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Virtualization has become an essential tool for developers and enthusiasts who want to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. Running Ubuntu 25 on Mac using VirtualBox allows you to experience the latest Ubuntu features on an Apple Silicon Mac without modifying your existing macOS setup. This approach is especially useful for testing software, learning Linux system administration, or simply exploring a new operating system in a risk-free environment.
You can also read: How to Install Ubuntu 25 on Virtualbox on Windows PC | Easy Guide
In this guide, we walk through each step of setting up Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox on your Apple M-series Mac (M1, M2, etc.). By following these instructions, you will create a versatile dual-environment workflow that lets you run Ubuntu 25 safely alongside macOS, combining the strengths of both platforms.
Prerequisites for Installing Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox
Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:
- An Apple Silicon Mac: A Mac with an M1, M2, or newer Apple chip, at least 8GB of RAM (16 GB+ recommended), and at least 30GB of free storage space to allocate to the Ubuntu VM.
- Ubuntu 25 ISO (ARM64): Download the 64-bit ARM version of Ubuntu 25 Desktop (for example, Ubuntu 25.04 LTS) from Ubuntu’s official website. Ensure you select the ARM64 (AArch64) desktop image, which is required for Apple Silicon.
- Oracle VM VirtualBox 7.1 or later: Install the latest VirtualBox for macOS (Apple Silicon) from the official site. VirtualBox 7.1+ includes support for Apple M-series (ARM64) hosts, which is essential for running Linux on an M-series Mac.
Download VirtualBox for MAC
- VirtualBox Extension Pack (optional): Download the Extension Pack that matches your VirtualBox version. The Extension Pack provides additional features like USB 3.0 support and improved device integration, which can enhance the VM experience.
Download VirtualBox Extension Pack
Install Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox
Follow these steps to create and configure a virtual machine for Ubuntu 25:
Step 1: Install VirtualBox and Extension Pack on Mac
- Download VirtualBox: Go to the official Oracle VirtualBox website and download the macOS (Apple Silicon) installer for VirtualBox 7.1 or later. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install VirtualBox on your Mac. If macOS blocks the installation, open System Preferences > Security & Privacy and allow the Oracle software.
- Install VirtaulBox Extension Pack: After installing VirtualBox, open the VirtualBox application from Launchpad and drag-n-drop the Extension Pack file onto VirtualBox (e.g.
Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack.vbox-extpack). A dialog will appear; click Install and agree to the license. The Extension Pack is not strictly required to run Ubuntu, but it provides support for USB devices, enhanced graphics, and other useful features in the VM.
These steps set up VirtualBox on your Mac. The Extension Pack is optional but improves compatibility and performance when using the VM.
Step 2: Configure a New Virtual Machine for Ubuntu 25
- Create a new VM: Open VirtualBox and click New. Name the VM (e.g., “Ubuntu”), set Type to Linux, and select Version as Ubuntu (64-bit) or Ubuntu (ARM64) if that option appears. This ensures the VM is optimized for Ubuntu.
- Attach Ubuntu 25 ISO: With the new VM selected, click the downward arrow under ISO Image. Click on Others and then browse to and select the Ubuntu 25 ARM64 ISO you downloaded. This attaches the Ubuntu installer ISO to the VM’s optical drive.
- Allocate resources:
- Memory (RAM): Assign 4–8 GB (4096–8192 MB) of RAM to the VM. (Leaving enough RAM for macOS is important, but more RAM will make Ubuntu run smoothly.)
- CPU Cores: Assign 2–4 CPU cores. More cores will improve performance for development or heavy tasks.
- Hard Disk: Choose to create a virtual hard disk now. Use the VDI format with Dynamically allocated storage. Set the disk size to at least 25 GB. This creates a file that will grow up to 25 GB as Ubuntu uses more space.
By creating the VM with these settings, you ensure Ubuntu has sufficient resources and the correct architecture (ARM64) on which to install.
Step 3: Configure Unattended Install & Enable Guest Additions for Enhanced Performance
VirtualBox Guest Additions is a set of tools that improve integration between Ubuntu and macOS. It provides shared clipboard, shared folders, and dynamic screen resizing. To enable these features:
Unattended Install: If you see an Unattended Installation tab during VM setup, you can check Install Guest Additions and enter a username/password. VirtualBox will then automatically mount the Guest Additions ISO during installation.
