Probably a dumb question but,,,,,,,

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
Post Reply
bgoodman4
Posts: 24
Joined: 10. Jun 2020, 08:03

Probably a dumb question but,,,,,,,

Post by bgoodman4 »

Over the past few days I have been getting a message when I open VBOX that a new version is available. I have downloaded but not yet installed the new version. At the end of the description of the new version on the download page there is a sentence that I am confused about, it is, "Note: After upgrading VirtualBox it is recommended to upgrade the guest additions as well." My question is, to what is this referring? Is it the extension pack or is it something else? Any clarification will be most appreciated.
scottgus1
Site Moderator
Posts: 20945
Joined: 30. Dec 2009, 20:14
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows, Linux

Re: Probably a dumb question but,,,,,,,

Post by scottgus1 »

Not a dumb question at all. Questions are the pathway to learning.

Guest Additions are an 'app' that gets installed in the guest OS, to enable things like better video, shared clipboard, etc. see https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch04.html

Extension Pack goes on the host PC, as a plug-in in the main Virtualbox window, File menu, Preferences, Extensions. See https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01. ... installing

Keep in mind, too, on the subject of Virtualbox updates, that there's a lot to be said for "If it ain't broke don't fix it." Check out the changelog for the new version, on the Downloads page on www.virtualbox.org. If you find that nothing new is important to you, you can stay on the older version you're running.
bgoodman4
Posts: 24
Joined: 10. Jun 2020, 08:03

Re: Probably a dumb question but,,,,,,,

Post by bgoodman4 »

Thank you for your reply,,,,,,,it def aint broke so I will follow your advice and leave well enough alone. Much appreciated.
scottgus1
Site Moderator
Posts: 20945
Joined: 30. Dec 2009, 20:14
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows, Linux

Re: Probably a dumb question but,,,,,,,

Post by scottgus1 »

FWIW, in the main Virtualbox window, File menu, Preferences, Updates, you can turn down or off the update check.
bgoodman4
Posts: 24
Joined: 10. Jun 2020, 08:03

Re: Probably a dumb question but,,,,,,,

Post by bgoodman4 »

Thanks again, I will do that.
Post Reply