VirtualBox as a Linux alternative to Windows Subsystem for Linux
Updated
Our verdict
VirtualBox is a functional but heavier alternative to WSL. It runs full Linux distributions in isolated VMs rather than integrating directly with the host. For users who need strict isolation, snapshots, or multi-OS support, it works well. However, if you relied on WSL for instant startup and native terminal integration, VirtualBox feels slower and more cumbersome. It is best for developers who need a complete Linux environment with GUI support or those migrating from Windows who want a familiar virtualization interface, but it lacks the tight OS-level integration of WSL.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 7.2.20
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Runs standard Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora
- Supports package managers like apt and dnf
- Provides a terminal and shell access
- Allows file sharing between host and guest
- Free and open-source software
What is different
- VirtualBox uses full virtualization, requiring more RAM and CPU resources than WSL's lightweight container-like approach
- Boot times are significantly slower in VirtualBox compared to WSL's near-instant startup
- Lacks native integration with Windows host tools and terminal, requiring separate windows or RDP for GUI apps
- File access is slower due to shared folder protocols rather than direct filesystem integration
- Requires manual configuration for networking and USB pass-through
Opening your Windows Subsystem for Linux files
WSL files are stored in ext4 virtual disk files (vhdx) on Windows. VirtualBox does not natively open these vhdx files as primary boot disks without conversion. You can convert the vhdx to a VDI or VMDK using tools like qemu-img, then attach it to a VirtualBox VM. However, the filesystem structure is preserved, so your data remains accessible once the VM is running, though performance will differ from native WSL access.
Switching from Windows Subsystem for Linux to VirtualBox, step by step
- Install VirtualBox and the desired Linux distribution ISO
- Create a new VM with adequate RAM and CPU allocation
- Convert the WSL vhdx file to VDI format using qemu-img if you want to reuse existing data
- Attach the converted disk or install a fresh Linux system
- Install Guest Additions for better performance and shared folders
- Configure shared folders to access host files
Key features of VirtualBox
- Support for Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris guests
- Snapshot and cloning capabilities
- Seamless mode and shared folders
- USB 2.0/3.0 pass‑through (extension pack)
- Virtual networking (NAT, bridged, host‑only)
- Command‑line interface (VBoxManage)
- Guest Additions for improved performance
- Cross‑platform GUI
How to install VirtualBox on Linux
sudo apt install virtualboxsudo apt install virtualbox-guest-additions-isosudo dnf install virtualbox-guest-additionssudo pacman -S virtualboxsudo zypper install virtualboxFrequently asked questions
Is VirtualBox slower than WSL?
Yes, significantly. WSL uses kernel integration for fast I/O and startup. VirtualBox runs a full OS, so boot times are longer and disk I/O is slower, especially over shared folders.
Can I run GUI applications from VirtualBox Linux on my Linux host?
Yes, you can install X11 or Wayland forwarding tools, or use RDP/VNC. However, it is not as seamless as WSL's native GUI integration, requiring extra configuration for smooth performance.
Do I need to reinstall all my packages?
If you convert your WSL vhdx disk, your packages and data are preserved. If you do a fresh install, you will need to reinstall everything. Converting is recommended to save time.
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