Check Virtual Box Settings

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 102 views

Introduction

Ubuntu 18.04 is a popular Linux distribution that offers a wide range of features and tools for developers, users, and system administrators. However, when running Ubuntu 18.04 in a virtual environment, such as Virtual Box on a Windows 10 host, users may encounter freezing issues. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host and provide troubleshooting and solution steps to resolve the issue.

Symptoms of Ubuntu 18.04 Freezing in Virtual Box

If you are experiencing Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host, you may notice the following symptoms:

The system becomes unresponsive, and the mouse cursor freezes.
The task manager reports high CPU usage, often with a single process consuming most of the resources.
The system freezes, and you are unable to interact with it.
The system crashes, and you are forced to restart it.

Causes of Ubuntu 18.04 Freezing in Virtual Box

There are several reasons why Ubuntu 18.04 may freeze in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host. Some of the common causes include:

Insufficient RAM: Virtual Box may not provide enough RAM to the virtual machine, leading to freezing issues.
CPU Overload: Running resource-intensive applications or processes can cause the virtual machine to overload the CPU, leading to freezing.
Graphics Issues: Graphics-related issues, such as incorrect graphics settings or outdated graphics drivers, can cause the virtual machine to freeze.
Virtual Box Settings: Incorrect Virtual Box settings, such as incorrect memory or CPU settings, can cause the virtual machine to freeze.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Virtual Box Settings

Open Virtual Box and select the Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machine.
Click on the "Settings" button.
In the "System" section, ensure that the "Base Memory" is set to at least 2048 MB.
In the "Processor" section, ensure that the "Number of CPUs" is set to at least 2.
Click "OK" to save the changes.

Step 2: Check Graphics Settings

Open Virtual Box and select the Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machine.
Click on the "Settings" button.
In the "Display" section, ensure that the "Video Memory" is set to at least 128 MB.
Ensure that the "Graphics Controller" is set to "VBoxSVGA".
Click "OK" to save the changes.

Step 3: Check for Updates

Open the Ubuntu 18.04 terminal and run the following command to check for updates: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
Run the following command to install any available updates: sudo apt install -y update-manager-core
Run the following command to upgrade the system: sudo apt full-upgrade

Step 4: Disable CPU Power Management

Open the Ubuntu 18.04 terminal and run the following command to disable CPU power management: sudo echo "vm.swappiness = 0" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
Run the following command to apply the changes: sudo sysctl -p /etc/sysctl.conf

Step 5: Increase Virtual Box RAM

Open Virtual Box and select the Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machine.
Click on the "Settings" button.
In the "System" section, increase the "Base Memory" to at least 4096 MB.
Click "OK" to save the changes.

Step 6: Disable Graphics Acceleration

Open the Ubuntu 18.04 terminal and run the following command to disable graphics acceleration: sudo echo "vm.vram = 128" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
Run the following command to apply the changes: sudo sysctl -p /etc/sysctl.conf

Step 7: Check for Malware

Run a full system scan using an antivirus program to check for malware.
Remove any detected malware.

Step 8: Reinstall Virtual Box Guest Additions

Open the Ubuntu 18.04 terminal and run the following command to remove the existing Virtual Box Guest Additions: sudo apt remove -y virtualbox-guest-utils
Run the following command to install the Virtual Box Guest Additions: sudo apt install -y virtualbox-guest-utils

Step 9: Reboot the System

Reboot the Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machine to apply the changes.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient RAM, CPU overload, graphics issues, and incorrect Virtual Box settings. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve the issue and ensure that your Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machine runs smoothly and efficiently.

Additional Tips

Ensure that your Windows 10 host has the latest updates installed.
Ensure that your Virtual Box version is up-to-date.
Consider increasing the RAM allocated to the virtual machine.
Consider disabling CPU power management.
Consider disabling graphics acceleration.

Q: What are the common causes of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host?

A: The common causes of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host include:

Insufficient RAM: Virtual Box may not provide enough RAM to the virtual machine, leading to freezing issues.
CPU Overload: Running resource-intensive applications or processes can cause the virtual machine to overload the CPU, leading to freezing.
Graphics Issues: Graphics-related issues, such as incorrect graphics settings or outdated graphics drivers, can cause the virtual machine to freeze.
Virtual Box Settings: Incorrect Virtual Box settings, such as incorrect memory or CPU settings, can cause the virtual machine to freeze.

Q: How can I troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host?

A: To troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host, follow these steps:

Check Virtual Box Settings: Ensure that the "Base Memory" is set to at least 2048 MB and the "Number of CPUs" is set to at least 2.
Check Graphics Settings: Ensure that the "Video Memory" is set to at least 128 MB and the "Graphics Controller" is set to "VBoxSVGA".
Check for Updates: Run the following command to check for updates: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
Disable CPU Power Management: Run the following command to disable CPU power management: sudo echo "vm.swappiness = 0" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
Increase Virtual Box RAM: Increase the "Base Memory" to at least 4096 MB.
Disable Graphics Acceleration: Run the following command to disable graphics acceleration: sudo echo "vm.vram = 128" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
Check for Malware: Run a full system scan using an antivirus program to check for malware.
Reinstall Virtual Box Guest Additions: Remove the existing Virtual Box Guest Additions and install the latest version.
Reboot the System: Reboot the Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machine to apply the changes.

Q: What are some additional tips to resolve the issue of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host?

A: Some additional tips to resolve the issue of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host include:

Ensure that your Windows 10 host has the latest updates installed.
Ensure that your Virtual Box version is up-to-date.
Consider increasing the RAM allocated to the virtual machine.
Consider disabling CPU power management.
Consider disabling graphics acceleration.

Q: Can I use a different Linux distribution instead of Ubuntu 18.04?

A: Yes, you can use a different Linux distribution instead of Ubuntu 18.04. However, ensure that the distribution is compatible with Virtual Box and meets your system requirements.

Q: Can I use a different virtualization software instead of Virtual Box?

A: Yes, you can use a different virtualization software instead of Virtual Box. Some popular alternatives include VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM.

Q: How can I prevent Ubuntu 18.04 from freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host in the future?

A: To prevent Ubuntu 18.04 from freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host in the future, follow these steps:

Regularly update your Virtual Box version.
Regularly update your Linux distribution.
Monitor your system resources.
Adjust your Virtual Box settings.
Use a different virtualization software.

By following these Q&A and troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue of Ubuntu 18.04 freezing in Virtual Box on Windows 10 host and enjoy a smooth and efficient virtual machine experience.