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How to Install VirtualBox Extension Pack on Windows and Mac

VirtualBox Extension Packs enhance the functionality of Oracle's VirtualBox, a popular virtualization software, by adding features like USB 2.0 and 3.0 support, VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP), and disk encryption. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to download and install the VirtualBox Extension Pack on various operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Whether you're setting up a new virtual environment or looking to upgrade your existing setup, this article will ensure a smooth installation process across different platforms.

What Is VirtualBox Extension Pack

The VirtualBox Extension Pack is a set of open source and closed source components that enhance the capabilities of the VirtualBox virtualization software developed by Oracle. VirtualBox itself is a powerful tool for running multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine, primarily used for testing and development purposes. The Extension Pack adds additional functionalities to the core VirtualBox application, making it more versatile and feature-rich.

Here are some key features included in the VirtualBox Extension Pack:

  • USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Device Support: This allows VirtualBox virtual machines (VMs) to recognize and use USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices connected to the host machine. This is particularly useful for using USB drives, webcams, or other peripherals within the VM.
  • VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP) Support: VRDP allows users to remotely access their virtual machines using standard remote desktop protocol clients. This is beneficial for managing VMs that are running on a server or another machine without a direct user interface.
  • Host Webcam Passthrough: With this feature, webcams connected to the host machine can be accessed directly from within the guest operating systems, enabling applications like video conferencing.
  • Intel PXE Boot ROM with support for the E1000 network card: This provides PXE boot capabilities to VMs using the Intel E1000 network card emulation, which is useful for network-based installations of guest systems.
  • Disk Image Encryption: The Extension Pack includes support for encrypting virtual hard disks using AES algorithm, which adds a layer of security to the data stored within the VMs.

The VirtualBox Extension Pack is available under a Personal Use and Evaluation License (PUEL), which means it can be used for personal use or evaluation purposes at no cost. For commercial use, a separate license must be purchased. The Extension Pack is version-specific, so it needs to match the version of VirtualBox that is installed on the host machine. Installing it is generally straightforward and involves downloading the appropriate package from the VirtualBox website and using the VirtualBox manager interface to install it.

Does VirtualBox need extension pack?

VirtualBox itself does not require the Extension Pack to function for basic operations; however, the Extension Pack adds significant additional features that may be necessary or highly desirable depending on your specific needs. Here are a few scenarios where you might find the Extension Pack essential:

  • USB Device Support: If you need to use USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 devices with your virtual machines, such as USB drives, dongles, or webcams, the Extension Pack is required to enable this functionality.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP): For users who need to access their virtual machines remotely, the VRDP support provided by the Extension Pack offers a built-in, ready-to-use remote access solution without needing third-party software.
  • Disk Encryption: If securing the data within your virtual machines is crucial, especially in a professional or enterprise environment, the disk encryption feature of the Extension Pack provides an additional layer of security.
  • Host Webcam Passthrough: This feature is particularly useful for using host-connected webcams directly in guest operating systems, which can be important for applications like video conferencing.
  • Advanced Networking: The Extension Pack also includes support for more advanced networking features like PXE boot for Intel network cards, which is useful for network-based operating system installations.
Discover more: Virtualbox vs. VMware vs. Hyper-V

How do I download a VirtualBox Extension Pack?

Downloading the VirtualBox Extension Pack is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the download:

  1. 1. Visit the Official VirtualBox Website:

    • Start by navigating to the Oracle VirtualBox website. You can find it by searching for "VirtualBox" in any search engine.

  2. 2. Go to the Downloads Section:

    • On the VirtualBox website, look for the "Downloads" link on the left-hand side of the page or in the main menu. Click on this link to proceed to the downloads page.

  3. 3. Select the Extension Pack:

    • On the downloads page, you’ll find various download options for VirtualBox, including versions for different operating systems and the VirtualBox Extension Pack. Look for the section labeled "VirtualBox [version number] Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack".
    • It’s important to download the version of the Extension Pack that matches the version of VirtualBox you have installed. Compatibility is key, as the Extension Pack is version-specific.

