How to Create a Windows 11 Virtual Instance Using Oracle VirtualBox

Virtual machines are a fantastic way to run a separate operating system on your current machine without needing additional hardware. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a Windows 11 virtual instance using Oracle VirtualBox. We will also cover how to source a Windows 11 image, license it, push updates, and prepare it for importing into Amazon Workspaces using the Amazon BYOL checker.

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

1. Oracle VirtualBox: Download and install the latest version of Oracle VirtualBox from VirtualBox.org.
2. Windows 11 ISO File: Obtain a Windows 11 installation image from Microsoft’s official website.
3. Adequate System Resources: At least 8GB of RAM and 50GB of free disk space are recommended for smooth operation.

1. Visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
2. Scroll to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section.
3. Select your desired edition and language, then download the ISO file.

Note: Ensure you have a valid Windows 11 license key to activate your instance post-installation.

1. Download and install VirtualBox from the official site.
2. Launch VirtualBox and click the New button.
3. Configure the virtual machine:
   • Name: Enter a name for your VM (e.g., “Windows 11”).
   • Type: Select Microsoft Windows.
   • Version: Choose Windows 11 (64-bit).
4. Allocate resources:
   • RAM: Assign at least 4GB (4096MB) for basic usage or more for better performance.
   • Virtual Hard Disk: Select Create a virtual hard disk now, then set the size to at least 50GB.
5. Click Create to finalize the VM setup.

1. Select your newly created VM and click Settings.
2. Navigate to Storage > Controller: IDE > Empty.
3. Click the disk icon and choose Choose a disk file.
4. Select your downloaded Windows 11 ISO file and click OK.

1. Start the VM by selecting it and clicking Start.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 11:
   • Choose your language, region, and keyboard layout.
   • Enter your product key or select I don’t have a product key to activate later.
   • Select the installation type and partition the virtual disk as prompted.
3. Complete the setup process and log in to your new Windows 11 instance.

1. Open Settings > System > Activation and enter your license key to activate Windows.
2. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update to check for and install the latest updates.
3. Restart the VM as required to complete the update process.

Amazon Workspaces offers a Bring Your Own License (BYOL) option for custom Windows images. Follow these steps to prepare your VM for import:

1. Install the Amazon BYOL Checker Tool:
   • Download the BYOL Checker Tool from the AWS Documentation.
   • Run the tool within the Windows 11 VM to validate that it meets AWS requirements.
   • Address any issues flagged by the tool.
2. Optimize the Instance:
   • Uninstall unnecessary applications.
   • Defragment the virtual disk (if applicable).
   • Ensure all drivers are up to date.
3. Export the VM:
   • Shut down the VM.
   • Use VirtualBox’s export feature (File > Export Appliance) to save the VM in OVA format.

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console and navigate to the Amazon S3 section.
2. Select or Create a Bucket.
3. Upload the OVA file.
4. Wait for AWS to process the OVA file and confirm that it’s ready for deployment.

Creating a Windows 11 virtual instance using Oracle VirtualBox is straightforward with the right tools and preparation. By following these steps, you can install and configure Windows 11, push updates, and prepare the instance for Amazon Workspaces. With the flexibility of BYOL, you can leverage your own licensed software to build a tailored cloud workspace.

Next article – Step 7: Running the BYOL Checker Before Importing into AWS