Getting started with GNOME Boxes: Run Linux VMs without the hassle

Learn how to spin up virtual machines, enable 3D acceleration, and use advanced features like snapshots and USB redirection.

VirtualBox works, but it’s clunky on Linux and comes with licensing headaches if you want to use it at work. In this video from Learn Linux TV, you’ll learn how GNOME Boxes offers a cleaner, native alternative that makes spinning up Linux VMs ridiculously simple.

Jay provides a complete tour of GNOME Boxes, covering everything from installation (available as both distribution packages and Flatpak) to creating your first virtual machine. He demonstrates two methods for VM creation: manual installation using Fedora and the express installation feature with openSUSE that automatically configures everything with just a username and password. The tutorial tackles the common performance issue many users encounter (terrible frame rates and lag) and shows how enabling 3D acceleration fixes it immediately. 

Jay also walks through essential features like USB redirection for accessing flash drives inside VMs, snapshots for point-in-time backups, and folder sharing to easily move files between your host and virtual machines. He highlights why GNOME Boxes shines on Linux: it integrates seamlessly with the GNOME desktop, requires no restrictive extension packs, and even enables clipboard sharing between host and VM without any configuration.

Key takeaways

• Express installation saves serious time – Distributions like openSUSE support automated setup where you only provide a username and password, eliminating manual configuration steps entirely.
• Always enable 3D acceleration first – GNOME Boxes disables this by default, causing terrible performance until you toggle it on in preferences and power cycle the VM.
• No licensing restrictions for business use – Unlike VirtualBox’s extension pack, GNOME Boxes is completely open source with no commercial use limitations, making it safe for work environments.

GNOME Boxes proves that virtualization on Linux doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re testing distributions, developing software, or just need a sandbox environment, it delivers a polished experience that feels like a natural part of your Linux system.

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