If you’re a big Linux fan, you’ll probably need to install several distributions. A simple way to do this without having to install them on our hard drive is to use Virtualbox. In fact, many of our tutorials are done using this powerful Oracle tool. So, in this article, I will show you how to install Virtualbox 6 on Ubuntu 18.04 and Linux Mint 19.

Recently was published the last stable version of Virtualbox loaded with many new features. There are so many that many are tempted to update as soon as possible, so today I’ll help you with that.

1. Upgrade the system

It is always advisable to have the operating system updated, with it, you will have the security patches installed in an easy way and you will obtain a more stable and secure system. So do it.

:~$ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Now we can continue.

2. Add the Virtualbox repository

One way to keep Virtualbox up to date without any problems is to add your repository. As I always say, this is the best in many cases, especially in this one where the application is important.

So, let’s do it.

First, edit your source list to add the following lines. On Ubuntu.

:~$ sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list/

On Linux Mint 19:

:~$ sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/official-package-repositories.list

deb https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian bionic contrib

Save and close the file.

The second step is to add the GPG public key to ensure that the downloads are safe.

:~$ wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

And that’s it.

3. Install Virtualbox 6 on Ubuntu 18.04 /Linux Mint 19

Now all that’s left is to update the APT cache.

:~$ sudo apt update

Then, install Virtualbox 6.

:~$ sudo apt install virtualbox-6.0

Now, you can launch it from the main menu.

4. Using Virtualbox

When you run Virtualbox 6, the first thing you’ll see is the following.

On that screen, you can create a new virtual machine; import or export one; or simply go to the preferences.

And that’s it.

5. Install Virtualbox 6 extension pack

Finally, it is recommended to install extensions pack to enjoy further extend the power of Virtualbox. To do so, run:

:~$ wget https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/6.0.0/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-6.0.0.vbox-extpack

And then, install it.

:~$ sudo VBoxManage extpack install Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-6.0.0.vbox-extpack

That’s all.

Conclusion

Virtualbox is a reference in the area of virtualization, especially if you are amateur or novice in it. Installing Virtualbox 6 in Ubuntu 18.04 or Linux Mint 19 is something simple as you could see.

Share this post with your friends and happy holidays.