VirtualBox is a widely used virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. However, like any software, VirtualBox installations can sometimes encounter issues, even on the latest Windows 11 operating system. In this guide, we will discuss the ways to fix VirtualBox Installation Failed in Windows.
If you’re facing installation failures while trying to set up VirtualBox on Windows 11, this guide will walk you through potential solutions to get your virtualization environment up and running smoothly.
How to Fix VirtualBox Installation Failed in Windows 11
There are many reasons why VirtualBox installation might fail on Windows 11. Since it requires certain dependencies before you can install VirtualBox, make sure to first install all the required dependencies.
However, even after installing them, if you are still facing the Installation Failed error, you can try out some methods to fix it. So let’s get started.
1. Turn Off Hyper-V
The Windows Hypervisor Platform (Hyper-V) is a feature that can interfere with VirtualBox. By using it, you can create a virtual machine just like in VirtualBox. This can lead to conflicts between the two platforms. To avoid this, attempt to disable Hyper-V and then proceed with the VirtualBox installation on Windows 11.
Here is how you can turn off Hyper-V
1. Click on the Windows icon and type Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Open it from the search result.
3. You’ll get a Windows Features window. Here, uncheck the Hyper-V feature and click OK to save the changes.
4. Finally, restart your PC.
After that, attempt to install VirtualBox on your Windows 11. If it does not work you can try out the below-mentioned methods.
2. Update Windows
Outdated Windows versions can sometimes contribute to this issue. It’s essential to confirm that your Windows 11 operating system is current with the latest updates and patches. Outdated system files can intermittently result in conflicts during software installations.
Here’s how you can update your Windows operating system:
1. Press Windows + I to open the Windows settings.
2. Click on the Windows Update tab on the left pane and then click on the Check for Update button.
3. Now, your system will check for updates. If there are any updates available, you will receive an option to download and install them.
4. Once the update is installed, restart your Windows 11 PC.
3. Ensure Enough Disk Space
To install any software on your device, you need to ensure that you have enough available storage to save the installed software files.
One of the most common reasons for installation failures on computers is insufficient disk space. You can try freeing up disk space to resolve the VirtualBox installation failed issue.
To check your system’s storage, follow the steps below:
1. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E key combination.
2. Right-click on the C Drive and from the menu that appears, click on the Properties option.
Note
Here, we are checking the disk properties of the C drive, because all the Windows system files and software installation fields are stored on the C drive.
3. Here, under the General tab, you can see the Disk space information.
4. If you have insufficient disk space, consider deleting unnecessary files from the disk. To free up space, you can refer to our guide on how to use Storage Sense in Windows 11.
4. Clear Temp Files
Temp files are temporary files stored on your computer. You should regularly clean these files; otherwise, they may cause your computer to slow down and result in various errors, such as installation errors or failures.
Many users have found that deleting the temp directory resolves installation issues and helps free up disk space.
Here’s how you can clean the temp files from your system:
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
2. Here, type the following command and click on the OK button to open the Temp folder.
%temp%
3. In this folder, you will find the temporary files of the system. Press Ctrl + A to select all and click on the Delete button.
4. After that, make sure to also delete them from the Recycle Bin.
5. Run Installer as Administrator
After following all of the above-mentioned methods, you can now attempt to run the VirtualBox Installer file to install VirtualBox on Windows. However, you have to run the installer as an administrator.
To do so, follow these steps:
1. Locate the VirtualBox setup file and right-click on it.
2. Now, click on Run as administrator from the context menu that appears.
3. A User Account Control prompt will appear. Here, click the Yes button.
4. Then, the installation wizard will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to install VirtualBox on Windows.
We already have a detailed guide on how to install Oracle VM VirtualBox on Windows. You can check out the linked guide.
Conclusion
That’s it! This is how you can VirtualBox Installation Failed in Windows 11. Installing VirtualBox on Windows 11 can sometimes pose challenges due to compatibility issues and conflicts with other virtualization platforms. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve installation failures.
Remember to double-check the system requirements, run the installer as an administrator, and ensure that conflicting features like Hyper-V are disabled. With patience and a systematic approach, you’re likely to have VirtualBox up and running smoothly on your Windows 11 system. This will enable you to create and manage virtual machines for various purposes effectively.
