How to Install VirtualBox Extension Pack: Complete, Easy, and Updated Guide

VirtualBox It has become one of the most versatile and popular virtualization tools among home users, students and professionals looking to simulate different OS on the same team. However, to make the most of their capabilities, there is an essential complement: Virtualbox Extension PackMany users wonder how to install it correctly and what it's actually for, and here you'll find the most complete and up-to-date answer in Spanish.

In this article we explain step by step, for all major operating systems, how to download, install, and manage the VirtualBox Extension Pack, as well as answering the most common questions and providing details on the additional features it enables, the license under which it's distributed, and security tips. All illustrated with images and written in a simple way, so no one is left behind, even if you've never installed an extension in VirtualBox.

What is the VirtualBox Extension Pack and what is it used for?

Virtualbox Extension Pack is an add-on package created by Oracle that extends the standard features of VirtualBox. While the base program already allows you to create and manage Virtual machines efficiently, by installing this pack you will be able to enjoy advanced features that are highly requested by users.

Key features unlocked by the VirtualBox Extension Pack include:

• Support for USB 2.0 and 3.0: You will be able to connect USB devices, such as memory, cameras, hard drives or network adapters, directly to virtual machines, an essential feature if you want to work with hardware external within the virtualized operating system.
• VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP): Thanks to this option, it is possible remotely access virtual machines using an RDP client, ideal for remote administration or teleworking.
• Host System Webcam Passthrough: Allows you to use your computer's webcam in any virtual machine, even on systems where they do not exist drivers compatible for that camera.
• start PXE with cards Intel: This option is essential for network testing and deployment of network operating systems in both home and business environments.
• Virtual disk encryption with AES: Protect the contents of your virtual machines encrypting disk images, increasing the security of your data.
• PCI step (experimental in Linux): Allows Direct access to PCI devices on GNU/Linux systems.

Without this pack, many of these features are not available in the base program. Therefore, if you want to work with real hardware or increase the remote management and security capabilities of your virtual machines, install VirtualBox Extension Pack it is almost essential.

License and compatibility details

Virtualbox Extension Pack It is distributed under the Personal Use and Educational License (PUEL) from Oracle, which means that its use is Completely free for individuals and educational environments, but not in commercial situations. This license does not cover professional or business use, for which it is necessary to contact Oracle and obtain the appropriate authorization.

The pack is compatible with all operating systems where VirtualBox can run: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris. The good news is that the extension file is the same for all platforms, so you only need to download once the correct package for your version of VirtualBox.

Where do I download the VirtualBox Extension Pack?

The safest and most recommended place to download VirtualBox Extension Pack is the Oracle VirtualBox official websiteAlthough there are mirrors and alternative download sites, we suggest avoiding unofficial sources to ensure file integrity and security, as this add-on requires elevated privileges for installation.

Sign in the VirtualBox download section, find the "Extension Pack" section and click on the "All supported platforms" link. This will download a file with the extension .vbox-extpack, which is valid for both Windows, Mac like Linux.

In case you are using an older version of VirtualBox, we recommend that you check that downloads the version of the Extension Pack compatible with that version, since very different versions may not be compatible.

How to install VirtualBox Extension Pack step by step on Windows

The installation process on Windows is incredibly intuitive. Here are the detailed steps so you don't get lost at any point:

1. Open VirtualBox from the Start menu or from the shortcut on your desktop.
2. Access the menu File > Preferences (you can use the shortcut Ctrl + G).
3. In the preferences window, select the section Extensions on the left side.
4. Press the icon add new package (a green “+” sign).
5. Locate the downloaded file on your computer with the .vbox-extpack extension (for example, Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-7.0.0.vbox-extpack).
6. Select the file and confirm that you want to install it. A window will appear with the Oracle license agreement.
7. Read if you wish and click “Accept” to continue.
8. In some cases, Windows may ask you for your password or confirmation to make administrator changes.
9. Once the installation is complete, you will receive a message confirming that the Extension Pack has been installed successfully.

When you return to the list of installed extensions, you should see the package listed, along with its version. Ready to use!

Install VirtualBox Extension Pack on macOS

On a Mac, the process is practically identical, with only the visual appearance of the system changing. You can follow these steps:

1. Open Launchpad and run VirtualBox.
2. Access the menu VirtualBox > Preferences.
3. Select the tab Extensions.
4. Click on the add icon (“+”).
5. Select the previously downloaded .vbox-extpack file.
6. Confirm the installation and accept the Oracle license.
7. Enter your Mac's administrator password if prompted. Installation only takes a few seconds.

Once it's finished, you'll see a message confirming that the Extension Pack has been installed successfully, and it will appear in the list of installed extensions.

Installing the Extension Pack on Linux (example on Ubuntu)

The procedure in Linux, especially in popular distributions like Ubuntu, is also very simple and visually similar to the previous ones:

1. Open VirtualBox from your applications menu.
2. Go to menu File > Preferences.
3. select the section Extensions in the side menu.
4. Click the add button.
5. Find the downloaded .vbox-extpack file.
6. Confirm the installation and accept the license.
7. Enter the administrator password when prompted (required for elevated permissions during installation).

In a matter of moments, you'll have the Extension Pack installed and ready to use.

Command Line Installation: VBoxManage

For advanced users or administrators who prefer to work with the terminal, VirtualBox provides the tool VBoxManage, With which You can install the Extension Pack from the console on any operating system.

Commands to install Extension Pack on Windows

Open the console CMD and navigate to the directory where VBoxManage is located (usually “C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox”). You can add this path to your PATH environment variable if you plan to use it frequently.

vboxmanage extpack install C:\path\to\file\Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-7.0.0.vbox-extpack

When prompted, type “Y” to accept the license and continue.

Commands to install Extension Pack on macOS and Linux

Open Terminal and use sudo to gain administrative permissions:

sudo vboxmanage extpack install ~/Downloads/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-7.0.0.vbox-extpack

Again, accept the license and you're done. This allows you to automate scripts and makes installation easier on servers or environments without a graphical interface.

Check if you have VirtualBox Extension Pack installed

If you can't remember whether the pack is already installed or which version, it's very easy to check:

• Open VirtualBox.
• Sign in File > Preferences > Extensions.
• In the right panel you will see the list of installed extensions and their version.

From that window you can also uninstall or update the Extension Pack if necessary, by right-clicking on the extension.