VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a desktop virtualization app that lets you create and run virtual machines for other operating systems on a Mac.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is desktop virtualization software for creating and running virtual machines on a Mac. It helps developers, testers, students, and IT users run another operating system in an isolated environment without replacing macOS. Common uses include testing software, trying Linux distributions, working with legacy environments, and opening prebuilt virtual appliances. VirtualBox supports creating and managing multiple VMs, attaching ISO installers, taking snapshots, and adjusting virtual hardware such as CPU, memory, storage, networking, and shared devices. It also supports importing and exporting appliance formats for portable VM workflows. VirtualBox is published by Oracle America, Inc. and is available for macOS as well as other desktop platforms.
Key features
- Create and run virtual machines for different operating systems
- Install guest systems from ISO images and other virtual media
- Take snapshots to save and restore VM states
- Adjust virtual CPU, memory, storage, and network settings
- Import and export virtual appliances for reuse and sharing
- Use shared folders and device integration with supported guests
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Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
VirtualBox is legitimate virtualization software, but it operates at a low system level to run virtual machines and may install networking components and system extensions or related drivers that are consistent with that purpose. On macOS, users should review security prompts carefully and install updates from Oracle because virtualization software can affect networking, USB access, and guest isolation if misconfigured. Only open VM images and extension components from sources you trust.
Recommendation: Keep VirtualBox if you actively use virtual machines for development, testing, labs, or legacy software. If you no longer use it, removing the app can free disk space and reduce background components associated with virtualization features, but any VMs you created may still need to be backed up separately if you want to keep them.
Common paths
/Applications/VirtualBox.app
Support paths
~/Library/VirtualBox/Library/Application Support/VirtualBox
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/org.virtualbox.app.VirtualBox.plist
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