Understanding VirtualBox Linked Clones on Windows 10: Keeping Your VM Updated
In this article, we will discuss how to create and manage VirtualBox linked clones on a Windows 10 host, and how to keep your virtual machine (VM) updated while running additional software. This guide assumes that you have a fresh Windows 10 installation VM, and you want to keep it updated except for Windows updates.
What are VirtualBox Linked Clones?
VirtualBox linked clones are a feature of VirtualBox that allows you to create multiple VMs based on a single base image. The linked clones share the same disk image, but have their own settings and virtual hardware. This means that you can create multiple VMs with the same configuration, but with different settings or software installed. Linked clones are useful when you want to test different configurations or software, but don't want to duplicate the entire disk image for each VM.
Creating a Linked Clone in VirtualBox
To create a linked clone in VirtualBox, follow these steps:
- Launch VirtualBox and select the base VM you want to create a linked clone from.
- Click on the "Machine" menu and select "Clone."
- In the "Clone Virtual Machine" dialog, select "Linked Clone" and choose a name and location for the new VM.
- Configure the settings for the new VM, such as the amount of memory and the number of CPUs.
- Click "Clone" to create the new VM.
Keeping Your VM Updated
To keep your VM updated, you can use the built-in Windows Update feature in Windows 10. However, if you want to exclude Windows updates, you can use a third-party tool such as WSUS Offline Update or Chocolatey. These tools allow you to download and install updates manually, so you can choose which updates to install and when.
Running Additional Software
To run additional software on your VM, you can use the built-in "Programs and Features" control panel in Windows 10. This allows you to install and uninstall software, as well as view the installed software and their versions. You can also use the "Turn Windows features on or off" option to enable or disable Windows features, such as the .NET Framework or Internet Explorer.
VirtualBox linked clones are a powerful feature that allows you to create multiple VMs based on a single base image. By using linked clones, you can keep your VM updated while running additional software, all while saving disk space and reducing duplication. With the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to create and manage VirtualBox linked clones on a Windows 10 host, and keep your VM updated and running the software you need.
References
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