Download & Install VirtualBox Extension Pack on Ubuntu
VirtualBox is an application that is used to run a guest OS (Operating System) on a pre-existing OS, like running Windows OS on Ubuntu. If you already have used VirtualBox then you might have realized how good of a program it is but what if I tell you that you are missing on some features, like using non-supported devices on your guest OS.
In this article, I am gonna cover all of the features of the Extension pack that will be provided with a guide on how to download & install it on your Ubuntu machine.
Related Topic: Free Download Ubuntu for VirtualBox by Direct Links
What is the VirtualBox Extension pack?
An extension pack is an add-on in which you can install your main OS in order to use the extra features it provides. Here are some of the plus points that you will have after the installation of the extension pack on Ubuntu.
1: USB 2.0 & 3.0 Support
This feature allows users to use devices (like the mouse, keyboard, webcam..) that have USB 2.0 or 3.0 to connect and use in their guest OS. In addition, you will also be able to use devices with much-improved performance on your guest OS.
2: Host web-cam pass-through
Suppose you have a webcam whose drive is only available for Windows, and not for other OS. Since you want to use it on your guest OS, now using this feature you can use that webcam in your guest OS without having to install its driver.
3: Disk image encryption
If you are concerned about the security of your data, then don’t worry because this feature encrypts your data with the AES algorithm. Not only this feature encrypts data on your system but also when you move them too.
4: VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP)
With the new VRDP feature, you can access your Virtual machine remotely through Virtualbox Interface even if you don’t have any direct connection to your VM. Although you should have a connection with the host machine in order to use this feature still it is quite a handy feature.
Intel PXE Boot ROM
Now you can boot a VM using an emulated PXE boot ROM (Random access memory) to install an operating system. Remember first you have to configure the PXE boot file then you will perform the installation.
How to Download & Install Extension Pack in Ubuntu
Now that you know what the extension pack is then you probably want to install it too. In order to install the Extension pack perform the following steps:
Step 1. Open your VirtualBox and click on Preferences. There you will find whether you have installed an extension pack on your VirtualBox or not.
Step 2. Click on the Extension tab and see if you have installed anything like “Oracle VM Virtualbox Extension Pack”. If found good, however; it doesn’t mean that you won’t need it. As the methods below will also update your extension pack to the latest version.
Step 3. Continue the procedure by downloading VirtualBox Extension Pack for Ubuntu. You can click on the download button above to download the file.
Step 4. Now, open the terminal, by going into your GNOME application menu in the corner or by pressing the shortcut key Ctrl+Alt+T.
Step 5. Here you are going to type the command below.
cd (path to file)Note: you will need to insert the exact path of your newly downloaded file by replacing (path to file).
Step 6. Next, write “Sudo VBoxManage extpack install –replace (filename.file extension)” and press Enter. Again, you will need to replace “(filename.file extension)” with the filename of the extension pack.
Step 7. Now you will initiate the installation process, and wait for the installation to get completed. Once the process got complete, then a new configuring VirtualBox window will open up. Here you will click on OK. Further on, in the next window Accept the license to proceed to installation.
The installation will take place. And once installation got completed then you can use your VirtualBox with all new features thanks to the Extension Pack.
Step 8. Before we say goodbye, let’s check the extension pack. This command will make sure that you have successfully installed the Extension pack of VirtualBox on Ubuntu.
VBoxManage list extpacksRelated Topic: How to use Full Screened Ubuntu on VirtualBox?
Conclusion
Even though you can use VirtualBox without having to install the Extension Pack, it is not compulsory. Still, it’s highly recommended to install because of the great features it offers. In this article, we talked about how you can install an Extension pack in your Ubuntu, if you got any questions related then you can comment down.
