Oracle introduces significant updates to its virtualization software, including expanded support for Arm systems and improvements to the graphical interface.
Oracle has officially launched the first public beta of VirtualBox 7.2, its well-known cross-platform virtualization tool available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris. This new version represents an important step in the evolution of the platform, incorporating for the first time support for Windows 11 on Arm architectures, both for host and guest systems.
One of the main highlights is that the beta version adds support for virtualization of Windows 11/Arm machines on Arm hosts, which is included in the unified VirtualBox installer for Windows. Additionally, Guest Additions specifically for Windows 11 on Arm have been introduced, enhancing the experience on virtual machines with this architecture.
Key Changes in VirtualBox 7.2 Beta 1
Among the new features and improvements announced by Oracle are:
- Revamped graphical interface: Global and virtual machine tools have been reorganized into a new vertical taskbar and horizontal tabs for easier access.
- Full support for virtualization on Arm systems.
- Inclusion of vboxwebsrv in packages for Arm systems.
- ACPI availability in Arm VMs.
- Removal of obsolete dependencies like libIDL and IASL.
It’s important to note that the saved states of Arm machines generated with VirtualBox 7.1 are not compatible with version 7.2, so it is advisable to shut down the machines before upgrading.
Source Code Available on GitHub
Another relevant update is that Oracle has made the complete source code of VirtualBox public on GitHub, under the GPLv3 license. The official repository is now available at github.com/VirtualBox/virtualbox, allowing the community to collaborate, review, and contribute more transparently to the development of the project.
This openness also facilitates the integration of VirtualBox into more projects, systems, and custom environments, consolidating its position as one of the most versatile open-source virtualization environments on the market.
A Step Forward for Users and Developers
VirtualBox 7.2 Beta not only expands the possibilities for developers interested in working with Arm platforms but also reinforces Oracle’s commitment to free software and cross-platform interoperability. The availability of its sources on GitHub may attract new contributions, accelerate the pace of improvements, and offer greater confidence to businesses and technical users.
Users can consult the official announcement of VirtualBox 7.2 Beta 1 for more details, as well as access the new repository on GitHub to review the code and participate in the development of future versions.
With this move, Oracle aims to maintain the relevance of VirtualBox in an increasingly Arm-oriented ecosystem and open development environments.