Running VirtualBox on Mac M1 and M2: A Comprehensive Guide
In recent years, Apple has transitioned its Mac lineup to its in-house Apple Silicon chips, starting with the M1 chip and continuing with the M2 chip. While these chips offer impressive performance and power efficiency, they also present challenges for running certain software, particularly virtualization tools like VirtualBox. However, with the right approach, it is still possible to run VirtualBox on Mac M1 and M2 systems. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get VirtualBox up and running on your Apple Silicon Mac.
1. Understand the Challenges
The primary challenge in running VirtualBox on Apple Silicon Macs lies in the architecture difference between Intel-based Macs and the new ARM-based chips. VirtualBox relies on virtualization technologies such as Intel VT-x and AMD-V, which are not directly compatible with ARM-based processors. As a result, VirtualBox cannot run x86_64 (Intel) virtual machines (VMs) natively on Apple Silicon Macs.
2. Consider Alternatives
Before diving into the process of running VirtualBox on your Mac M1 or M2, consider alternative virtualization solutions that are better optimized for Apple Silicon. One such option is Parallels Desktop for Mac, which offers native support for running Windows and other operating systems on M1 and M2 Macs. VMware Fusion is another popular virtualization tool that supports Apple Silicon Macs.
3. Install Rosetta 2
Since VirtualBox is an Intel-based application, it requires Apple's Rosetta 2 translation layer to run on M1 and M2 Macs. Rosetta 2 enables compatibility with x86_64 software by translating instructions at runtime. You can install Rosetta 2 by running the following command in Terminal:
4. Download and Install VirtualBox
After installing Rosetta 2, you can proceed to download and install VirtualBox from the official website. Ensure that you download the Intel version of VirtualBox since there is no native ARM version available.
5. Install Required Kernel Extensions
VirtualBox requires certain kernel extensions to function properly. However, due to security restrictions on macOS, you may need to manually approve these kernel extensions before they can be loaded. To do this, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General, and click the "Allow" button next to the message about the system extension being blocked.
6. Create Virtual Machines
With VirtualBox installed and kernel extensions approved, you can now create and run virtual machines on your Mac M1 or M2. Keep in mind that since VirtualBox is running through Rosetta 2 translation, performance may not be as optimal as on an Intel-based Mac. However, for basic virtualization needs, it should suffice.
7. Consider Performance Implications
While VirtualBox can run on Apple Silicon Macs with the help of Rosetta 2, it's important to consider the performance implications. Emulation incurs overhead, which can impact the performance of virtual machines, especially for CPU-intensive tasks. For optimal performance, consider using virtualization solutions that are native to Apple Silicon, such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
Conclusion
Running VirtualBox on Mac M1 and M2 systems is possible but comes with certain limitations and performance considerations due to the architectural differences between Intel and ARM-based processors. While VirtualBox can be used for basic virtualization needs, users may want to explore alternative virtualization solutions that offer better optimization for Apple Silicon, such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. With the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up VirtualBox on your Mac M1 or M2 and run x86_64 virtual machines with the help of Rosetta 2 translation.
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