  4. 4. Download the Extension Pack:

    • There will be a link next to the Extension Pack listing, typically labeled “All supported platforms”. Click this link to start the download. The file is not very large, so it should download fairly quickly depending on your internet connection.

  5. 5. Save the File:

    • Choose a location on your computer to save the file. It usually has a .vbox-extpack file extension, which is specific to VirtualBox Extension Packs.

Tip: difference between VMware and VirtualBox

After downloading the Extension Pack, you'll need to install it within VirtualBox. This is also a simple process:

Windows VirtualBox Extension Pack Installation

  1. 1. Open VirtualBox:

    • Start VirtualBox on your computer.

  2. 2. Install the Extension Pack:

    • In VirtualBox, go to the "File" menu and select "Preferences" (or press Ctrl+G on Windows and Linux, or Command+G on macOS).
    • In the Preferences window, click on the "Extensions" tab.
    • Here, you will see a button on the right side of the window that looks like a small plus sign (+). Click this button to open a dialog window where you can navigate to the location where you saved the Extension Pack file.
    • Select the .vbox-extpack file and open it. VirtualBox will then prompt you to confirm the installation and may request administrative permissions to install the software.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once installed, VirtualBox will have all the additional functionalities enabled by the Extension Pack, enhancing your experience with more advanced features.

Tip: how to update Virtualbox

How to Install VirtualBox Extension Pack in Console Using VBoxManage

Installing the VirtualBox Extension Pack via the command line can be a useful approach, especially for system administrators or those who prefer console operations. Here’s how you can install the VirtualBox Extension Pack using VBoxManage, VirtualBox's own command-line interface tool. This method works across Windows, Linux, and macOS, assuming VirtualBox is already installed.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download the Extension Pack

First, you need to download the VirtualBox Extension Pack. Follow the steps I outlined in the previous answer to download the correct version of the Extension Pack from the VirtualBox website. Make sure you have the .vbox-extpack file ready.

2. Open a Terminal or Command Prompt

  • Windows: Open Command Prompt (cmd.exe) or PowerShell.
  • Linux/macOS: Open Terminal.

3. Navigate to the Directory Containing VBoxManage

This step may be unnecessary if the path to VBoxManage is already added to your system’s PATH environment variable. If it's not added, you will need to navigate to the installation directory of VirtualBox.

  • Windows: Typically, VBoxManage is located in C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\.
  • Linux/macOS: Usually, it is in /usr/lib/virtualbox/ or simply accessible directly as VBoxManage from any terminal.

4. Install the Extension Pack

  • Use the following command to install the Extension Pack. Replace with the path to your .vbox-extpack file.
bash
VBoxManage extpack install --replace

The --replace option tells VBoxManage to replace an existing version of the Extension Pack if it is already installed. This is useful when updating to a newer version.

Example: On Windows, if your Extension Pack file is in your Downloads folder, the command might look like this:

bash
C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\VBoxManage.exe extpack install --replace "C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack.vbox-extpack"
  • On Linux or macOS, if the Extension Pack file is in the Downloads directory, the command might look like:
bash
VBoxManage extpack install --replace "~/Downloads/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack.vbox-extpack"

5. Verify the Installation

After installation, you can verify that the Extension Pack was installed successfully by listing all installed extension packs:

bash
VBoxManage list extpacks

This command will show you all the extension packs currently installed on your system, including their version, which should reflect the newly installed Extension Pack.

Using VBoxManage to manage VirtualBox, including installing the Extension Pack, is a powerful way to automate and handle VirtualBox setup processes via scripts or manual console operations.

Note: how to install Kali in VirtualBox

How to Install VirtualBox Extension Pack on Windows

Installing the VirtualBox Extension Pack on Windows is a straightforward process. The Extension Pack adds advanced functionalities such as USB device support, VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP), disk encryption, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install the VirtualBox Extension Pack on a Windows machine:

Step 1: Download the VirtualBox Extension Pack

  1. 1. Open a web browser and go to the Official VirtualBox website.
  2. 2. Navigate to the Downloads section.
  3. 3. Find the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack and click on the link labeled “All supported platforms”. This will download a file with a .vbox-extpack extension, corresponding to your VirtualBox version.

