VirtualBox boot from USB key

I created a Ubuntu Server USB key, but it is not convenient to test it on real machine. So I think probably it can be tested on VirtualBox virtual machine?

Initially I found a post by searching on the Internet, but it seems not what I want.

• How to Boot From a USB Drive in VirtualBox (opens new window)

I continue my experiment and soon find a way of doing so.

My PC is running on Windows 10 pro 64-bit, and my Oracle VirtualBox is in version 6.1.34.

Here are the detailed steps:

1. I created a virtual machine "ubuntuvm1" as usual. Then in the settings dialog, in the "USB" tab, I added my existing USB keys in the "USB Device Filters". Note here I have 2 USB keys to be tested, so I add them all.

   

2. Now run this virtual machine. On the bottom right of the Virtual Machine, right click the USB icon, ensure the USB key is connected and been selected.

   

3. You will wait for several seconds timeout to enter this "UEFI Interactive Shell". Type "exit" and press Enter.

   

4. Use arrow key move to "Boot Manager" and press Enter.

   

5. Select the USB key from the list, and press Enter. This will let the virtual machine to boot from this USB drive.

   

That is it, you will then boot up this virtual machine with the specific USB drive.