Unable to install guest additions in VirtualBox

You may not be able to install guest additions to a virtual machine in Oracle VirtualBox. When we click on Devices>Install Guest Additions CD Image, it just throws an error as shown below:

VirtualBox-Error: Unable to insert virtual disc

C: Program FilesOracleVirtualBoxVBoxGuestAdditions.iso into the ubuntu machine

In this article, we will learn what to do when you cannot install guest additions in VirtualBox.

Cannot install guest additions in VirtualBox

If you are unable to install guest additions in VirtualBox, follow the solutions mentioned below.

Restart your virtual machine

Delete the Guest Addition ISO file and try to install again

Install Guest Add from Terminal

Make sure there are no problems with the added guests

Reinstall VirtualBox

Let’s talk about it in detail.

1]Restart your virtual machine

Sometimes, guest addition installation may fail due to certain issues. These problems can usually be solved by simply restarting the computer. Therefore, it is recommended that you go ahead and shut down your computer and then restart it. Then try installing Guest Additions again and see if the problem is resolved.

2] Delete the guest additional ISO file and try installing again

VirtualBox cannot register due to already installed guest additions. When trying to force the same action, I get an error. To resolve this issue, delete the previously attached ISO file and try reinstalling.

To perform the same operation, first, shut down your virtual machine, then select it and go to the correct section. Find the storage and right-click on the VBoxGuestAdditions.iso file (it can have a different name) and select Remove disk from virtual drive.

Alternatively, right-click your virtual machine and select Settings. Go to Storage > Controller: IDE, right-click on the guest-added ISO file and select Remove Attachment.

After removing the guest add-on disc, power on your computer, go to the Devices tab, and click Insert Guest Add-on Disc Image. Then follow the on-screen instructions to fully install the image.

3]Install Guest Add

from the terminal

If you cannot install Guest Add in the regular way, please try installing it in the terminal. You need to first use your Linux file manager to navigate to the 'CD' drive so you can actually see the installation files, then launch the Terminal application from that location and run the following command.

Sudo sh./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

Finally, check if the problem has been resolved.

4] Make sure there is no problem with guest adding files

If all else fails, you need to ask your IT administrator or reinstall guest additions as the file itself may be corrupted and therefore you cannot mount it. Once you have the correct files, follow our guide to install VirtualBox Guest Additions.

5]Reinstall VirtualBox

If there is no problem with the customer image ISO file, we must reinstall the VirtualBox application. Sometimes, some important parts are left out during the installation process for no apparent reason, but reinstalling the application will install all the missing elements and resolve the issue. You need to follow the steps mentioned below to perform the same.

• Open "Settings".
• Go to Apps & Installed Apps or Apps & App Features.
• Search for "Oracle VirtualBox".
  • Windows 11: Click the three vertical dots, then click Uninstall.
  • Windows 10: Select the app and click Uninstall.
• Click Uninstall again to confirm your action.

Finally, go to Virtualbox.org, download a new copy, install it on your computer, and check if the problem is resolved.

Hope you can solve this problem with the solutions mentioned in this article.

Read: How to speed up a VirtualBox virtual machine and make it run faster?

How to enable guest additions in VirtualBox?

To install VirtualBox’s guest additions feature, start your virtual machine and log in to the guest operating system. Then, click on the Devices menu on the VirtualBox window and select "Insert Guest Additions CD Image". This will launch a dialog box on your guest operating system asking you to run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions and accept the default options to complete the installation.

Read: How to install MacOS in VirtualBox for Windows?

How to fix VirtualBox guest addition not working?

If VirtualBox guest additions don't work, they were not installed correctly. You need to delete the ISO files and re-add them. However, follow the solutions in the order given earlier and you will be able to solve the problem in no time.

Also Read: How to convert Virtual Machine to Physical Machine.

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