How to Set Up Windows 8.1 on a Virtual Machine Using VirtualBox

To set up VirtualBox on your computer, follow these instructions:

1. Visit this link and choose the Windows Hosts option from the list.

2. The VirtualBox file will start downloading onto your computer.
3. Open the VirtualBox file and follow the installation prompts. Click Next.

Here's how you can create a new virtual machine (VirtualBox):

1. Click the New button in the Machine section.

2. Give your new Virtual Machine a name and select the location of the Windows 8.1 .iso file. Click Next.

Note: Make sure to tick the box labelled Skip Unattended Installations.
3. Allocate at least 2 GB of RAM and click Next.
Note: You can adjust this value based on your preferences as long as it meets the system requirements for Windows 8.1.

4. Select the option to Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now (a minimum of 40 GB is recommended for proper functioning). Then click Next.

5. In the Summary window, click Finish.

6. To select the Windows 8.1 .iso file, click the three-dot button next to the Tools option. A dropdown menu will appear. Click Media.

7. Next, navigate to the Optical Disks tab and click Add. Select the Windows 8.1 .iso file.

8. Power on the virtual machine by clicking Start.

9. The Windows 8.1 installation will commence.

For further details on setting up Windows, check out the section: How to install Windows 8.1?.