Installation of Arch Linux in VirtualBox

A Virtual Machine (VM) allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer by virtualizing hardware resources. Using VirtualBox, Arch Linux can be installed and tested safely without affecting the primary OS.

• Arch Linux runs in a completely isolated virtual environment
• No risk of deleting or corrupting the main operating system
• Ideal for testing, learning, and experimenting before actual installation
• Multiple virtual machines can be created, modified, or deleted easily

We see how to install Arch Linux in VirtualBox on Windows step by step:

Step 1: Download the Arch Linux ISO

First, download the latest Arch Linux ISO image from the official Arch Linux website. This ISO will be used as the bootable media inside VirtualBox to install the operating system.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

• Open VirtualBox.
• Click on the New button to create a new virtual machine.

• In the Name field, type Arch Linux (or any name of your choice).
• The Type and Version fields will be detected automatically based on the name.
• Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Allocate Memory (RAM)

In the next window, choose how much memory to allocate to the virtual machine.

• For basic installation, 1 GB (1024 MB) is sufficient, though 2 GB or more is recommended for smoother performance.
• Leave the suggested value as is (or increase slightly if your host system has enough RAM), then click Next.

Step 4: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

You now need to create a virtual hard disk to store Arch Linux.

1. Select Create a virtual hard disk now.
2. Click Create.

Step 5: Choose Hard Disk File Type

VirtualBox will ask for the hard disk file type.

• Keep the default option (VDI - VirtualBox Disk Image).
• Click Next.

Step 6: Storage on Physical Hard Disk

Choose how the virtual disk will be stored on your physical drive:

• Select Dynamically allocated so the file grows as needed up to the maximum size.
• Click Next.

Step 7: Set File Location and Disk Size

1. Choose the location where the virtual disk file will be stored (you can keep the default path).
2. Set the disk size (for example, 20 GB is generally enough for testing Arch Linux).
3. Click Create.

At this point, the virtual machine for Arch Linux has been created and appears in the VirtualBox main window.

Step 8: Attach the Arch Linux ISO and Start the VM

1. Select the newly created Arch Linux VM in VirtualBox.
2. Click Start.
3. When prompted to select a startup disk, browse to and choose the downloaded Arch Linux ISO file.
4. Click Start again to boot from the ISO.

Step 9: Boot Arch Linux from ISO

The virtual machine will now boot into the Arch Linux ISO.

• On the boot menu, select the default option (usually Arch Linux install medium (x86_64, UEFI/BIOS)) and press Enter.

Step 10: Start Installation By Typing The Command.

• Then in the next window, we have to execute the below command.
• This will help to start the installation of Arch Linux.

Command: archinstall

• Now, it will take some time to configure the environment for the installation of Arch Linux.
• We have to wait till the process is completed.

Step 11: Click On (Install Arch Linux)

• Now, after the configuration, there will be an option called as Install.
• We have to click on it to finally install Arch Linux on the machine.

• Now, we have to be connected to the internet at this time.
• As it will download more flies from the internet.
• This is a long process. And we have to wait till the process is completed.

Step 12: Confirmation of Installation of Arch Linux

• Now after that, a message will be displayed on the screen.
• That will show that the installation is successful.
• Now we have to press the Esc key from the keyboard to close the window.

Step 13:Start Arch Linux

• Now, it will again land on the home page of the Virtual Box.
• There we have to again click on the Start button.
• It will now start the Arch Linux.
• As the installation is completed, it is now time to run the Arch Linux.

Step 14: Now open the Arch Linux Environment.

It will open the Arch Linux environment there. In this way, we can install Arch Linux without creating problems with the existing operating systems.

Hence, we have successfully installed Arch Linux on the machine.