VirtualBox is a handy tool that lets you run different operating systems all on one computer. It’s perfect for trying out new software setups, running old apps, or doing development work. But sometimes, when trying to run or install Windows 11 or 10, you might get stuck on the boot logo. Don’t worry, though; this guide will walk you through how to fix it and get your virtual machine (VM) running again.
Linked issue: VirtualBox Windows 11: This PC doesn’t meet the requirements
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Why does VirtualBox get stuck on the Windows boot logo?
There are a few reasons why Windows might not get past the boot logo in VirtualBox. It usually comes down to either your computer’s hardware and software not playing nice together or some settings being off. Here’s a quick rundown of the usual suspects:
- Setting things up wrong: If your VM’s settings aren’t right, like not having enough resources or choosing the wrong system settings, it can stop the OS from loading properly.
- Issues with hardware acceleration: For your VM to run well, it needs hardware acceleration. If your computer doesn’t support or has this feature turned off for technologies like Intel VT-x and AMD-V, you might run into boot issues.
- Running an old version: Make sure your VirtualBox is up to date. Older versions might not support Windows 11/10 properly, leading to boot troubles.
- Corrupted virtual disk file: VirtualBox uses virtual disk files to store your VM’s operating system and data. If these files get messed up, it can cause issues, including getting stuck on the boot logo.
How to fix the Windows 11/10 stuck on logo issue in VirtualBox
Getting past the Windows boot logo issue means checking a few things and trying out some fixes. Here’s a step-by-step to help you through:
Step 1: Try different Paravirtualization Interface
Different paravirtualization interfaces can affect your VM’s booting and performance. VirtualBox offers a few options, so trying a different one might do the trick:
- Open VirtualBox and pick the VM that’s giving you trouble.
- Hit “Settings”.
- Go to “System” and then “Acceleration”.
- Try switching the “Paravirtualization Interface” setting. Start with “Hyper-V”, then if it doesn’t work, try “KVM” or “None”.
Note: Changing these settings might change how well your VM runs, so if it doesn’t fix the issue, switch back to “Default”.
Related problem: This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled
Step 2: Check your virtual machine settings
Getting your VM settings right is key to a smooth start and run. Wrong settings could be why Windows isn’t booting properly. Here’s how to check:
- Under “Settings” in your VM, head to the “System” part.
- You’ll see options for the VM’s hardware like RAM and Processors. Windows 10/11 usually needs at least 2GB of RAM, but giving it 4GB or more can help it run better.
- Also, giving it more than one CPU (if your computer can handle it) can boost performance.
- Make sure the Hard Disk with the OS installed is first in the boot order under the “Motherboard” tab.
Relevant resource: Sorry, this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine
Step 3: Disable USB Controller
Sometimes, VMs have trouble booting because of USB support. If enabled, it lets the VM use USB devices from your computer. Turning this off might help:
- Go to “Settings” for your VM and then to “USB”.
- Uncheck “Enable USB Controller”. This stops the VM from trying to use USB devices during boot, which might fix the issue if USB was the problem.
Step 4: Update your VirtualBox software
Staying up to date with VirtualBox can help avoid issues with new operating systems like Windows 10/11. Here’s how to check for and apply updates:
- Open VirtualBox and select “File” from the menu.
- Click on “Check for Updates”.
- If there’s an update, follow the steps to install it. Updates might have fixes or features that help with Windows 11/10 compatibility.
Also see: How to Open VMDK File in Windows 11
Step 5: Uninstall and reinstall VirtualBox
If nothing else works, it might be time to start fresh with VirtualBox. This means getting rid of any messed-up files or settings that could be causing problems:
- Uninstall VirtualBox the usual way (through Control Panel or Settings on Windows).
- Restart your computer to make sure everything related to VirtualBox is completely gone.
- Grab the latest version of VirtualBox from their official site.
- Install it by following the instructions, then try running your VM again.
Ending notes
If you’re still finding yourself stuck on the boot logo in VirtualBox after giving these solutions a go, it might be a good idea to seek out more advice from folks in the VirtualBox or Reddit communities, or even take a peek at the official VirtualBox guides when you need to dig a little deeper.
Also, pay attention to those VirtualBox settings, like which device boots up first and how your screen looks. If VirtualBox continues to give you more issues than help, you might want to think about trying a different virtualization software like VMware or Parallels.
