Fix: Can’t Install Windows 10 on VirtualBox

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

October 4, 2018

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If you want to try Windows 10 Technical Preview, but you don’t want to uninstall your old operating system, using VirtualBox to create a virtual machine on which you can install it is probably the best solution.

But some users have certain problems with installing Windows 10 on their virtual machines, as they reported that they’re constantly getting a 0x0000005D error when they try to boot from ISO.

What to do if Windows 10 will not install on VirtualBox?

Check for the Latest Version of VirtualBox

First thing first, make sure that you’re using the latest version of Virtual Box, because older versions are probably not compatible with Windows 10, so you won’t be able to run it or even install it.

You will find the latest version on the VirtualBox official site.

Perform an update check inside Virtual Box, and if your version is outdated download the latest version.

If your version is up to date, then the problem is not in the compatibility of Virtual Box with Windows 10.

Disable Floppy Drive and Change The Pointing Device

As you maybe noticed, Windows 10 Technical Preview is not compatible with touch input, as well as with floppy drive.

This may be the problem of getting the error, so disable floppy drive and change pointing device, and see if your simulation of Windows 10 works well now.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings in VirtualBox
2. Go to System and then to Motherboard
3. Under Boot Order, uncheck Floppy and Network
4. After that, set your pointing device to PS/2 Mouse
5. Click OK and restart VirtualBox

Check the system version in Settings

Also, it wouldn’t do harm if you go to General and check if the version of your system is Windows 8.1, respectively Windows 10. In case the version is “Other Windows,” change it to the one you are actually using.

This also could be the cause of your problem, because some users have reported on VirtualBox‘s forum that they accidentally left their version of the system to be “Other Windows,” and after they changed it, the system worked normally.

VirtualBox error after Windows 10 update

Many users have encountered issues installing Windows 10 on a virtual machine or after. Most problems are related to the recently applied Windows updates. In order to fix these issues, you have to consider the followings:

• compatibility issues
• Windows 10 settings that must be adjusted
• outdated drivers

Find out how to fix the outdated drivers issue in this dedicated guide. Also, check out more related issues and fixes on VirtualBox:

• Fix: VirtualBox not opening in Windows 10 problem
• How to Fix VirtualBox Video Driver Problems in Windows 10
• User Says Windows 10 Lags in Virtual Box After Build 9926

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2015 and has been since revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.