Hey guys! Ever wanted to run Microsoft Edge on a Windows 10 virtual machine using VirtualBox? Well, you're in luck! This article will guide you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring you get everything set up correctly. We'll cover downloading the necessary files, configuring VirtualBox, installing Windows 10, and finally, getting Microsoft Edge up and running. Let's dive in!

Why Run Microsoft Edge on a VirtualBox?

Before we get started, let's quickly touch on why you might want to do this in the first place. There are several compelling reasons:

• Testing: If you're a web developer or designer, you might need to test your website or application in different browser environments. Running Edge in a VirtualBox allows you to isolate it from your main system and test compatibility without messing up your primary setup.
• Security: Virtual machines provide an extra layer of security. If you're visiting potentially risky websites or downloading files from untrusted sources, doing it within a VM can protect your host system from malware or other threats.
• Privacy: Similar to security, a VM can enhance your privacy. By isolating your browsing activity within the virtual machine, you can prevent tracking and limit the amount of personal data shared with websites.
• Legacy Support: Some older web applications might require specific versions of browsers or operating systems. Running a Windows 10 VM allows you to maintain compatibility without downgrading your main system.
• Clean Environment: A VM offers a clean, isolated environment for testing software, trying out new configurations, or simply experimenting without affecting your primary operating system.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

1. VirtualBox: Download and install the latest version of VirtualBox from the official website (https://www.virtualbox.org/).
2. Windows 10 ISO: You'll need a Windows 10 ISO file. You can download one from Microsoft's official website. Just search for "Download Windows 10 ISO" on your favorite search engine, and you'll find the official Microsoft page.
3. Sufficient System Resources: Ensure your computer has enough RAM (at least 4GB recommended) and storage space (at least 60GB recommended) to run the virtual machine smoothly.
4. Microsoft Edge: Since we are installing windows we will get this after the installation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

First things first, let's get VirtualBox installed. Head over to the VirtualBox website and download the appropriate version for your operating system. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is generally straightforward, but here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• During the installation, you might see a warning about network interfaces. This is normal, as VirtualBox needs to create virtual network adapters to allow the virtual machine to communicate with your host system and the internet. Click "Yes" or "Allow" to proceed.
• You might also be prompted to install Oracle VM VirtualBox USB Support. This is necessary if you want to connect USB devices to your virtual machine. It's generally recommended to install this component.
• Once the installation is complete, you can leave the "Start Oracle VM VirtualBox after installation" checkbox ticked to launch VirtualBox immediately. Otherwise, you can launch it manually from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox: Launch VirtualBox from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.
2. Click on "New": This will open the "Create Virtual Machine" wizard.
3. Name and Operating System:
   • Name: Give your virtual machine a descriptive name, such as "Windows 10 Edge Testing".
   • Type: Select "Microsoft Windows".
   • Version: Choose "Windows 10 (64-bit)" or "Windows 10 (32-bit)" depending on the ISO you downloaded. Most modern systems will use the 64-bit version.
4. Memory Size:
   • Allocate enough RAM to the virtual machine. A minimum of 2GB (2048MB) is recommended, but 4GB (4096MB) or more will provide better performance, especially if you plan to run demanding applications or browse websites with lots of multimedia content.
   • Don't allocate more RAM than your host system can spare, as this can cause performance issues on both the host and the virtual machine.
5. Hard Disk:
   • Select "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click "Create".
   • File type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) is the default and generally the best choice.
   • Storage on physical hard disk: Choose "Dynamically allocated". This means the virtual hard disk file will only take up as much space as it needs, up to the maximum size you specify. It won't allocate the entire space upfront, which can save space on your host system.
   • Location and Size: Choose a location to save the virtual hard disk file and specify the maximum size. A minimum of 60GB is recommended for Windows 10, but you might want to allocate more if you plan to install a lot of software or store large files within the virtual machine.
6. Click "Create": This will create the virtual machine with the specified settings.

