Reliable websites for downloading free virtual machines (and how to import them into VirtualBox/VMware)

If you enjoy setting up labs, validating software, or simply tinkering with systems without touching your main computer, the free virtual machines They're a blessing. Instead of wasting half an hour installing and updating from scratch, you can download ready-made VMs, import them into VirtualBox or VMware, and get to work on the fly.

Below you have a complete map of reliable websites To obtain Windows and Linux images, what each one offers, their pros and cons, import recommendations, performance settings, legal and security considerationsand a review of useful VirtualBox features. The idea is that, in a single article, you'll have everything you need to download, import, and run VMs successfully. We bring you all the  Reliable websites for downloading free virtual machines.

Where to get official Windows virtual machines

Microsoft releases ready-to-use evaluation machines in Hyper-V (Gen2), Parallels, VirtualBox and VMwareThese are geared towards development and testing. They are accessible on the developer page for VMs with Microsoft Edge and in the Eval Center for Windows 10/11 Enterprise, with download details at developer.microsoft.com. These VMs frequently include Windows 11 Enterprise (Evaluation)Visual Studio 2022 Community with UWP loads, .NET Desktop, Azure and Windows App SDK, plus WSL2 with Ubuntu, Windows Terminal and developer mode enabled.

Important: the evaluation license expires This usually expires 90 days after publication or first execution. When it expires, the desktop goes black, a "non-genuine" message appears, and the system may shut down every hour; being an Enterprise Evaluation license, activation is not supported with key for long-term use.

In terms of requirements, Microsoft recommends at least 8 GB of RAM and 70 GB of diskSome graphical peculiarities have been observed in VirtualBox (for example, the appearance of the Start menu) that are currently under investigation; for now There are no ARM editions. Available. If the VM says the evaluation has ended, you can try the activation troubleshooter and, if necessary, download the latest image to start another trial period.

Adguard: Clean Microsoft ISOs and access to older versions

For those who prefer to build the VM from scratch, Adguard offers a search by products and editions which allows you to download ISOs directly from Microsoft servers, without modifications. The most powerful feature is locating very specific versions or historical Windows versions that are no longer easy to find through the usual channels.

The less appealing aspect is that the pre-built VM section it once had is no longer maintained, and the last available one was aimed at... Windows 10You'll need to create the VM with the official ISO in your favorite hypervisor, something that takes a few minutes but, if you're familiar with VirtualBox/VMware, There's no great mystery to it..

Repositories of ready-made VMs (especially Linux)

OSBoxes

OSBoxes is a veteran that compiles virtual discs from a wide variety of Linux distros and some classic systems (BSD, FreeDOS). It offers images for VirtualBox (VDI) and VMware (VMDK); for legal reasons Windows is not distributedBut the catalog is extensive and is usually up-to-date.

Many images share default credentials: osboxes username / osboxes.org password for the normal account and in many distros root / osboxes.org as administrator. Change the password after the first startup to improve security, and review the Notes for each download because it sometimes varies.

For reference, at OSBoxes it's easy to find desktop and server editions of distributions like Android x86, Antergos, antiX, Arch Linux, BackBox, Black Lab, Bodhi, BunsenLabs, Calculate Linux, CentOS, CrunchBang, Chromixium, Debian, Deepin, Devuan, Elementary OS, Fedora, Feren OS, FreeBSD, FreeDOS, Gentoo, HandyLinux, IPFire, Kali Linux, KaOS, KDE Neon, Korora, Kubuntu, Linux Lite, Linux Mint, LMDE, Lubuntu, LXLE, Mageia, MakuluLinux, Manjaro, Nitrux, openSUSE, Parrot Security OS, PCLinuxOS, Pear Linux OS, Peppermint, Phoenix OS, Pinguy OS, PrimeOS, Q4OS, Qubes OS, Raspbian, Remix OS, Sabayon, Scientific Linux, Solus, SparkyLinux, TrueOS, Ubuntu (Budgie, GNOME, MATE, Server, Studio), Ultimate Edition, Xubuntu and Zorin OS.

Advantages: Huge catalog designed for easy downloading and importing. Disadvantages: there is no Windows And some listings give few details beforehand, so you'll have to check the exact version within the VM after booting.

