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Installation Guide: Setting Up Fedora Linux 38 in VirtualBox (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)

Bywinnie

If you’re learning cybersecurity, experimenting with Linux, or simply looking for a safe space to test new tools, setting up a virtual machine is one of the best ways to get started.

Fedora Linux 38 image

In this guide, go through how to set up Fedora Linux 38 inside Oracle VirtualBox step by step.

By the end of this installation guide, you’ll have a fully functional Fedora virtual environment that’s ready for labs, software testing, or system administration practice.

Feel free to download the comprehensive PDF Installation guide here.

What You’ll Need

Before starting the installation, make sure you have:

  • A computer with at least 50 GB of free disk space and 8 GB of RAM. 
  • Virtualization is enabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
  • Oracle VirtualBox 7.2.2 is installed on your host system.
  • A stable internet connection to facilitate updates after installation.

Tip: To check if virtualization is enabled on Windows, open Task Manager > Performance tab > CPU > look for Virtualization: Enabled.

Installing Fedora Linux 38 in VirtualBox – Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Download Fedora 38

  1. Visit the official Fedora archive: Fedora 38 ISO Download.
  2. Download Fedora Workstation

Locate and click the file named: Fedora-Workstation-Live-x86_64-38-1.6.iso. The download will start automatically.

Allow the download process to complete. The ISO file size is approximately 2 GB.

Tip:

It’s good practice to verify the integrity of the downloaded ISO file to ensure it hasn’t been corrupted or tampered with.

Follow the instructions here: How to Verify Fedora ISO Integrity (Checksum Tutorial)

Note:

Always download Fedora ISOs from official Fedora repositories or mirrors. Avoid third-party sites, as unofficial ISOs may contain modified or unsafe files.

Step 2: Create and Configure a Virtual Machine

1. Open Oracle VirtualBox and click New.

  • Launch Oracle VirtualBox Manager from your Start Menu, Applications, or desktop shortcut.
  • The main VirtualBox interface will appear.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine

  • Click Machine > New (or the New button on the toolbar).
  • This will open the New Virtual Machine wizard.

3. Specify the following details in the following sections of the installation wizard:

Virtual machine name and operating system

  • VM Name: Fedora 38 Workstation (or any name you choose)
  • ISO Image: Choose the path to the destination where your iso image is stored.
  • OS: Linux
  • OS Distribution: Fedora
  • OS Version: Fedora (64-bit)

Hardware

  • Base Memory: 4096 MB (Allocate 4 GB of RAM)
  • Processors: 2 (Allocate 2 CPUs)

 Warning:

Do not assign all available RAM or CPU cores to the virtual machine. Always leave enough resources for your host operating system to function properly.

Hard Disk

  • Choose Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now
  • Disk Size: 50 GB

4. Finish

Click on Finish to complete the New Virtual Machine setup.

Optional Task: Improve VM Performance and Usability

Before launching Fedora, make two small configuration tweaks in VirtualBox to improve the user experience.

1. Enable Bidirectional Clipboard

  • In the VirtualBox Manager, select your Fedora VM and click Settings > General > Advanced.
  • Under Shared Clipboard, select Bidirectional.
  • Under Drag and Drop, select Bidirectional.

This allows you to copy, paste, and move text or files between your host and Fedora VM.

2. Increase Video Memory

  • Go to Settings > General > Screen. 
  • Under Video Memory, drag the slider to 128 MB. 
  • Click OK to save changes.

This provides smoother graphics and avoids display issues during installation or when resizing the VM window. 

Task 3: Launch the Fedora Virtual Machine

In this task, you’ll start the Fedora 38 virtual machine from the ISO image you configured in VirtualBox. This process will boot Fedora into a live environment and begin installation.

1. Start the Virtual Machine.

  • In the VirtualBox Manager window, select the Fedora VM you’ve just created.
  • Click the Start arrow on the toolbar to launch it.

2. Fedora boot menu

  • The VM will load the Fedora boot menu. Use the up arrow to select Start Fedora-Workstation-Live 38

3. Install Fedora

  • When the GUI launches, select Install Fedora from the “Welcome to Fedora!” dialogue box.

  • In the WELCOME TO FEDORA 38 page, choose English as your language, then click on Continue.
  • On the Installation Summary page, under SYSTEM, click Installation Destination.

  • Leave the default and click DONE.

  • Click Begin Installation.

4. Finish Installation

  • Once the installation is complete, click Finish Installation.
  • Close the window and shut down the VM. (Click on File > Close. In the pop-up that appears, choose Power off the machine.

5. Detach the Fedora ISO

You need to detach the Fedora ISO to prevent the installer from reloading during the next boot. To do this:

  • Go to Settings > Storage.
  • Under Controller: IDE, click the Fedora ISO.
  • Under Attributes > Optical Drive (click on the disk image) > Click Remove Disk From Virtual Drive. 
  • Click OK to save.

Task 4: Post-installation Configuration

In this task, you’ll complete Fedora’s initial setup, update the system, and prepare the environment for future labs and configurations.

1. Restart the Fedora Virtual Machine.

  • In VirtualBox, select your Fedora VM and click Start.
  • Fedora will boot into the new installation.

2. Complete the Initial Setup Wizard.

Welcome to Fedora Linux 38

Click Start Setup.

Privacy

Turn Off: 

  • Location Services
  • Automatic Problem Reporting

Then click Next.

Third-Party Repositories

Click Next. (Do this if you will not require third-party repositories)

Online Accounts

Click Skip.


  • About You


Enter:

  • Full Name
  • Username

Click Next to continue.

Password

Create a strong password, then click Next.

Setup Complete

The initial setup is complete. Click on Start Using Fedora Linux.

Optional:

On the Welcome to GNOME44 screen, you may accept or decline the tour of the GUI.