Oracle has released VirtualBox 7.2.0, a major update that significantly expands ARM virtualization capabilities and introduces comprehensive Windows 11/ARM support.
Released on August 14, 2025, this update represents a substantial leap forward in cross-platform virtualization technology, addressing long-standing limitations and introducing experimental features that could reshape how users approach virtual machine deployment across different architectures.
Revolutionary ARM Virtualization Support
The most significant advancement in VirtualBox 7.2 centers on its enhanced ARM virtualization capabilities.
The update introduces ARM virtualization support for Windows hosts through a unified installer package, enabling users to run ARM-based virtual machines natively.
| Feature Category | Major Updates |
| ARM Support | Windows 11/ARM VMs, ARM host virtualization |
| Storage | NVMe controller emulation in open source package |
| Graphics | DXMT 3D acceleration for macOS ARM, WDDM driver for Windows/ARM |
| Virtualization | Improved CPU feature reporting with Hyper-V engine |
| User Interface | Redesigned tool placement, enhanced clone wizard |
This development is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the growing demand for ARM-compatible virtualization solutions in an increasingly ARM-centric computing landscape.
Windows 11/ARM virtual machines now receive full virtualization support on ARM hosts, complete with dedicated guest additions specifically designed for this platform.
The Windows 11/ARM guest additions include a WDDM graphics driver supporting both 2D and 3D acceleration modes, alongside shared folder functionality that seamlessly integrates with host systems.
VirtualBox 7.2 introduces substantial interface redesigns that prioritize accessibility and workflow efficiency.
The development team relocated global and VM tools from hamburger menus to dedicated taskbars – a vertical global tools taskbar on the left and horizontal VM tools tabs above the right panel.
This reorganization makes frequently accessed tools more intuitive and reduces navigation complexity.
Performance enhancements include Linux host video decoding acceleration when 3D functionality is enabled, while macOS ARM hosts benefit from experimental 3D acceleration using DXMT technology.
Notably, Intel CPU-based macOS hosts no longer support 3D acceleration, marking a clear strategic shift toward ARM architecture optimization.
The update addresses numerous critical issues, including VMM improvements for x86_64 and ARM CPU feature reporting when using Windows Hyper-V virtualization engines.
Developers fixed nested virtualization functionality on Intel CPUs and resolved storage corruption problems affecting VMDK image resizing.
Audio system stability received attention with crash fixes, while the NAT networking subsystem underwent comprehensive improvements including better DNS server handling and enhanced boot file name generation.
The update also introduces initial support for Linux kernel versions 6.16 and 6.17, ensuring compatibility with cutting-edge Linux distributions.
VirtualBox 7.2 represents Oracle’s commitment to modern virtualization requirements, particularly emphasizing ARM architecture support that aligns with industry trends toward energy-efficient computing solutions.
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