how to use virtualbox to boot usb in linux

How to Use VirtualBox to Boot a USB Drive in Linux

When using VirtualBox to boot a USB drive on a Linux operating system, it's essential to understand the necessary settings and configurations required for a smooth experience. In this article, we will cover the steps to install VirtualBox, set up your virtual machine, and boot a USB drive.

Choosing the Right Display Type

One of the first things you need to consider is the display type for your virtual machine. VBoxSVGA can cause issues with invalid settings, but VMSVGA is a better option as it allows your VM to adapt to changes in window size. The default display type for Linux distributions is usually set to VMSVGA, which works well for most cases.

Setting Up Your Virtual Machine

Before you start using VirtualBox, make sure your host user is a member of the vboxusers group. You can either restart your system or load the module manually. To do this, run the command `sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER` and then reload the module with `sudo systemctl daemon-reload`.

Installing VirtualBox

To install VirtualBox on your Linux system, you need to install the required kernel modules for every kernel installed on which you intend to use VirtualBox. You can do this by running the following command: `$ pamac install virtualbox linux57-virtualbox-host-modules virtualbox-guest-iso`

Checking Your Current Active Kernel

Before installing VirtualBox, make sure you know your current active kernel version. You can find this information using the `mhwd-kernel` command. Run the command `$ mhwd -li` to get the output.

Enabling Virtual Extensions in Firmware

Before installing and configuring VirtualBox, ensure that virtual extensions are enabled in your system's firmware. This is usually done by rebooting your system and going into the BIOS settings. Look for an option related to virtualization or VT-x support and enable it if necessary.

By following these steps and setting up your VirtualBox correctly, you should be able to boot a USB drive on your Linux system using VirtualBox. Remember to install the required kernel modules for every kernel installed on your system, and don't forget to enable virtual extensions in your firmware settings.

How to use virtualbox to boot usb in linux