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Virtualbox: Share A Folder in Ubuntu Host to Windows Guest

Last updated: June 3, 2019

Virtualbox

This quick tutorial shows how to share a folder in Virtualbox Ubuntu host and get access within Windows virtual machine.

One of the top things after installed a virtual machine via VirtualBox is how to transfer files between host OS and guest OS. And this can be done via Shared Folder feature.

1. In Virtualbox (6.0.8 in the case), open Settings of the Windows Guest OS. Then do:

  • Navigate to Shared Folders in left pane.
  • Click ‘Adds new shared folder’ button in the right.
  • In next pop-up dialog do:
    • Folder Path, choose a folder in the Host OS to share with.
    • Folder Name, auto generated after chosen folder.
    • Enable ‘Auto-mount‘.
    • Enable ‘Read-only’ if you DON’T want to add/edit the folder files in Guest.
    • Mount point:, leave it empty.

2. Boot up the Guest OS (Windows 7 in the case), and then go to menu Devices -> Insert Guest Additions CD image.

If you don’t see the Guest window menu, press right-Ctrl + C on keyboard.

3. Open Computer, you’ll see CD Driver marked as ‘VirtualBox Guest’.

4. Go to the CD Driver and click install the exe file to bring up guest addition install wizard.

5. Follow the install wizard until done.

6. Finally reboot the Windows guest OS, and shared folder should be there in ‘Computer’

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    I'm a freelance blogger who started using Ubuntu in 2007 and wishes to share my experiences and some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers. Please comment to let me know if the tutorial is outdated! And, notify me if you find any typo/grammar/language mistakes. English is not my native language. Contact me via [email protected] Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/ubuntuhandbook1

    16 responses to Virtualbox: Share A Folder in Ubuntu Host to Windows Guest

    1. Netgear EX6100 Setup June 7, 2019 at 5:40 am

      Definitely, Windows-based systems are more userfriendly rather than using Ubuntu based systems. It is delivering all the tactics for making easy access.

    2. Larry Myerscough June 11, 2019 at 11:29 am

      What an excellent guide! I was up and running and sharing data very quickly.

    3. rgs September 5, 2019 at 8:15 pm

      I was searching the solution for share folder from linux (host) to windows 7 (guest) and your post make it run. Thank you!
      Regards

    4. Diku October 23, 2019 at 9:21 am

      Thanks for this post, It was helpful

    5. alella December 28, 2019 at 7:00 am

      thanks.
      very simple and so good.

    6. Kari January 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      Many thanks. Excellent guide.

    7. Ben February 6, 2020 at 2:40 am

      thanks mate!

    8. Ib February 22, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      Thanks simple and easy

    9. Dalbir Singh February 25, 2020 at 9:30 am

      To the point. Thanks for this easy article.

    10. jenny March 3, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      thanks, very straightforward guide and clear instruction.

    11. Gu October 6, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Tanks work perfectly

    12. Helmut S. November 9, 2021 at 9:45 am

      Excellent tutorial. Works fine for OpenSuse and Windows 10 as well. Kudos and thanks!

    13. Cheesus Mensas November 25, 2021 at 10:27 pm

      Excellent tutorial and straight to the point

    14. Sleepy Papi February 6, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      I have been searching for this solution for a few days. Thank you. It works perfectly

    15. Juan Carlos February 14, 2022 at 2:02 am

      ¡Gracias!

    16. a7na ghit talaba February 24, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you man you saved me an hour of my life <3
      Wish I could donate somehow .
      (wa5a 7na ghiiir talaba)