Check out our tips on customizing Ubuntu and must-have software for a new installation for more. In case you've never used Linux before, you should know a few things about how Ubuntu works to get around your new VM. The Windows discussion on 32 and 64-bit OSes also applies here - you should install the 64-bit flavor of Ubuntu if you're using a 64-bit machine. If the Type and Version don't automatically change with the name, make sure they're set to Linux and Ubuntu (64-bit) respectively before clicking Next. Give the new VM a unique name - Ubuntu is fine.

Open VirtualBox and click the blue New button to start making a new machine. We'll run through it here quickly check above in the Windows section if you need more help. The initial work of creating a VM in VirtualBox is almost identical for Ubuntu as it is for Windows 10. But if you want to experiment, try one of the other great VM-ready Linux flavors. We'll install Ubuntu, one of the most popular, for this example. It's a lot easier than dual-booting - you can test the waters without worrying about breaking anything.Īs you might know, there are hundreds of versions of Linux - known as distributions. But giving Linux a try in a VM is a great option. If you already use Windows, you probably don't have much use for installing it in a virtual machine. Windows will shut down and then VirtualBox will automatically close the VM. Then hit the power icon, followed by Shut down.

To shut down Windows 10, click the Start button in the bottom-left of your screen.

We recommend downloading the best Windows software from a reputable download site instead.

You can browse the Windows Store for new Modern apps, but it's a bit underwhelming.

Use the search box in the bottom-left to look up programs, files, and settings in Windows.

Windows 10 includes a built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, so you don't have to worry about installing one for your VM.

Updating makes sure you get the newest features, important if you're using a VM to evaluate Windows 10.

To install updates, visit the Update & security tab in Settings, then the Windows Update tab on the left side.

This is where you can configure most aspects of Windows 10.

Click the Start button in the bottom-left and then click on the Gear icon to open the Settings menu.

Check out our tips for Windows newcomers and the coolest new features of Windows 10 for more. In case you're trying Windows 10 from Linux or otherwise using it for the first time, we'll cover a few quick usage tips so you know your way around.

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