Step 3: Configure the Virtual Machine

1. Select the Virtual Machine: In the VirtualBox Manager, select the virtual machine you just created.
2. Click on "Settings": This will open the settings window for the virtual machine.
3. System:
   • Processor: Allocate at least 2 virtual processors to the virtual machine for better performance. If your host system has multiple cores, you can allocate more, but don't exceed half the number of cores available on your host.
   • Acceleration: Make sure "Enable VT-x/AMD-V" is checked. This enables hardware virtualization, which can significantly improve the performance of the virtual machine. If this option is grayed out or unavailable, you might need to enable virtualization in your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings.
4. Display:
   • Video Memory: Allocate at least 128MB of video memory to the virtual machine. You can increase this to 256MB or more if you plan to run graphics-intensive applications or games.
   • Enable 3D Acceleration: Check this box to enable 3D acceleration, which can improve the performance of graphics-intensive applications and games.
5. Storage:
   • Click on the empty CD/DVD drive icon: Under "Controller: IDE", you should see an empty CD/DVD drive icon. Click on it.
   • Choose Disk Image: Click on the CD/DVD icon next to "Optical Drive" and select "Choose a disk file...".
   • Select the Windows 10 ISO file: Browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file and select it.
6. Network:
   • Attached to: The default setting, "NAT (Network Address Translation)", is usually sufficient for most users. This allows the virtual machine to access the internet through your host system's network connection.
   • If you need more advanced networking options, such as the ability to access the virtual machine from other devices on your network, you can choose "Bridged Adapter" instead. However, this requires more configuration and might not be necessary for most users.
7. Click "OK": Save the changes.

Step 4: Install Windows 10

1. Start the Virtual Machine: Select the virtual machine in VirtualBox Manager and click "Start".
2. Boot from the ISO: The virtual machine should boot from the Windows 10 ISO file you selected earlier. If it doesn't, you might need to manually select the boot device by pressing a key (usually F12 or Esc) during startup and choosing the CD/DVD drive.
3. Follow the Windows 10 Setup: The Windows 10 setup process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on the virtual hard disk you created earlier. Key points to consider during the installation:
   • Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method: Choose your preferred settings and click “Next”.
   • Click "Install now".
   • Enter product key: If you have a Windows 10 product key, enter it when prompted. If not, you can select "I don't have a product key" to proceed with the installation. Note that you might need to activate Windows later to unlock all features.
   • Select the operating system you want to install: Choose the version of Windows 10 you want to install (e.g., Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro) and click “Next”.
   • Accept the license terms: Read the license agreement carefully, and if you agree to the terms, check the "I accept the license terms" box and click “Next”.
   • Which type of installation do you want?: Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”.
   • Where do you want to install Windows?: Select the virtual hard disk you created earlier and click “Next”.
4. Wait for Installation: Windows will now install on the virtual hard disk. This process may take some time, depending on the speed of your computer and the size of the virtual hard disk.
5. Complete the Setup: Once the installation is complete, Windows will restart and prompt you to complete the setup process. This includes creating a user account, configuring privacy settings, and connecting to a network. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Step 5: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

After installing Windows 10, it's highly recommended to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions. These are a set of drivers and system applications that optimize the performance and usability of the virtual machine. Here's how to install them:

1. Start the Virtual Machine: Start the Windows 10 virtual machine.
2. Insert Guest Additions CD Image: In the VirtualBox window, go to "Devices" -> "Insert Guest Additions CD image...". This will mount a virtual CD drive containing the Guest Additions installer.
3. Run the Installer: Open File Explorer in the virtual machine and navigate to the CD drive. Run the "VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe" file.
4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Guest Additions. You might be prompted to install several device drivers. Click "Install" to proceed.
5. Reboot the Virtual Machine: Once the installation is complete, reboot the virtual machine. This is necessary for the Guest Additions to take effect.

Step 6: Install Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Store: After rebooting, you should already have Microsoft Edge installed but if you don't have it, you can go to the Microsoft Store.
2. Search and Install: Search for "Microsoft Edge" and install it.
3. Launch Microsoft Edge: Once the installation is complete, launch Microsoft Edge from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've successfully installed Microsoft Edge on a Windows 10 virtual machine using VirtualBox. Now you can use it for testing, development, or any other purpose you might need. Enjoy the flexibility and isolation that a virtual machine provides!