VirtualBoxes

VirtualBoxes focuses on images for VirtualBox (although they can sometimes be converted for VMware). Their strength lies in Linux and alternative systems like FreeBSD or FreeDOS, with an alphabetical repository and cards with capturesIt's useful for deciding without downloading blindly.

On the less positive side, the repository It's not that up-to-date like OSBoxes, and officially limits VMs to VirtualBox, reducing flexibility if your primary platform is VMware or another hypervisor. Even so, it can be a lifesaver when you're looking for old versions for testing.

SysProbs

SysProbs offers VDI for VirtualBox for different Linux distributions and also for Windows (11, 10, 8.1, 7, and Windows Server 2012 R2/2016/2019)The images are free and usually include a readme file with requirements and credentials to get you up and running quickly.

Warning: Some links to Microsoft content may be outdated or brokenAlways verify integrity and origin, prioritizing official routes when possible and checking hashes if available.

Spanish-language project with ready-made OVAs: descargarmaquinasvirtuales.com

If you want Linux distros already installed and in Spanish LanguageThis project hosts OVA format images ready to download and import into VirtualBox or VMware. Everything arrives preconfigured so you don't waste time installing or updating the system from scratch.

The catalogue includes, among others, Antergos, Arch Linux, CentOS, Debian, Deepin, elementary OS, Fedora, Kali Linux, Linux Lite, Manjaro, Linux Mint, openSUSE, PCLinuxOS, ReactOS, Solus, Ubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie and Zorin OSTheir website indicates the type of edition (desktop—with desktops like GNOME or XFCE—or server), the version of the distro, and the approximate size from the archive; the OVAs come compressed in ZIP to save space and are updated frequently.

The author shares detailed manuals for importing OVAs into VirtualBox and in VMwareAfter importing, it's advisable to adjust VM resources: increase cores and memory, choose the network mode (many opt for bridge to integrate it into your LAN) and, if you're using Windows as the host, it's sometimes advisable to remove conflicting virtual adapters. The default credentials are usually user: «user» and for administration root with password "toor" (Check the details of each image to confirm and change them after starting).

Ready-to-use appliances: TurnKey Linux and Bitnami

If you need an application up and running in minutes, there are catalogs with dozens of pre-configured appliances on VMs. TurnKey Linux distributes solutions compatible with VMware, VirtualBox, Xen and Parallels with stacks like LAMP, WordPress, Drupal, ownCloud/Nextcloud, GitLab and more, including security settings and management utilities.

Bitnami, in its Stacks section, also offers virtual machines with popular, ready-to-launch applications, designed for development and testing. It's a quick way to get started. open source services without wasting time on installation and initial hardening.

Quick guide: importing an OVA/VDI into VirtualBox and VMware

Importing a pre-built VM is simpler than it seems; with an OVA, the wizard guides you in just a few clicks. Even so, a few organized steps help. avoid typical mistakes already optimize the first execution.

1. Download the appropriate image for your hypervisor: OVA if you are going to import as an appliance, or VDI/VMDK if you prefer to associate the virtual disk manually.
2. In VirtualBox, go to File > Import service and select the OVA. Check the name, RAM, CPU, network card, and storage controller. In VMware, use File > Open For OVA/OVF, or create a new VM and choose "use an existing disk".
3. Before the first startup, adjust resources: allocate 2 vCPUs If your host allows it, and 2-4 GB of RAM for lightweight distros or 6-8 GB if it's Windows 10/11.
4. Configure your network according to your lab: NAT to access the Internet without exposing services, bridge if you want IP on your LAN, or "host-only" for isolated environments.
5. Start and install the Guest Additions (VirtualBox) or VMware Tools to enable accelerated video, clipboard, drag and drop, and auto-adjust screen.

Performance and size adjustments: what really makes a difference

Microsoft VMs can weigh between 4,5 GB and 20 GB They take up considerably more space after downloading and decompression; on Linux, the sizes are usually more manageable. If possible, install them on a SSD to noticeably improve start-up and response.

