How To Install Oracle VirtualBox 7.1 In Fedora Linux 41

Oracle VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. If you're a Fedora user looking to install VirtualBox, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of installing VirtualBox on Fedora Linux.

Install Oracle VirtualBox on Fedora 40 and Older Versions

1. Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it's crucial to ensure your system is up-to-date. This step helps avoid compatibility issues and ensures you have the latest security patches.

sudo dnf -y upgrade
sudo reboot

2. Install Required Dependencies

VirtualBox requires the following dependencies to function correctly. Install these dependencies using the following commands:

sudo dnf -y install @development-tools
sudo dnf -y install kernel-headers kernel-devel dkms elfutils-libelf-devel qt5-qtx11extras

3. Import the VirtualBox GPG Key

Importing the VirtualBox GPG key ensures the integrity and authenticity of the software you're about to install:

sudo rpm --import https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc

4. Add the VirtualBox Repository

To ensure you get the latest version of VirtualBox, add the official VirtualBox repository to your system:

sudo wget -P /etc/yum.repos.d/ https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/rpm/fedora/virtualbox.repo

5. Install VirtualBox

Now, you're ready to install VirtualBox. Run the following command to install the latest version (VirtualBox 7.1 at the time of writing):

sudo dnf install VirtualBox-7.1

6. Add Your User to the vboxusers Group

To allow your user account to manage VirtualBox VMs, add it to the vboxusers group:

sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

7. Reboot Your System

Finally, reboot your system to apply all the changes:

sudo reboot

8. Starting VirtualBox

After rebooting, you can start VirtualBox from your system menu or by running the following command in the terminal:

virtualbox

When VirtualBox is launched for the first time, you will be prompted to choose your experience mode. It offers two modes namely Basic and Expert.

The Basic Mode is intended for a users who are not interested in advanced functionality and prefer a simpler, cleaner interface. And the Expert Mode is intended for experienced users who wish to utilize all VirtualBox functionality.

Choose the mode that you want to apply. You can change this later either from the Global Preferences or the Machine Settings windows.

Congratulations! Oracle VirtualBox 7.1 is ready to use in Fedora Linux.

9. Install Extension Pack

For additional features like USB support, you should install the VirtualBox Extension Pack. Download the Extension Pack for 7.1 version from the VirtualBox Downloads page using command:

wget https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/7.1.0/Oracle_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-7.1.0.vbox-extpack

Install it using the following command:

sudo VBoxManage extpack install Oracle_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-7.1.0.vbox-extpack

Press 'y' and hit ENTER key to agree the license terms and install the extension pack.

You can verify if the extension pack is installed from command line using command:

sudo VBoxManage list extpacks

Sample Output:

Extension Packs: 1
Pack no. 0:   Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack
Version:        7.1.0
Revision:       164728
Edition:        
Description:    Oracle Cloud Infrastructure integration, Host Webcam, VirtualBox RDP, PXE ROM, Disk Encryption, NVMe, full VM encryption.
VRDE Module:    VBoxVRDP
Crypto Module:  VBoxPuelCrypto
Usable:         true
Why unusable:   

Alternatively, you can verify it from the VirtualBox interface as well. To do so, open VirtualBox manager and go to Files -> Tools -> Extension Package Manager.

You should see the installed extension packs here.

That's it. The extension pack for VirtualBox is installed and loaded.

Manually Installing Oracle VirtualBox in Fedora 41 Beta

In Fedora Linux 41 Beta version, the repository-based installation will not work. If you're on Fedora 41, you need to manually download the Virtualbox RPM file and install it using dnf command.

Update your Fedora 41 system, install the necessary pre-requisites and import the VirtualBox key as mentioned in the Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 above.

1. Download the Latest VirtualBox RPM file:

Once you have done the above steps, download the latest VirtualBox from the Oracle VirtualBox Downloads page.

wget https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/7.1.0/VirtualBox-7.1-7.1.0_164728_fedora40-1.x86_64.rpm

2. Install the downloaded RPM file:

sudo dnf install VirtualBox-7.1-7.1.0_164728_fedora40-1.x86_64.rpm

3. Add your User to vboxusers Group:

sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

4. Reboot your system:

sudo reboot

Conclusion

As you can see, Installing VirtualBox on Fedora is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up VirtualBox and start running multiple operating systems on your Fedora machine.

Related Read:

• How To Install Oracle VirtualBox 7.1 In Debian 12 Linux