Although you can configure the virtualization solution to drag and drop files, you can also set up a folder on the host device to share files with the virtual machine. In addition, you can also use this approach when, for example, the feature to mount an ISO file or storage peripherals doesn’t work with the virtual machine. Whatever the reason it might be, VirtualBox on Windows 10 offers two ways to share files, including using a shared folder or mapping a folder as a network drive in the guest operating system. In this guide, you will learn the steps to share a folder with a virtual machine using VirtualBox on Windows 10 (or Windows 11).
Create a shared folder on VirtualBox Create a mapped drive on VirtualBox Access VirtualBox shared folder or mapped drive Delete shared folder or mapped drive on VirtualBox
Create a shared folder on VirtualBox
To use VirtualBox to share a folder with a virtual machine, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the folder will appear in the network section of the guest machine.
Create a mapped drive on VirtualBox
To map a shared folder to a virtual machine, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the folder will mount as a drive on the virtual machine. In the case of Windows 10, you will be able to access it under the “Network locations” section in the File Explorer’s “This PC” page.
Access VirtualBox shared folder or mapped drive
Depending on how you configure the feature, you can access the folder from the “Network” or “This PC” pages.
Network page
If you created a shared point, access the files using these steps: Once you complete the steps, you will be able to interact with the files and folders.
This PC page
If you mounted the folder as a drive, access the files using these steps: After you complete the steps, the files and folders will be accessible.
Delete shared folder or mapped drive on VirtualBox
To delete a shared folder or mapped drive from VirtualBox, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the folder will no longer be accessible from the virtual machine.
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