How to start a Virtualbox VM at startup in Windows

Usually I use Virtualbox as my main virtualization solution of choice on Linux and not Windows but this week that was not the case.  I had a requirement to install Windows XP inside a virtual machine on Windows 7 which was to run a business critical piece of software. This meant it had to start when the Windows 7 machine starts and this is how I did it.

First thing we need to do is create a batch file so open up Notepad.  Name the file anything you like but make sure it ends in .bat so for example mine was virtualxp.bat.  I then inserted the following text into the file:

cd “c:\Program Files\Oracle\Virtualbox”

vboxmanage startvm “ENTER YOUR MACHINE NAME”

The above code assumes that you have installed Virtualbox in the default location, if not alter the text appropriately.  Enter your machine name should be self explanatory!!

Save the file and place it in the Startup folder which is located at C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

That is it.  The virtual machine should now start when the host starts.

About the Author

Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.

For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.