How to Run Android 4.4 KitKat on Windows with VirtualBox

Android-x86 is a project that ports Android OS to x86 platforms. It allows we to run Android right on our PC, instead of working exclusively on smartphones, tablets and handheld devices. This is the first Android 4.4 KitKat release candidate for PC. It is based on the Android 4.4.2 (KitKat-MR1 release). The key features contain:

• Integrate the ffmpeg as the stagefright-plugins to support much more multimedia files. Now it runs HD and full HD videos in apps.
• Use the latest longterm stable kernel 3.10.30 with more drivers enabled. Most netbooks can run Android-x86 in the native resolution.
• OpenGL ES hardware acceleration for AMD Radeon and Intel chipsets (not include the PowerVR chips).
• Enhance the installer to support upgrade from previous versions (since ics-x86). The text based GUI installer supports ext3/ext2/ntfs/fat32 filesystems.
• KitKat style lanucher (Launcher3).
• Support Multi-touch, Wifi, Audio, Bluetooth, G-sensor and Camera.
• Simulate sdcard by internal storage.
• External usb drive and sdcard are auto mounted to /storage/usbX on plugging.
• Support hybrid mode of iso images.
• Multi-user support (max 8).
• Support Ethernet (DHCP only).
• Support VM like Qemu and VMware.

In order to run Android on virtual machine, please take the following steps:

1. Download and install Oracle VM VirtualBox.
2. Download android-x86-4.4-RC1.iso
3. Open Oracle VM VirtualBox and press New to create new virtual machine.

4. Give a name to your new Android OS, select it as Linux type and Linux 2.6 / 3.x (32 bit) version.

5. Set 1024MB of memory (RAM) to be allocated to your Android and click Next.

6. Select Create a virtual hard drive now and click Create.

7. Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) file type.

8. As explained by the screenshot below, Dynamically allocated and Fixed size hard drive file type each has its own advantage. Therefore, I would recommend use dynamically allocated hard drive file if you just want to test running Android. Fixed size hard drive file for long term usage as it is often faster.

9. Determine the maximum size for Android to be stored on your hard disk (8GB of size should be adequate) and click Create.

10. Right click on the newly created VM and select Settings.

11. Go to Storage tab. Under Storage Tree, click on the “CD with Large Green Plus” button to add CD/DVD device in Controller: IDE. Choose android-x86-4.4-RC1.iso file and click OK.

12. We have done the settings part. Now start the Android VM.

13. Select the first option to try Android KitKat. Or, select the fourth option for Android installation.

14. It will take a few minutes until the Welcome screen appears.

15. Disable the Mouse Integration, to use Android cursor for better control of the VM.

16. Your Android is ready to roll. Follow the instructions given to setup language, Wi-Fi settings, etc. You may skip the Wi-Fi settings as Oracle VM VirtualBox has connected Internet automatically for the VM.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat

K for KitKat