How to Use the Command 'VBoxManage createvm' (with examples)

The VBoxManage createvm command is a powerful utility in VirtualBox that allows users to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) through the command line interface. This tool provides a high degree of flexibility and control over VM configuration, enabling users to easily automate deployments, set custom configurations, and integrate VirtualBox into larger system management scripts. By executing this command with various options, users can define important parameters such as the VM name, operating system type, storage location, and encryption settings.

Use case 1: Create a New VM with Default Settings

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name

Motivation:

This basic command is ideal for users who want to quickly set up a virtual machine with default configurations without any additional customization. It’s particularly useful for scripting or when users need to rapidly prototype or test software in a virtual environment.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line interface for managing VirtualBox VMs.
• createvm: The specific function that creates a new VM.
• --name vm_name: Assigns a name to the new VM. This name is used to identify the VM within the VirtualBox application and is crucial for any future management and operation commands.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created and registered.
UUID: some-unique-id
Settings file: <default_path>/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Use case 2: Set the Base Folder Where the VM Configuration Will Be Stored

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name --basefolder path/to/directory

Motivation:

By specifying a base folder, users can organize VM files more effectively or store them in a location with more significant disk space, suitable for large-scale deployments. This is particularly beneficial in professional or enterprise environments where storage is a critical component of operations.

Explanation:

• --basefolder path/to/directory: This option lets users define the directory path where all the configuration files for the VM will be stored. It helps in organizing VM data systematically and can point to an external storage capacity when needed.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created and unregistered.
Settings file: path/to/directory/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Use case 3: Set the Guest OS Type

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name --ostype ostype

Motivation:

Different operating systems have different requirements and behavior, which VirtualBox optimizes according to the specified OS type. This setup is important for ensuring compatibility and optimal performance of the virtual machine.

Explanation:

• --ostype ostype: Sets the guest operating system type that the VM will run. This can be one of the many system types supported by VirtualBox, which you can list using VBoxManage list ostypes.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created and unregistered.
OS Type set to 'ostype'.
Settings file: <default_path>/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Use case 4: Register the Created VM in VirtualBox

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name --register

Motivation:

Registering a VM in VirtualBox allows it to be accessed and managed like any other VM through the VirtualBox interface, making it manageable and visible for ongoing configuration and use.

Explanation:

• --register: This command-line switch registers the newly created VM with VirtualBox, making it visible and manageable via the VirtualBox GUI or command line.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created and registered in VirtualBox.
UUID: some-unique-id
Settings file: <default_path>/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Use case 5: Set the VM to the Specified Groups

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name --group group1,group2,...

Motivation:

Grouping VMs helps in organization, allowing users to categorize VMs based on criteria like departments, projects, or environments. This is useful in larger deployments where managing a high number of VMs can become cumbersome.

Explanation:

• --group group1,group2,...: This specifies the groups into which the VM will be placed. Groups can provide a logical structure for managing multiple VMs collectively.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created and added to groups 'group1', 'group2'.
Settings file: <default_path>/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Use case 6: Set the Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) of the VM

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name --uuid uuid

Motivation:

Setting a UUID explicitly is essential in scenarios where the VM needs to conform to a specific identifier for integration with other systems or for migration purposes where maintaining the same UUID is required.

Explanation:

• --uuid uuid: Sets a specific UUID for the VM. UUIDs are unique identifiers that help in tracking and managing VMs universally across different systems and platforms.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created with UUID 'uuid'.
Settings file: <default_path>/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Use case 7: Set the Cipher to Use for Encryption

Code:

VBoxManage createvm --name vm_name --cipher AES-128|AES-256

Motivation:

Ensuring data security through encryption is paramount, especially in environments dealing with sensitive information. This option allows specifying the encryption standard so the VM’s data can be secured during storage.

Explanation:

• --cipher AES-128|AES-256: Specifies the encryption cipher to be used. AES-128 and AES-256 represent different levels of security, with AES-256 offering more robust encryption.

Example Output:

Virtual machine 'vm_name' is created with encryption set to AES-256.
Settings file: <default_path>/vm_name/vm_name.vbox

Conclusion:

The VBoxManage createvm command line provides versatile and powerful capabilities for creating and configuring virtual machines in VirtualBox environments. Through various options, users can tailor virtual machine setups to their requirements, from basic configurations to complex deployment strategies. By understanding each use case, users can fully leverage VirtualBox’s capabilities to integrate it seamlessly into their workflow or larger IT infrastructure.