Do not assign more than 50% of the RAM from your computer to the VM to avoid overloading the host. For lightweight Linux desktops, 2-4 GB is sufficient; for Windows 10/11, 6-8 GB is recommended if your host supports it. Upgrading from 1 to 2 vCPUs It is very noticeable in the guest's fluency.

In storage, a virtual disk of size I'm sure it performs somewhat better. (although it takes up all the space from the very beginning), while dynamic storage saves space and grows according to usage. Evaluate your software and data needs; it's not worth oversizing if you'll only be doing a few things. spot tests.

In addition to Guest Additions or VMware Tools, enable shared folders if needed and adjust the screen mode to your monitor. If the video is lagging, disable guest desktop effects or reduce 3D acceleration, which can be choppy on modest hardware.

Network and laboratories: NAT, bridge and single-host

VirtualBox supports NAT, bridge, internal network and host-only (in addition to IPv6 compatibility). NAT gives you internet access without exposing the VM; bridging integrates the VM into your LAN with its own IP address; host-only allows you to create an isolated testing environment or a controlled segment for cybersecurity exercises.

If you're going to do pentesting practice with distros like Kali LinuxConsider using host-only and, when necessary, adding a second NIC in NAT or bridged mode. If you're using Windows as the host, you may need to disable unused virtual adapters to prevent [unspecified issues]. network conflicts.

Safety and legality: common sense above all

Downloading VMs saves you time, but it means trusting whoever built them. On official sites or reputable repositories, the risk is low; on dubious sources, you might encounter problems. manipulated images or malwareVerify hashes when they are published and keep Defender or your favorite antivirus active within the guest.

Remember that the VM is isolated, but functions like shared folders, clipboard, or bridged network They connect to your computer. Disable what you don't need, and if you suspect anything, use disposable environments without sensitive data. Legally, Linux doesn't pose any restrictions; for Windows, use official assessment images or your own licenses, and avoid “pre-activated” third-party VMs. With macOS, the EULA limits its execution to Apple hardwareeven in virtualization.

Type 1 and Type 2 Hypervisors: Where Each One Fits

Hypervisors of Type 1 (Bare metal) such as Hyper-V or ESXi run directly on the hardware, providing greater performance and isolation. Those of Type 2 Hosted applications like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation run on top of an operating system, making them ideal for laptop or desktop laboratories with a very low entry curve.

On desktop, VirtualBox offers an unbeatable feature/price ratio (it's free), while VMware shines in polishing and performanceHyper-V comes integrated into Windows and is excellent if you operate within the Microsoft ecosystem or are interested in more "serious" virtualization at no additional cost.

VirtualBox in brief: features that can save you

VirtualBox stands out for being free, cross-platform, and surprisingly comprehensive. It allows Import/export to Oracle CloudNested virtualization (e.g., KVM within the guest), guest file manager, and experience improvements with Guest Additions.

On the network, it supports NAT, bridge, internal and host-onlyIn storage, you can use controllers SATA, NVMe, SCSI, IDE and SASIt can encrypt disks and even mount an iSCSI initiator to access remote targets. It also offers 3D acceleration, drag and dropUSB, virtual webcam, HD audio, full ACPI, branched snapshotscloned while preserving identifiers and APIs for automation and web services.

Other options geared towards DevOps

There are VM-based solutions designed to accelerate development pipelines and environments. You'll find machines that Windows 11 / 10 optimized for programming (SDK, tools, examples), templates of Windows Server 2019 / 2022 with Java, .NET, PHP, Python and databases such as SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL or MySQL, as well as images of Ubuntu/Ubuntu Server ready to compile. There are also VMs with Azure DevOps Server preconfigured to start pipelines in minutes. Some initiatives (for example, Open-DevLabs or "Free DevOps Virtual Machines" collections) bundle these resources; always check licenses, download authenticity, and hardware requirements before using them in production.

Between Microsoft's official repositories, Adguard's ISO finder, the OSBoxes/VirtualBoxes/SysProbs catalogs, the Spanish OVAs from descargarmaquinasvirtuales.com, and the TurnKey/Bitnami appliances, you've got modern Windows, current Linux, and ready applications For deployment. By fine-tuning RAM/CPU, choosing the right network mode, and applying good security and licensing practices, you can set up a solid environment in minutes to learn, test, and work smoothly.