VirtualBox

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for setting up a new Virtual Machine (VM) and installing ParrotOS using VirtualBox.

Prerequisites

If you are using Windows or macOS, download the latest VirtualBox installer from the official website.

On GNU/Linux environments, you can install it via the terminal:

sudo apt update sudo apt install virtualbox virtualbox-ext-pack

Ensure you have downloaded the ParrotOS ISO of your choice from the official download page.

Creating a New Virtual Machine

Once VirtualBox is installed, launch the application and click on New to create a new virtual machine.

1. Name and Operating System

Enter Parrot OS as the name. Load your downloaded ParrotOS ISO by clicking the dropdown arrow and selecting the file. The Type (Linux) and Version (Debian 64-bit) should be detected automatically.

2. Allocate Memory and CPU

While the OS can run on minimal resources, at least 2 GB of RAM (2048 MB) and 2 CPU cores are strongly recommended for a smooth experience in both the Security and Home Editions.

Choose the best settings based on your host machine's available hardware. Check the Enable EFI box and click Next.

3. Create a Virtual Hard Drive

Select Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now. Set the disk size to at least 20 GB for the Home Edition and 40 GB for the Security Edition.

By default, this creates a Dynamically Allocated Disk. If you prefer the VM to reserve the full storage space immediately for slight performance gains, check Pre-Allocated Full Size.

Review your settings on the summary screen and click Finish.

Modifying VirtualBox Settings

Before starting the installation, optimizing the VM settings ensures better performance and integration with your host machine. Select your new VM and click on Settings.

Shared Clipboard and Drag 'n' Drop

Navigate to General > Advanced. Change both Shared Clipboard and Drag 'n' Drop to Bidirectional. This allows you to copy and paste files or text seamlessly between your host and the Parrot VM.

Processor and PAE/NX

Navigate to System > Processor. Ensure at least 2 cores are allocated (do not allocate more physical cores than your host machine has available).

Check the box to Enable PAE/NX.

Motherboard Options

Navigate to System > Motherboard. Uncheck the Floppy drive option and ensure Enable I/O APIC is checked.

If your host machine has abundant RAM (e.g., 16 GB or more), you can increase the Base Memory allocation here for better VM responsiveness.

Video Memory and 3D Acceleration

Navigate to Display > Screen. Slide the Video Memory up to 128 MB for a responsive desktop environment.

Check the box for Enable 3D Acceleration.

Storage and ISO Loading

Navigate to Storage. Click on the Empty CD icon under the IDE Controller. On the right panel, click the small CD icon and choose your downloaded ParrotOS ISO.

Note

If you only want to test ParrotOS without installing it, check the Live CD/DVD box to run the live environment directly.

Network and USB Settings

Network: The default NAT setting is usually sufficient for internet access.
USB: To enable USB 2.0/3.0 support, ensure you have the VirtualBox Extension Pack installed on your host machine. This also enables Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP) and webcam passthrough.