How To Install Windows 7 on VirtualBox and Relive the Past

1. How To Bring Back the Classic Windows 7 Experience Using VirtualBox

Remember the iconic Windows 7 startup screen—the one with the flowing flag logo? For many, it marked their very first encounter with computers. While we’ve all moved on to newer systems, the charm of Windows 7 still holds a special place. This article walks you through how to install Windows 7 inside Oracle VirtualBox, allowing you to relive or explore this nostalgic operating system.

2. How To Prepare: What You’ll Need

Before we begin, make sure to have the following:

1. – Oracle VirtualBox: Download and install the free virtualization software from [virtualbox.org](https://www.virtualbox.org).
2. – Windows 7 ISO File: This is the installation disc image for the Windows 7 operating system.

3. How To Create the Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

1. Launch VirtualBox and click the “Tools” tab on the left.
2. On the right, select “New” to create a new virtual machine.
3. In the pop-up window:
   – Enter a name like “Windows 7 Legacy”.
   – Choose a folder to save the virtual machine files.
   – Select the Windows 7 ISO file as the installation source.
4. Check the box labeled “Skip Unattended Installation” to proceed manually.
5. Expand the Hardware section:
   – Allocate 8GB RAM.
   – Assign 8 CPU cores.
   – Set the hard disk size to at least 50GB.
6. Click Finish to create the virtual machine.

4. How To Install Windows 7 Step-by-Step

1. Select the newly created virtual machine from the left panel and click Start.
2. A window will launch with the Windows 7 installer loaded.
3. Click Next, then click Install Now.
4. Accept the license terms and click Next.
5. Choose the Custom (advanced) installation type.
6. Select the 50GB virtual hard disk and click Next.
7. Let the installation process run—this will take several minutes.

5. How To Complete the Setup and Login

Once installation completes, Windows will prompt you to create a username—type something like “hello” and continue. You’ll be guided through the rest of the initial setup until you reach the classic Windows 7 desktop.

6. How To Summarize the Experience

Compared to installing modern systems like Windows 10 or 11, setting up Windows 7 is refreshingly straightforward. More than just a technical task, it’s a nostalgic trip that helps you reconnect with your early digital experiences.

7. Demo Video

You can watch the following demo video by select the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.