Don’t worry, Oracle VirtualBox VMs actually will run Windows 11
Windows 11 will only run in virtual machines that offer TPM 2.0 support
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Oracle has confirmed it is working on a new version of its VirtualBoxVM softwarethat will adhere to thenew Windows 11 requirements.
Speaking toTechRadar Proover email, an Oracle spokesperson explained the company is currently working on a “virtualTPMemulation feature” for VirtualBox 7, which will allow the software to runWindows 11in a virtual machine.
Oracle could not say precisely when the new version will be ready, but wanted to assure customers that the necessary work is underway and that future VirtualBox releases will supportMicrosoft’s newoperating system(which is set to launch on October 5).
Separately, Oracle also appears to bedeveloping a new driverthat could act as a workaround of sorts. By passing through the TPM on a host machine, VirtualBox could remain in line withWindows 11requirements without providing a fully-fledged virtual TPM.
Windows 11 TPM requirements
Last week, Microsoft ruffled a few feathers with the news that Windows 11 would no longer run on all virtual machine software. Oracle VirtualBox was one of the casualties.
In thechangelogfor the latest preview build, Microsoft explained that Windows 11 will only be compatible with VMs that feature TPM 2.0 protection, a requirement that also applies to laptops and PCs running the new OS.
“This build includes a change that aligns the enforcement of the Windows 11 system requirements on virtual machines to be the same as it is for physical PCs,” Microsoft noted.
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As a result of the tweak, VMs currently running older Windows 11 preview builds will no longer receive updates. And new Windows 11 VMs created using incompatible virtualization software will not function as desired.
Currently, only a few VM services meet the necessary requirements to run the latest Windows 11 preview build. Microsoft has confirmed that VMs created using its own hypervisor will run the new OS, provided they are set up as “Generation 2” VMs, and VMware Workstation Pro is also said to qualify.
It is now apparent that Oracle will join this club with the release of VirtualBox 7, but it remains unclear whether other popular virtualization services (such as Citrix Hypervisor) tick the necessary boxes.
TechRadar Prois in contact with Citrix, but is still awaiting concrete information.
Joel Khalili is the News and Features Editor at TechRadar Pro, covering cybersecurity, data privacy, cloud, AI, blockchain, internet infrastructure, 5G, data storage and computing. He’s responsible for curating our news content, as well as commissioning and producing features on the technologies that are transforming the way the world does business.
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