Step 2: Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack

  1. 1. Open VirtualBox:

    • Click on the VirtualBox icon on your desktop or find it through the start menu.

  2. 2. Install the Extension Pack:

    • In VirtualBox, go to the File menu at the top left corner of the window and select Preferences.
    • In the Preferences window, click on the Extensions tab.
    • You will see an icon on the right side of the window that looks like a small blue square with a plus sign (+). Click this icon to open a file dialog.
    • Navigate to where you downloaded the .vbox-extpack file, select it, and click Open.
    • A dialog will pop up showing the details of the Extension Pack. Review the license and click on the Install button.
    • Scroll through the license text and click I Agree to proceed if you accept the terms.
    • You might be prompted by User Account Control (UAC) to authorize the installation. Confirm by clicking Yes to allow the installation to proceed.

  3. 3. Wait for the installation to complete:

    • After a few moments, the Extension Pack will be installed, and you will see a confirmation message stating that it has been installed successfully.

Step 3: Verify Installation

  1. 1. Check the Extensions list:

    • In the same Extensions tab where you installed the Extension Pack, you should now see the newly installed pack listed along with its version number and details.

  2. 2. Close the Preferences window:

    • Click OK to close out of Preferences.

Step 4: Restart VirtualBox

  • It’s a good idea to restart VirtualBox after installing the Extension Pack to ensure that all new features are correctly initialized.

How to Install VirtualBox Extension Pack on macOS

Installing the VirtualBox Extension Pack on macOS provides additional functionalities to VirtualBox, such as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 device support, VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP) access, and more. Here’s how to install the VirtualBox Extension Pack on macOS:

Step 1: Download the VirtualBox Extension Pack

  1. 1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Official VirtualBox website.
  2. 2. Click on the Downloads section on the left side or the main menu.
  3. 3. Find the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack and click on the link that says “All supported platforms.” This will download the Extension Pack file with a .vbox-extpack extension, compatible with the version of VirtualBox you are using.

Step 2: Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack

  1. 1. Open VirtualBox:

    • You can find VirtualBox in your Applications folder or launch it using Spotlight search.

  2. 2. Install the Extension Pack:

    • In VirtualBox, go to the VirtualBox menu in the menu bar and select Preferences.
    • Click on the Extensions tab in the Preferences window.
    • Click on the icon on the right side of the window that looks like a blue square with a plus sign (+). This will open a file dialog.
    • Navigate to the location where you downloaded the .vbox-extpack file, select it, and click Open.
    • A dialog box will appear detailing the Extension Pack. Click Install to proceed.
    • Scroll through the license agreement, and click I Agree if you accept the terms to continue with the installation.
    • You may need to enter your macOS user password to authorize the installation.

  3. 3. Complete the installation:

    • After a few moments, the installation will complete, and a confirmation message will appear indicating that the Extension Pack has been successfully installed.

Step 3: Verify Installation

  1. 1. Check the Extensions list:
    • Still in the Extensions tab, you should now see the Extension Pack listed, showing its version number and details.
    • Click OK to close the Preferences window.

Step 4: Restart VirtualBox

  • It’s a good practice to restart VirtualBox after installing new software to ensure all features are properly initialized.
How to convert VirtualBox to Hyper-V?

Installing the Extension Pack on the Host OS

Installing the VirtualBox Extension Pack on the host operating system is an essential step if you need to utilize the additional features it offers, such as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 support, VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP), disk encryption, and more. The process is similar across various host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here’s a general guide to help you install the VirtualBox Extension Pack on any host OS:

Step 1: Download the VirtualBox Extension Pack

  1. 1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Official VirtualBox website.
  2. 2. Click on the Downloads section available either on the sidebar or from the main menu.
  3. 3. Locate the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack section and click on the link that states “All supported platforms.” This link downloads a single file that works for all platforms, with a .vbox-extpack extension.

