How to Install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server

Introduction

Are you struggling to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on your Ubuntu server? Worry no more! This guide will take you through the process step by step. VirtualBox Guest Additions are essential for the optimal performance of your virtual machine on Ubuntu.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of installing VirtualBox Guest Additions, let’s start with a brief overview of what it is and how it works.

What are VirtualBox Guest Additions?

VirtualBox Guest Additions are a set of tools and device drivers that improve the performance and usability of a virtual machine. These tools and drivers allow seamless integration between the guest operating system (Ubuntu Server) and the host operating system (the physical machine on which VirtualBox is installed).

Now that you have a basic understanding of VirtualBox Guest Additions, let’s learn how to install them on Ubuntu Server.

Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server

Preparing Ubuntu Server

Before we begin installing VirtualBox Guest Additions, we need to prepare Ubuntu Server to receive the installation. Here are the steps:

1. Start the virtual machine and log in to Ubuntu Server.
2. Update Ubuntu by running the command: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
3. Install the kernel headers by running the command:
   sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
4. Reboot Ubuntu Server to apply the updates and kernel headers.

Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions

Once Ubuntu Server is prepared, follow these steps to install VirtualBox Guest Additions:

1. In the VirtualBox menu, select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.
2. Open the terminal and navigate to the mounted CD directory by running the command:
   cd /media/cdrom0/
3. Run the installer by running the command:
   sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
5. Once the installation is complete, reboot Ubuntu Server for the changes to take effect.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VirtualBox Guest Additions

Advantages

Improved Performance: VirtualBox Guest Additions improve the performance of Ubuntu Server by allowing better integration between the virtual machine and the physical machine.

Seamless Integration: VirtualBox Guest Additions allow you to seamlessly integrate Ubuntu Server with the host machine, making it easier to share files and resources between the two.

Better Display: VirtualBox Guest Additions improve the display quality of Ubuntu Server within the VirtualBox environment.

Disadvantages

Compatibility: VirtualBox Guest Additions may not be compatible with all versions of Ubuntu Server. Make sure to check the compatibility before installing.

Resource Intensive: Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions may require additional resources from the host machine, which may affect performance.

Requires Reboot: Ubuntu Server needs to be rebooted after installing VirtualBox Guest Additions for the changes to take effect.

Complete Information Table

Information	Details
Name	VirtualBox Guest Additions
Version	Latest version is 6.1.
Compatibility	Compatible with most versions of Ubuntu.
License	VirtualBox Guest Additions are licensed under the GNU General Public License.
Developer	Oracle Corporation

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if VirtualBox Guest Additions are installed on Ubuntu Server?

You can check if VirtualBox Guest Additions are installed on Ubuntu Server by running the command:
lsmod | grep vboxguest

What should I do if Ubuntu Server fails to boot after installing VirtualBox Guest Additions?

If Ubuntu Server fails to boot after installing VirtualBox Guest Additions, boot Ubuntu in recovery mode and uninstall VirtualBox Guest Additions by running the command:
sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run uninstall

Can I install VirtualBox Guest Additions on other operating systems besides Ubuntu Server?

Yes, VirtualBox Guest Additions can be installed on other operating systems, including Windows and Mac.

Does installing VirtualBox Guest Additions affect the performance of the host machine?

Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions may require additional resources from the host machine, which may affect performance.

Can I uninstall VirtualBox Guest Additions after installing it?

Yes, VirtualBox Guest Additions can be uninstalled by running the command:
sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run uninstall

How do I upgrade VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server?

To upgrade VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server, run the command:
sudo apt install virtualbox-guest-additions-iso

Are VirtualBox Guest Additions free?

Yes, VirtualBox Guest Additions are free to use and distribute.

Is it safe to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server?

Yes, it is safe to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server as long as you follow the recommended installation steps.

Can I use VirtualBox Guest Additions on a remote server?

Yes, you can use VirtualBox Guest Additions on a remote server as long as you have access to the virtual machine.

Do I need to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on every virtual machine I create?

Yes, you need to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on every virtual machine you create to ensure optimal performance.

Can I install VirtualBox Guest Additions using a GUI?

No, VirtualBox Guest Additions can only be installed using the command line interface.

What are the requirements for installing VirtualBox Guest Additions?

The requirements for installing VirtualBox Guest Additions are: a running virtual machine, the virtual machine’s operating system (Ubuntu Server), and a compatible version of VirtualBox.

How can I remove VirtualBox Guest Additions from Ubuntu Server?

You can remove VirtualBox Guest Additions by running the command:
sudo apt remove virtualbox-guest-additions-iso

What is the purpose of VirtualBox Guest Additions?

The purpose of VirtualBox Guest Additions is to improve the performance and usability of a virtual machine by allowing better integration between the guest operating system (Ubuntu Server) and the host operating system (the physical machine on which VirtualBox is installed).

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server. These additions are essential for optimal performance of your virtual machine.

With VirtualBox Guest Additions, you can seamlessly integrate Ubuntu Server with the host machine, improving performance and usability.

Don’t hesitate to install VirtualBox Guest Additions today and take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not endorse or recommend any products or services mentioned in this article. Use this article at your own risk.

Video:How to Install VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu Server