Hey guys! Want to run Microsoft Edge on a Windows 10 virtual machine using VirtualBox? You're in the right spot! This guide will walk you through downloading and setting it up, step by step. Let's dive in!

Why Run Microsoft Edge in VirtualBox?

Before we get started, let's quickly cover why you might want to do this. Running a browser like Microsoft Edge in a virtual machine can be super useful for a few reasons:

• Testing: If you're a web developer, you can test your websites and web apps in a clean environment, ensuring compatibility with different browser versions and configurations.
• Security: A virtual machine provides an extra layer of security. If you accidentally download something nasty, it's contained within the VM and won't mess up your main system. It's like having a digital sandbox!
• Privacy: You can configure your VM with different privacy settings and use it for browsing activities where you want an extra layer of anonymity.
• Compatibility: Sometimes, you might need to use an older version of a browser for specific tasks. A VM lets you run these older versions without affecting your primary system.

Now that we know why it's useful, let's get to the how-to part!

Prerequisites

Before we jump into the actual download and setup, make sure you have the following ready:

1. VirtualBox: If you don't already have it, download and install VirtualBox from the official website. It's free and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Go grab the latest version here.
2. Windows 10 ISO: You'll need a Windows 10 ISO file. You can download one from Microsoft's website. Just head over to the Microsoft Software Download page and follow the instructions to download the ISO. You might need a valid product key to activate Windows, though you can use it for a limited time without activation for testing purposes. Download it from here.
3. Sufficient System Resources: Make sure your computer has enough RAM and storage. A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 4GB of RAM and 20GB of storage to your virtual machine for decent performance.

Once you've got these prerequisites sorted, you're ready to roll!

Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading and Setting Up Microsoft Edge in VirtualBox

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

1. Open VirtualBox: Launch VirtualBox on your computer.
2. Click "New": Click the "New" button in the VirtualBox manager to start creating a new virtual machine. This will open the VM creation wizard.
3. Name and OS: Give your VM a name (e.g., "Windows 10 Edge"). Select "Microsoft Windows" as the type and "Windows 10 (64-bit)" as the version. Make sure you choose the 64-bit version if your system supports it!
4. Memory Size: Allocate RAM to your VM. As mentioned earlier, 4GB (4096MB) is a good starting point. You can increase this if you have more RAM available on your system. More RAM means smoother performance.
5. Hard Disk: Choose "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click "Create". This will create a new virtual hard disk for your VM. It's like giving your VM its own little hard drive.
6. Hard Disk File Type: Select "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" as the hard disk file type. This is the default and works perfectly fine.
7. Storage on Physical Hard Disk: Choose "Dynamically allocated". This means the virtual hard disk file will grow as you add data to it, rather than taking up the full allocated space from the start. It's more efficient.
8. File Location and Size: Choose a location to save the virtual hard disk file and set the size. 20GB is usually sufficient, but you can allocate more if you plan to install a lot of software. Click "Create" to finish.

Step 2: Install Windows 10 on the Virtual Machine

1. Select Your VM: In the VirtualBox manager, select the virtual machine you just created (e.g., "Windows 10 Edge") and click "Start". This will power on the VM.
2. Select Start-up Disk: You'll be prompted to select a start-up disk. Click the folder icon and browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file. Select the ISO and click "Open", then click "Start". This tells the VM to boot from the ISO file.
3. Windows Setup: The Windows 10 setup process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows. This includes selecting your language, time zone, and keyboard layout.
4. Product Key: You'll be asked to enter a product key. If you have one, enter it. If not, you can skip this step and use Windows in trial mode for a limited time. It's handy for testing!
5. Installation Type: Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)". This gives you more control over the installation.
6. Disk Partition: Select the virtual hard disk you created earlier and click "Next". Windows will start installing.
7. Wait: The installation process will take some time, so sit back and relax. Grab a coffee or watch an episode of your favorite show. Patience is key here!

Step 3: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

Once Windows 10 is installed and you've logged in, you'll want to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions. These are a set of drivers and system applications that optimize the performance of the virtual machine and provide better integration with your host system.

1. Insert Guest Additions CD Image: In the VirtualBox window, go to "Devices" in the menu bar and click "Insert Guest Additions CD image...". This mounts the Guest Additions ISO file as a virtual CD drive in your VM.
2. Open File Explorer: Open File Explorer in Windows 10 (you can press Win + E).
3. Navigate to CD Drive: Go to the CD drive (usually labeled as "VirtualBox Guest Additions").
4. Run VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe: Double-click the VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe file to start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions. You might need to grant administrative privileges.
5. Reboot: After the installation is complete, reboot the virtual machine. This is important to load the new drivers.

Step 4: Download and Install Microsoft Edge

Now that you have Windows 10 up and running in VirtualBox, you can download and install Microsoft Edge. Here’s how:

1. Open the Default Browser: Open the default browser in Windows 10 (usually the old version of Edge).
2. Go to Microsoft Edge Download Page: Navigate to the official Microsoft Edge download page here.
3. Download Edge: Click the "Download for Windows 10" button. This will download the Edge installer.
4. Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Edge. The installation process is pretty straightforward.
5. Launch Microsoft Edge: After the installation, launch Microsoft Edge from the Start Menu or the desktop shortcut.

Step 5: Configure Microsoft Edge (Optional)

Once Microsoft Edge is installed, you can configure it to your liking. This includes setting your default search engine, importing bookmarks, and installing extensions.

1. Customize Settings: Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top-right corner to access the settings menu.
2. Set Default Search Engine: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy, search, and services" and scroll down to "Address bar and search". Choose your preferred search engine from the dropdown menu. Google, DuckDuckGo, you name it!
3. Import Bookmarks: If you want to import bookmarks from another browser, go to "Settings" > "Import browser data" and follow the instructions.
4. Install Extensions: To install extensions, go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store and browse for the extensions you want. Click "Get" to install them. Extensions can add extra functionality to your browser.

Tips for Optimizing Performance

Running a virtual machine can be resource-intensive. Here are some tips to optimize the performance of your Microsoft Edge in VirtualBox setup:

• Allocate More RAM: If you have enough RAM, allocate more to the virtual machine. This can significantly improve performance. Don't go overboard, though – leave enough RAM for your host system.
• Enable 3D Acceleration: In the VirtualBox settings for your VM, go to "Display" and enable "3D Acceleration". This can improve graphics performance, especially for web applications that use 3D graphics.
• Install Guest Additions: Make sure you've installed the VirtualBox Guest Additions, as they include optimized drivers for better performance.
• Use a Lightweight Antivirus: A heavy antivirus can slow down your VM. Consider using a lightweight antivirus or disabling it altogether if you're just using the VM for testing.
• Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable any unnecessary services in Windows 10 to free up resources. You can do this through the Task Manager or the Services app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things might not go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Slow Performance: If your VM is running slowly, try allocating more RAM, enabling 3D acceleration, and closing unnecessary applications on your host system.
• Network Issues: If you can't access the internet in your VM, make sure your network adapter is configured correctly in VirtualBox settings. You might need to use NAT or Bridged Adapter mode.
• Display Issues: If the display is not showing correctly, try installing the VirtualBox Guest Additions or adjusting the display settings in Windows 10.
• Activation Issues: If you're having trouble activating Windows 10, make sure you have a valid product key and that your VM is connected to the internet.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've successfully downloaded and set up Microsoft Edge on a Windows 10 virtual machine using VirtualBox. Now you can enjoy testing, browsing, and exploring in a safe and isolated environment. Remember to keep your VirtualBox and Windows 10 installations updated for the best performance and security. Happy virtual browsing, guys!