How to Set Up a VM to Run Collabora Online (For Windows Users)

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If you’re a Windows user and want to try out Collabora Online in a safe and isolated environment, running it inside a virtual machine (VM) is the perfect solution. This guide will walk you through setting up Ubuntu using Oracle VirtualBox, and then installing Collabora Online on it.

Step 1: Enable Hardware Virtualization in BIOS

Before setting up your virtual machine, make sure hardware virtualization is enabled on your PC:

  1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or Esc during boot).
  2. Look for Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or Virtualization Technology, and enable it.
  3. Save changes and exit.

Step 2: Download Ubuntu ISO

Go to the official Ubuntu website and download the latest version of Ubuntu Desktop:

:backhand_index_pointing_right: Download Ubuntu Desktop

Step 3: Install Oracle VirtualBox on Windows

Now install VirtualBox to create and run the virtual machine:

:backhand_index_pointing_right: Download VirtualBox for Windows

Run the installer and follow the steps — it’s straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Step 4: Create Your Ubuntu Virtual Machine

  1. Open VirtualBox and click “New”.

  2. Name your VM (e.g., Ubuntu-Collabora), and choose:

    • Type: Linux
    • Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)

  3. Allocate memory (at least 4 GB, but 8 GB or more is better).

  4. Create a virtual hard disk (recommended: 20–50 GB).

  5. Go to Settings > Storage, click the empty disk icon, and choose the Ubuntu ISO you downloaded earlier.

  6. Click Start to boot from the ISO and begin installing Ubuntu.

Need help with this step? Watch this quick video:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: Ubuntu on VirtualBox - Full Setup Guide

:desktop_computer: Step 5: Install Collabora Online Inside Ubuntu

Now that Ubuntu is running in your VM, it’s time to set up Collabora Online:

  1. Open the Ubuntu terminal inside the VM.
  2. Follow the official Collabora Online build instructions here:
    :backhand_index_pointing_right: Build Collabora Online on Ubuntu

This guide walks you through installing the required packages and building CODE (Collabora Online Development Edition).

You’re All Set!

You now have a fully working Ubuntu VM running Collabora Online — all on your Windows machine! This setup is perfect for:

  • Testing and development
  • Learning how Collabora Online works
  • Exploring the build process without needing a second computer

Questions or stuck somewhere? Reply to this post and we’ll sort it out together!

Based on my experience using both Windows and Linux, the best way to get the most out of your development or server setup is to run a native Linux distribution. If you have a spare machine or can set up dual boot, it’s even better — you’ll gain much deeper insights and hands-on learning compared to other operating systems

Thanks
Darshan