Installing Guest Additions is optional but recommended for features like bidirectional clipboard, seamless mouse integration, and automatic resolution scaling.
Step 4: Install Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox
- Start the VM: Select your Ubuntu 25 VM in VirtualBox and click Start. The VM will boot from the attached Ubuntu ISO.
- Begin the installation: At the boot menu, choose Try or Install Ubuntu.
- Now, as you can see that the Windows is very small. In order to make it large, just click on View on the top panel and then select Scaled Mode. Now, double-click on the Ubuntu VM tab to make it even bigger.
- Complete the installation: The installer will copy files and finish the setup. This process may take several minutes. If it appears to hang at a stage like “Copying files…”, you can safely force close the VM and restart it.
- First boot into Ubuntu: Once installation is done, Ubuntu will reboot the VM. Log in with your username and password. You now have Ubuntu 25 on MAC using Virtualbox.
Ubuntu 25 should be fully installed. If you enabled Guest Additions, the display will adjust automatically when you resize the VM window.
Step 5: Post-Installation Optimization
After logging into your new Ubuntu system, perform these final steps:
- Update the system: Open the Terminal in Ubuntu and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yThis fetches the latest security patches and software updates. Then run:sudo snap refreshThis will update all the applications to the latest version.
- Configure shared features: In VirtualBox settings for the VM, enable Shared Folders (for example, adding your Documents folder) and set the clipboard sharing to Bidirectional. These settings allow easy file and text exchange between macOS and Ubuntu.
- Change Screen Resolution: If you like, you can change your screen resolution. To do that, right-click on the desktop and click on Display Settings. Under resolution, you can opt. for the best resolution for your Ubuntu system.
Your Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox is now ready for use. You can resize the window, copy-paste between the two systems, and share files as needed. Enjoy working with Ubuntu on your Mac!
Complete Video Tutorial:
Conclusion: Why Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox is a Game-Changer
With VirtualBox 7.1+ now supporting Apple Silicon, running Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox is both possible and practical. This cross-platform setup is ideal for:
- Developers and IT professionals: who need a Linux environment for testing or development while retaining their macOS workflow.
- Students and educators: learning Linux administration without altering the Mac’s system.
- Hobbyists and power users: exploring the latest Ubuntu features on Apple hardware without committing to a dual-boot.
VirtualBox’s flexibility allows you to experiment freely — you can clone VMs, take snapshots before major changes, and easily adjust CPU/RAM settings on the fly. Ubuntu 25 itself brings updated software and strong ARM support. Most importantly, this method avoids dual-booting or repartitioning, so your macOS installation remains untouched. Embrace the power of virtualization to expand your computing capabilities: running Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox combines the strengths of both platforms in one versatile environment.
You can also read: How to Install Kali Linux on MAC Using UTM (Apple Silicon): Beginner’s Guide
Pro Tips for Advanced Users
- Use Shared Folders: In VirtualBox Devices > Shared Folders, add a folder from macOS. Ubuntu will be able to access files in that folder, simplifying data transfer.
- Enable Bidirectional Clipboard: In the VM settings (General > Advanced), set Shared Clipboard to Bidirectional. This lets you copy and paste text between macOS and Ubuntu seamlessly.
- Allocate More Resources: If Ubuntu feels slow, shut down the VM and increase its RAM or CPU cores under Settings > System. More resources can improve performance for heavy tasks.
- Take Snapshots: Before making major changes (like installing new software), use Machine > Take Snapshot. This lets you revert the VM to a previous state if something goes wrong.
- Keep Software Updated: Periodically update VirtualBox itself (and the Extension Pack). Newer versions often include bug fixes and better Apple Silicon support, which can improve stability.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully bridged macOS and Ubuntu 25 on MAC using VirtualBox. This setup grants you the flexibility to harness Linux’s open-source ecosystem while maintaining macOS’s reliability—ideal for coding, server simulations, or exploring Linux distributions risk-free.
We encourage you to experiment with Ubuntu’s vast repository of software via the App Center and customize your environment to suit your needs. For further optimization, delve into VirtualBox’s documentation or join forums like Ask Ubuntu for community support.
With these tips and the steps above, you now have a robust Ubuntu 25 setup running on your Mac. Whether you’re coding, learning, or testing new software, this virtualization approach gives you the best of both macOS and Ubuntu.
You can also read: How to Install Kali Linux 2025 on VirtualBox (macOS) – Beginner’s Guide
