VirtualBox is a free program that allows you to install and run a different operating system within another OS. In this case, you will be able to install Windows OS on your Mac and run any of its software and applications. In other words, think of it as a free windows emulator for mac which allows you to take full advantage of various Windows OS software and applications without ever damaging or changing the software and hardware of your main operating system. It is also an open-source license software, which implies that you can customize it to optimize the performance of your virtual machine. Some of its most notable features include but not limited to:

  • Guest Additions: Virtualbox's guest additions extend the integration between the host and guest systems. They include device drivers and system applications that optimize the operating system for better performance and utilization. For instance, you can share folders, and extend screen resolution to a maximum of 64,000 x 64,000 and also enjoy multiscreen operations.
  • Multiscreen Resolutions: Multiple monitors offer all sorts of benefits - even for the ultimate, huge goals - ranging from productivity enhancements to the versatility of desktop placement.
  • Remote Display: VirtualBox can display virtual machines remotely, which means that a virtual machine can run on a computer while being displayed on a second computer monitor. Moreover, you can control it from there, as if the virtual machine was running on that second computer.

Step 1: Download Windows 10 ISO

You'll have to download the Windows 10 installation disk image (.ISO). All this is very simple and 100% free - whether or not you have a Windows 10 license. The first step is to find Windows 10 ISO Image from Microsoft. Download Windows Installer from the official sources and you will be ready to move on with the next steps.

Step 2: Download and Install VirtualBox for macOS

Visit the VirtualBox website. To do this, simply click on this link. You arrive on the homepage of VirtualBox, where you will be able to download the DMG file of VirtualBox. Once the VirtualBox DMG file has been downloaded, double click on this file to install it.

Install VirtualBox on macOS Catalina

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

Once installed successfully, you can go ahead and create a virtual machine. And there is nothing complicated about it.

Start Virtualbox and click on "New" in the program window. In our example, we want to install Windows 10. In this step, you determine how much memory the virtual PC should have. For Windows 10, at least 2 GB is recommended.

Guest and Memory

After allocating, click on "Next" to allocate hard disk space for the virtual machine (VM). The option "Create hard disk" is preset. Click on "Create" and then copy the disk type "VMDK" as well as in the subsequent dialog "Dynamically Allocated".

Hard Disk and File Type

Confirm with "Next". The size is preset to 50 GB to 100 GB for Windows 10. Click on "Create". The wizard will then close, and a new virtual machine will be created.

Dynamically allocated and Disk Size

Step 4: Add Windows 10 ISO Image to VirtualBox

If a virtual machine has been created, you will see the respective settings in different areas in the right-hand pane. Under Mass Storage, select the CD/DVD icon and include the Windows 10 ISO image file.

Add Windows 10 ISO Image to VirtualBox

Open Display Tabs, click on "Enable 3D Acceleration".

Enable 3D Acceleration in VirtualBox

Step 5: Run Windows 10 Emulator

Start the new virtual PC you've created by double-clicking on the menu on the left in the bar or by clicking on the green icon at the top of the Virtualbox console.

Then boot the setup using the ISO file you created, and the installation of Windows 10 will start. It does not differ from the usual procedure for a real PC. Copying the data from the ISO image and setting up Windows 10 takes about 20 minutes.

Install Windows Emulator on Mac

Follow the wizard instructions and complete the setup. Once through, the new virtual PC with Windows 10 operating system will be fully functional.

Run Windows 10 on macOS Catalina

Step 6: Install Guest Tool

Once the installation is done, you should install the guest extensions from Virtualbox. Start the virtual PC. On the Devices menu, click Install Guest Extensions. The setup wizard opens. Follow the wizard instructions and complete the setup.

Install VirtualBox Guest Addition

At the end of this process, Windows OS will have successfully been installed on your Mac. This free windows emulator for mac will allow you to run any software and applications designed for windows directly on your Mac. Just make sure that you follow all the instructions as indicated in this guide.