How to Install Whonix on VirtualBox

Whonix is a security-focused operating system designed for anonymous browsing through the Tor network. Whonix officially supports VirtualBox, making it an excellent choice for those seeking enhanced privacy. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Whonix on VirtualBox in an easy-to-follow manner.

Why Use Whonix?

Whonix is built to maximize privacy and anonymity by separating internet traffic into two virtual machines:

• Whonix-Gateway: Routes all traffic through the Tor network, ensuring anonymity.
• Whonix-Workstation: A completely isolated environment that can only communicate through the Gateway, preventing IP leaks.

This separation enhances security because even if an attacker compromises the Workstation, they still cannot discover the real IP address of the user.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:
1. VirtualBox installed on your system (installed VirtualBox from the official website https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads).
2. Whonix Gateway & Whonix Workstation OVA files, which can be downloaded from Whonix’s official website https://www.whonix.org/.

If VirtualBox is already installed, choose Step 1

Click the blue button in Step 1:
“Download Whonix Xfce for VirtualBox (FREE!)

After the download is complete, open VirtualBox.
Import Whonix: Go to File > Import Appliance in VirtualBox.

Select the Whonix OVA file you downloaded.

Whonix-Gateway ‘ and Whonix-Workstation were imported into VirtualBox.

Adjust Virtual Machine Settings
For Whonix Gateway:
RAM: Set at least 2GB (Recommended: 4GB if available).

CPU: Allocate 2 cores.

Network Adapter:

• Adapter 1: NAT (to allow access to the internet via Tor).
• Adapter 2: Internal Network(for communication with the workstation).

For Whonix Workstation:

• RAM: At least 2GB (Recommended: 4GB).
• CPU: Allocate 2 cores.
• Adapter 1: Internal Network (must be set to communicate only with the Gateway).

Start Whonix Gateway first

1. Click “OK” to run the system check.
2. Wait for Whonix to verify everything is working correctly.
3. Default Login Credentials:

Username: user
Password: (No password needed, just press Enter if asked)

The Whonix-Gateway is working, but it needs updates.

Click “OK” on the message to close it.

Update Whonix by opening the terminal

Run the update.

upgrade-nonroot

Type y (yes), so the update process will continue.

After the update is completed Restart Whonix-Gateway.

sudo reboot

Now Start Whonix-Workstation .

Click “OK” on the message to close it.

Whonix will now run a system check to verify everything is working.

Click “OK” on the message to close it.

Open Whonix-Workstation Terminal to update it.

upgrade-nonroot

Type y (yes), so the update process will continue.

Restart Whonix-Workstation for the updates to apply properly

sudo reboot

Once restarted, open a browser inside Whonix-Workstation and check if you are connected to Tor.

You can visit: https://check.torproject.org/

If you see “Congratulations. This browser is configured to use Tor”, everything is working!

You can now safely browse the internet with maximum anonymity.

• Be cautious while using the dark web — avoid downloading unknown files or entering personal information.
• If needed, you can change your Tor circuit by restarting the browser or using the “New Identity” option.

Enjoy your secure browsing with Whonix!