How to Install RHEL 9.x in Oracle VirtualBox: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9.x is a powerful, stable, and enterprise-grade Linux operating system widely used in production environments.
If you’re preparing for certifications like RHCSA, learning Linux administration, or setting up a local lab for practice, installing RHEL 9.x on a virtual machine is the best place to start.
Oracle VirtualBox allows you to run RHEL 9.x on your existing Windows, macOS, or Linux system without modifying your host OS. In this blog, you’ll learn how to install RHEL 9.x in Oracle VirtualBox step by step, even if you’re a beginner.
This guide focuses on clean installation, best practices, and clarity, making it ideal for learners, students, and Linux professionals.

Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following:

Step 1: Download RHEL 9.x ISO

Create or log in to your Red Hat Developer account
Download the RHEL 9.x DVD ISO file.
- Scroll to the bottom of the download page to find all available RHEL versions.
Save the ISO file to a known location on your host machine

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in Oracle VirtualBox

Open Oracle VirtualBox and click New.
Enter the following details:
- VM Name: RHEL 9
- VM Folder: Choose the location where the VM files should be stored on the host machine
- ISO Image: Select the RHEL 9.x ISO file you downloaded

Enter the username and password.
- This user account will be created automatically during installation.

Configure virtual machine hardware:
- Memory: 4096 MB (minimum recommended)
- CPU: 2 cores (minimum requirement)

Configure the virtual hard disk:
- Disk Size: At least 20 GB (40 GB recommended for practice)
Click Finish.

If you see an image checksum error, follow these steps:
- Power off the virtual machine by closing the window.
- Select the VM –> click Settings –> Storage.

To enable SSH access and automatically assign an IP address:
- Select the VM → click Settings → Network.
- Change Attached to from NAT to Bridged Adapter.
- Click OK.

Step 3: Start the Virtual Machine and Install RHEL 9.x

Step 4: Complete Installation and First Boot

Once the installation is completed, click Reboot System.
After reboot:
- Click Start Setup → Next → Skip.
When prompted for user creation:
- Use the same username created during VM creation or
- Create a new user and set a password.
Click Next to complete the setup.

Step 5: Configure Local Repository

By default, RHEL systems require access to official repositories to install, update, or manage packages using yum or dnf.
In lab or offline environments the repository manager is not available. So, package installation and updates will not work out of the box.
To overcome this limitation, you can configure a local repository using the RHEL ISO image. This allows you to:
- Install packages without internet access
- Practice real-world Linux administration tasks
- Prepare effectively for certifications like RHCSA
Follow this step-by-step guide to configure a local repository: Configure Local Repository in RHEL 9 Using ISO

If you want to build strong Linux fundamentals, practice real-world scenarios, and prepare for certifications, check out my structured Linux tutorials.
Explore the complete Linux Tutorials here: Linux Tutorials – Step-by-Step Learning Path
These tutorials cover:
- Linux basics to advanced administration
- Hands-on labs and real-time examples
- RHCSA-focused learning approach

🎉 Your RHEL 9.x Virtual Machine is now ready to use!

Shaik Mohammed Faruk

Software Engineer sharing practical tutorials and insights on Linux, Python, SQL, and modern technologies.