As we begin 2025, I’m excited to share how I’ve revamped my development environment to make the most of virtual machines (VMs) running in VirtualBox. The foundation of my setup revolves around Windows 11 Home on an older Dell gaming PC, complemented by multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Debian, running as VMs. This new approach has significantly improved my workflow, stability, and overall productivity.
Why Virtualization with VirtualBox?
Virtualization has become a game-changer in the world of software development. By isolating various tasks and projects in virtual machines, I can optimize each environment without worrying about conflicts or system limitations. One of the most compelling aspects of running VMs in VirtualBox is the ability to take snapshots or clones, making backups simple and ensuring I can quickly restore a perfectly configured system.
Host OS: Windows 11 Home on an Older Dell Gaming PC
I chose Windows 11 Home as my host operating system, installed on an older Dell gaming PC. While many Linux enthusiasts prefer pure Linux setups, Windows 11 provides significant advantages when paired with hardware like NVIDIA graphics cards.
Additionally, Windows 11 offers reliable wake-up features—even after the system has been suspended for extended periods. This reliability extends to Bluetooth devices, which work seamlessly with my Bluetooth keyboard, a feature that wasn’t as reliable when using Linux.
Virtualized Linux: Ubuntu & Debian for Different Purposes
While Windows 11 serves as my host OS, I run several Linux distributions in VirtualBox to take advantage of the flexibility that Linux offers. So far, I’ve installed two instances of Ubuntu and two instances of Debian, each serving distinct purposes.
- Ubuntu for Development: One of my Ubuntu VMs is dedicated to web and software development, where I benefit from its ability to install a minimal OS and choose the exact software I need. Ubuntu 24.10 also provides me with fairly recent software like Thunderbird 128.6, which I consider the best version to date.
- Debian for Stability: The second Ubuntu VM is for testing and experimentation, while my Debian VMs are focused on stability. Debian ships with older but stable packages, making it an excellent choice for long-term use, where I prefer less frequent updates and greater reliability.
The key benefit of using Debian over Ubuntu is the ease with which I can remove unnecessary software. I strip down the Gnome environment, leaving only the terminal and browser. This minimalism gives me more control and a fast performance.
Backup & Recovery: Cloning & Snapshots
One of the most valuable advantages of running a virtualized environment is the ability to back up virtual machines. I find that setting up a VM to my exact specifications can be time-consuming. However, once it’s configured to perfection, I can either take a snapshot or clone the machine for safekeeping. This means I can restore my system to its optimal state whenever needed, without the hassle of reconfiguring everything.
Local Web Server with Debian
Next on my agenda is turning one of my Debian VMs into a local web server. I plan to host 50 WordPress sites, several PHP websites, and a few Django projects on this server. VirtualBox makes it easy to set up bridged networking, ensuring smooth communication between my host OS and the VMs, which is crucial for server-related tasks.
Windows 11 Virtualization: A One-Time Experiment
While I’ve successfully installed and run Windows 11 as a virtual machine in VirtualBox, I don’t plan on virtualizing Windows long-term. Instead, I’ve chosen to dedicate one of my physical machines to Windows 11, allowing me to switch between Linux and Windows as needed. This gives me the best of both worlds: I get the stability and customization of Linux for certain tasks and the impressive performance of Windows 11 for others.
Why Windows 11 Over Linux for Some Tasks?
I’ve always been a strong advocate of Linux—I started using it back in 1999—but there are tasks where I find Windows 11 to be more reliable. For instance, when using NVIDIA graphics cards, I’ve found that Windows offers better driver support and performance. Additionally, Windows provides a more polished experience when it comes to things like suspending and resuming the system, along with Bluetooth device management.
Since reverting two of my four PCs to Windows 11, I’ve noticed a dramatic improvement in my productivity. I spend far less time troubleshooting issues and more time creating. It’s a huge relief to have a stable environment where things simply work.
The Future of VirtualBox: Exciting Times Ahead
VirtualBox has become an indispensable tool in my workflow. I’m constantly amazed at how easy it is to set up bridged networking, clone VMs, and create isolated environments for different tasks. The flexibility and performance of this tool make it an ideal choice for development setups.
As virtualization continues to grow in popularity, I’m excited to see how it can further enhance productivity and system management in the coming years. The ability to run multiple operating systems and configure each VM to suit my needs has undoubtedly boosted my efficiency and given me back time I once spent fixing Linux problems. It’s truly an exciting time to be working in tech.