10-13-2023, 11:09 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-22-2025, 06:35 PM by savas@BackupChain.)
So, you want to access the BIOS of a VirtualBox VM? It’s a straightforward process once you get the hang of it, and I’m here to guide you through it like I would with a buddy. Accessing the BIOS is crucial when you need to change settings that are not available from the operating system itself. Things like boot order, virtualization settings, or enabling/disabling certain hardware components come to mind. Let's get into it.
First off, you need to have your VirtualBox up and running. Make sure you have a VM set up because that’s where we’ll focus. If you don’t have one already, you’ll want to create it. I know it can be tempting to skip this step, but trust me, having that VM ready is essential for the process.
Once your VM is created and you’ve got everything set, open VirtualBox and find your virtual machine in the list. You really can’t miss it if you’ve given it a name you’ll remember. Click on it. You’ll see a bunch of options there, among which you need to look for the “Settings” button; it’s usually at the top with a gear icon. Click that button and you’ll bring up the configuration menu.
Now, here’s the part that might trip you up. BIOS is something we need to access at boot time, not when the operating system is already running. So, there’s a little trick to do here: you’ll need to ensure that your VM is shut down completely. Just closing it or putting it in a saved state won’t work. If it’s running or saved, you won’t be able to access the BIOS.
If your VM is powered off and you’re still in the settings menu, go ahead and close that for now—just keep in mind your settings because you might want to tweak a few things later. Now, it’s time to start the VM by clicking the “Start” button in the toolbar.
This part can be a bit tricky, so pay close attention. As soon as you click “Start,” you need to be quick! Right after you start the VM, you’ll see the VirtualBox splash screen—this is your cue to hit the right key to enter the BIOS. The key you need to press is usually F2, but sometimes it might be another key depending on the specific configuration you set up or the guest operating system you've chosen. It might also help to have your fingers poised over that key, ready to hit it as soon as the splash screen appears.
Now, if you miss it and the operating system starts booting, don’t worry; it happens to the best of us. You can just shut down the VM again and give it another go. It’s really important to time it right. If I had a dollar for every time I missed it, I'd probably have enough to buy a solid coffee machine!
Once you successfully hit that key at the right moment, you should see the BIOS setup screen pop up. This is where the fun begins. You can change a bunch of settings depending on what you need to do. If you’re looking to change the boot order, that’s usually found under the “Boot” tab. Just use the arrow keys to move and the Enter key to select what you want.
If you’re planning to set up network boot options or even adjust the processor settings, it can all be configured right here. Take your time to understand what each setting does, as this will help not only with this VM but with your overall understanding of system settings in general. Sometimes, I like to keep a notebook nearby to jot down notes if I’m working on something intricate.
After you’re done making changes in the BIOS, make sure to save those changes before you exit. There’s typically an option that says “Save and Exit.” If you wish to discard changes, There’s an option for that, too, so just pick what makes sense for your situation. When you exit the BIOS, your VM will continue booting into the operating system with the changes you made.
Another handy tip is to keep an eye on VirtualBox updates and the components related to it. Sometimes, the experience may be slightly different due to updates or changes in newer versions. Always check the documentation for any extra features or settings that may come with version upgrades. Getting familiar with these updates will significantly enhance how you approach managing your VMs.
When you're working within a VM environment, it's mostly about experimentation. Don’t hesitate to try different settings. If something doesn’t go as planned, you can always go back into the BIOS and revert to the original settings. That's the beauty of using a VM.
At this point, you’re probably feeling more confident about accessing the BIOS. It’s a skill that, once you master it, really expands your toolkit as an IT professional. You’ll be able to handle configurations that others might shy away from or not even know about.
One last tip—sometimes, if you want to preset the VM to boot with a specific disk or device, you can configure those settings within the VirtualBox Manager without needing to access the BIOS every time you start your VM. Just explore the storage and system settings in the VM settings menu for this.
Finally, let’s touch a bit on backups. When you’re experimenting with BIOS settings and VM configurations, it’s a good idea to think about backup solutions. That’s where tools like BackupChain come handy. It provides an efficient way to back up your VirtualBox VMs, so you can easily restore them if anything goes wrong. With features such as incremental backups, you can save on storage while ensuring that you have the essential data you may need down the line. It’s straightforward and integrates seamlessly with VirtualBox, which means less hassle for you. Always remember, when working in tech, having that safety net is invaluable!