Step 2: Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack

For Windows:

  1. 1. Open VirtualBox from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
  2. 2. Navigate to File > Preferences in the menu.
  3. 3. In the Preferences window, click on the Extensions tab.
  4. 4. Click the add button (plus icon) and navigate to the downloaded .vbox-extpack file, then select it and click Open.
  5. 5. Review the license details that appear, then click I Agree to proceed with the installation.
  6. 6. Confirm any security dialogues, including User Account Control (UAC) prompts, to allow the installation.

For macOS:

  1. 1. Open VirtualBox from the Applications folder or using Spotlight search.
  2. 2. Go to VirtualBox > Preferences in the menu bar.
  3. 3. Click the Extensions tab.
  4. 4. Use the add button (plus icon) to locate and select the .vbox-extpack file you downloaded, then click Open.
  5. 5. Read through and accept the license agreement by clicking I Agree.
  6. 6. You may need to authenticate with your macOS user password to approve the installation.

For Linux:

  1. 1. Open a Terminal.
  2. 2. Depending on your installation path for VirtualBox, navigate to where VirtualBox is installed or ensure it’s in your path.
  3. 3. Use the following command to install the Extension Pack, replacing with the actual file path:
    css
    sudo VBoxManage extpack install --replace
  4. 4. You will be prompted to agree to the license agreement. Confirm to proceed with the installation.

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Regardless of the operating system, you can verify the installation directly in VirtualBox:

  1. 1. Go back to the Extensions tab in the Preferences dialog.
  2. 2. You should see the newly installed Extension Pack listed there with details including its version.

Step 4: Restart VirtualBox

  • After installing the Extension Pack, it’s a good idea to restart VirtualBox to ensure all new functionalities are properly initialized and available for use.
Tip: what is VMware host?

Install VirtualBox Extension Pack via GUI

  1. 1. Open VirtualBox:

    • You can find VirtualBox typically through your system's application menu or dashboard.

  2. 2. Access the Preferences:

    • Navigate to the File menu and select Preferences.

  3. 3. Install the Extension Pack:

    • Follow the same steps as on Windows and macOS by clicking the Extensions tab and then the add button.
    • Locate and select the downloaded .vbox-extpack file and open it.
    • Review and agree to the license terms to continue and complete the installation.

Install VirtualBox Extension Pack via CLI

1. Open Your Command Line Tool

  • Windows: Open Command Prompt (cmd.exe) or PowerShell.
  • macOS and Linux: Open Terminal.

2. Locate VBoxManage

The VBoxManage command-line tool is included with your VirtualBox installation. You may need to navigate to the directory where VirtualBox is installed if it's not added to your system's PATH.

  • Windows: Typically found in C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\.
  • macOS and Linux: Usually accessible directly from any terminal window as VBoxManage if installed through the package manager or located in /Applications/VirtualBox.app/Contents/MacOS/ for macOS.

3. Install the Extension Pack via CLI

Run the following command to install the Extension Pack:

Replace with the actual path to your .vbox-extpack file:

bash
VBoxManage extpack install --replace

Example for Windows:

bash
"C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\VBoxManage.exe" extpack install --replace "C:\Path\To\Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack.vbox-extpack"

Example for macOS and Linux:

bash
VBoxManage extpack install --replace /path/to/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack.vbox-extpack

The --replace option will uninstall any existing version of the Extension Pack and install the new one. This is useful for updating the Extension Pack without manually removing the old version.

4. Verify the Installation

  • Check if the Extension Pack is installed correctly by listing all installed extension packs:
    bash
    VBoxManage list extpacks
  • This command will display details about all installed Extension Packs, including the version number and status.

Additional Notes:

  • Administrator Rights: You may need administrative privileges to install the Extension Pack, especially on Windows and macOS. On Linux, you might need to prefix the VBoxManage command with sudo for the necessary permissions.
  • Matching Versions: Ensure that the version of the Extension Pack matches the version of VirtualBox installed on your system to avoid compatibility issues.
Note: what is VM host server and what its components are.

