How to Boot from a USB Drive in VirtualBox

Installing and configuring VirtualBox can be a daunting task for some, but once you understand how to use it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. One of the most common issues users face when using VirtualBox is getting USB devices to work properly. In this article, we will walk through the process of booting from a USB drive in VirtualBox.

Step 1: Install the Latest Version of VirtualBox

The first thing you need to do is make sure you're running the latest version of VirtualBox. To check for updates, open your terminal and use the command `sudo apt-get update` followed by `sudo apt-get upgrade`. This will ensure that your VirtualBox installation is up-to-date.

Step 2: Remove the Current Version

Before installing the new version, you'll need to remove the current one. Use the command `sudo apt-get purge virtualbox` to do this. This will completely remove the previous version of VirtualBox from your system.

Step 3: Add the Necessary Repository

Once the old version is removed, you can add the necessary repository for the new version. Use the command `sudo apt-get install oracle-virtualbox-6.1` (or whichever version number you want to install).

Why USB Booting Matters

So why is it so important to get USB booting working in VirtualBox? The answer lies in the versatility and flexibility that VirtualBox offers. With the ability to easily share data via USB, you can backup your data to an external drive or transfer files between virtual machines that aren't on the same subnet.

Getting USB booting working in VirtualBox may not be as straightforward as some users would like, but with these simple steps, you should be able to get up and running quickly. By following these instructions, you'll be able to take full advantage of VirtualBox's features and functionality.

Virtualbox boot from usb drive