How to (legally) get Windows virtual machine on linux via VirtualBox without buying Windows

As an IT administrator, you face the challenge of providing a Windows virtual machine (VM) on Linux via VirtualBox without buying a Windows license. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the legal options available to you.

First and foremost, you should be aware that in most cases, using a Windows operating system on a computer without a valid Windows license is not legal. Microsoft’s End User License Agreement (EULA) explicitly states that it’s illegal to install and use unlicensed copies of their software.

However, there are some options available to you that are legal. The first option is to use a Linux distribution that includes a Windows compatibility layer, such as Ubuntu or Fedora. These distributions allow you to run a virtualized version of Windows in a Linux environment, without the need for a Windows license.

The second option is to use Microsoft’s Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). WSL is an officially supported feature of Windows 10, and allows users to install and run a Linux distribution within Windows. This gives you the ability to run Windows software on a Linux computer, without needing a Windows license.

Finally, you could also use a cloud-based Windows VM. There are several cloud providers that offer Windows-based VMs, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine. These services allow you to create a Windows-based VM on a Linux computer, without needing to purchase a Windows license.

These are the legal options available to you when trying to run a Windows VM on Linux via VirtualBox without buying a Windows license. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

No matter which option you choose, you should always ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s EULA and other applicable laws. Failure to do so could lead to legal penalties and other unpleasant consequences.