![[Image: backupchain-backup-software-technical-support.jpg]](https://backup.education/images/backupchain-backup-software-technical-support.jpg)
First off, you need to have your VirtualBox up and running. Make sure you have a VM set up because that’s where we’ll focus. If you don’t have one already, you’ll want to create it. I know it can be tempting to skip this step, but trust me, having that VM ready is essential for the process.
Once your VM is created and you’ve got everything set, open VirtualBox and find your virtual machine in the list. You really can’t miss it if you’ve given it a name you’ll remember. Click on it. You’ll see a bunch of options there, among which you need to look for the “Settings” button; it’s usually at the top with a gear icon. Click that button and you’ll bring up the configuration menu.
Now, here’s the part that might trip you up. BIOS is something we need to access at boot time, not when the operating system is already running. So, there’s a little trick to do here: you’ll need to ensure that your VM is shut down completely. Just closing it or putting it in a saved state won’t work. If it’s running or saved, you won’t be able to access the BIOS.
If your VM is powered off and you’re still in the settings menu, go ahead and close that for now—just keep in mind your settings because you might want to tweak a few things later. Now, it’s time to start the VM by clicking the “Start” button in the toolbar.
This part can be a bit tricky, so pay close attention. As soon as you click “Start,” you need to be quick! Right after you start the VM, you’ll see the VirtualBox splash screen—this is your cue to hit the right key to enter the BIOS. The key you need to press is usually F2, but sometimes it might be another key depending on the specific configuration you set up or the guest operating system you've chosen. It might also help to have your fingers poised over that key, ready to hit it as soon as the splash screen appears.
Now, if you miss it and the operating system starts booting, don’t worry; it happens to the best of us. You can just shut down the VM again and give it another go. It’s really important to time it right. If I had a dollar for every time I missed it, I'd probably have enough to buy a solid coffee machine!
Once you successfully hit that key at the right moment, you should see the BIOS setup screen pop up. This is where the fun begins. You can change a bunch of settings depending on what you need to do. If you’re looking to change the boot order, that’s usually found under the “Boot” tab. Just use the arrow keys to move and the Enter key to select what you want.
If you’re planning to set up network boot options or even adjust the processor settings, it can all be configured right here. Take your time to understand what each setting does, as this will help not only with this VM but with your overall understanding of system settings in general. Sometimes, I like to keep a notebook nearby to jot down notes if I’m working on something intricate.
After you’re done making changes in the BIOS, make sure to save those changes before you exit. There’s typically an option that says “Save and Exit.” If you wish to discard changes, There’s an option for that, too, so just pick what makes sense for your situation. When you exit the BIOS, your VM will continue booting into the operating system with the changes you made.
Another handy tip is to keep an eye on VirtualBox updates and the components related to it. Sometimes, the experience may be slightly different due to updates or changes in newer versions. Always check the documentation for any extra features or settings that may come with version upgrades. Getting familiar with these updates will significantly enhance how you approach managing your VMs.
When you're working within a VM environment, it's mostly about experimentation. Don’t hesitate to try different settings. If something doesn’t go as planned, you can always go back into the BIOS and revert to the original settings. That's the beauty of using a VM.
At this point, you’re probably feeling more confident about accessing the BIOS. It’s a skill that, once you master it, really expands your toolkit as an IT professional. You’ll be able to handle configurations that others might shy away from or not even know about.
One last tip—sometimes, if you want to preset the VM to boot with a specific disk or device, you can configure those settings within the VirtualBox Manager without needing to access the BIOS every time you start your VM. Just explore the storage and system settings in the VM settings menu for this.
Finally, let’s touch a bit on backups. When you’re experimenting with BIOS settings and VM configurations, it’s a good idea to think about backup solutions. That’s where tools like BackupChain come handy. It provides an efficient way to back up your VirtualBox VMs, so you can easily restore them if anything goes wrong. With features such as incremental backups, you can save on storage while ensuring that you have the essential data you may need down the line. It’s straightforward and integrates seamlessly with VirtualBox, which means less hassle for you. Always remember, when working in tech, having that safety net is invaluable!