Recover information from VMFS-formatted drives

Recovering data from VMFS (Virtual Machine File System)-formatted drives can be crucial, especially when dealing with issues like corrupted files, accidental deletion, or server failure in environments using VMware. DiskInternals VMFS Recovery is a specialized tool designed to help in these scenarios, providing a way to access and recover files from VMFS-formatted disks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to adjust your VMware data recovery configuration and use DiskInternals VMFS Recovery to retrieve data:

Step 1: Download and Install DiskInternals VMFS Recovery

  1. 1. Download the software:

    • Download the latest version of DiskInternals VMFS Recovery. Ensure that you select the version that matches your operating system requirements.

  2. 2. Install the software:

    • Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your system.

Step 2: Connect the VMFS Drive

  • Ensure your VMFS drive is connected to your machine. This could be through direct attachment, via a SAN (Storage Area Network), or another method that allows your Windows system to detect the VMFS filesystem.

Step 3: Launch DiskInternals VMFS Recovery

  1. 1. Open DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:

    • Launch the program from your desktop or start menu.

  2. 2. Scan for VMFS partitions:

    • The software should automatically detect VMFS volumes attached to your computer. If it does not detect the drives automatically, you can manually initiate a scan to find VMFS partitions.

Step 4: Mount and Scan the VMFS Volume

  1. 1. Mount the VMFS volume:

    • Right-click on the VMFS volume you wish to recover data from and choose "Mount as a new drive". This action will mount the volume within the software, allowing you to access the files stored on it.

  2. 2. Perform a Full Scan:

    • Conduct a full scan of the mounted VMFS volume to recover deleted files or access existing files on corrupted VMFS volumes.

Step 5: Preview and Recover Files

  1. 1. Preview the files:

    • DiskInternals VMFS Recovery allows you to preview recoverable files before proceeding with data recovery. This feature helps ensure that the files are intact and recoverable.

  2. 2. Select and recover your files:

    • Once you've identified the files you wish to recover, select them and choose a safe location to save them. It’s recommended to save recovered files to a different drive to avoid data overwriting.

Step 6: Save the Recovered Data

  • Purchase a license if necessary:

DiskInternals VMFS Recovery operates on a trial basis for the initial scan and preview. To save the recovered files, you will need to purchase a license from DiskInternals.

  • Save the files:

Follow the prompts to save the recovered files to your desired location.

Learn more about VMware data recovery!


Conclusion

Throughout our discussion on VirtualBox and its Extension Pack, we've covered several key aspects that can greatly enhance your experience and capabilities within virtual environments. From the basic understanding and benefits of the VirtualBox Extension Pack to detailed guides on downloading and installing it across various operating systems using both GUI and CLI methods, this information serves as a comprehensive resource for both novice users and seasoned system administrators.

  • Understanding VirtualBox Extension Pack: The Extension Pack adds critical features to VirtualBox, including USB 2.0 and 3.0 support, VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP), host webcam passthrough, and disk encryption, transforming VirtualBox into a more powerful and versatile virtualization solution.
  • Installation Guides: We've provided step-by-step instructions for installing the Extension Pack on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that you can enhance your VirtualBox setup regardless of your operating system. These guides simplify the process, whether you prefer a graphical user interface or command-line operations.
  • Importance of Compatibility: It's crucial to download and install the version of the Extension Pack that matches your installed version of VirtualBox. This ensures compatibility and prevents issues that can arise from version mismatches.
  • Utility for Various User Groups: Whether you're a developer testing applications across different OSes, an IT professional managing virtual server environments, or just a tech enthusiast exploring different operating systems, VirtualBox and its Extension Pack provide valuable tools to create and manage virtual machines effectively.
  • Empowering Automation and Remote Management: For those managing multiple virtual machines or servers, understanding how to install and manage VirtualBox via CLI is invaluable. It allows for automation and facilitates remote management, which is essential for efficiency in modern IT environments.

FAQ

  • Which other Extension Packs for VirtualBox are available?

    Oracle offers only one official Extension Pack for VirtualBox, known as the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack. This pack includes several advanced features not available in the basic installation of VirtualBox, such as:

    • USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 device support (EHCI and xHCI devices)
    • VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP) support
    • Host webcam passthrough
    • Intel PXE boot ROM
    • Disk image encryption (using AES algorithm)

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