Android Studio with its official emulator: designed for developers, it allows you to test many versions of Android and different virtual devices, although it consumes quite a few resources.
• Subsystem for Windows for Android (WSA) On Windows 11: It integrates Android applications directly into the Windows desktop, although it is limited to apps available on the Amazon Appstore and has specific hardware requirements.

VirtualBox and Android-x86, on the other hand, offer an environment closer to a complete operating system inside your PC, with access to the boot menu, GRUB, and deep settings, something very useful if you're interested in experimenting beyond basic app use.

Once all the setup is complete, your PC will be able to run Android inside a virtual machine with a lot of freedom, allowing you to use it as a testing environment, a platform for mobile-exclusive apps, or a simple laboratory to learn more about the Google system without risking your data or modifying your main installation.