How do I fix: Install additional packages?

Step 1: Step 1: Install the `build-essential` package using the command `sudo apt install build-essential -y`. This package is required for building the VirtualBox Guest Additions module.Step 2: Step 2: Re-run the VirtualBox Guest Additions installation process after installing the necessary package

Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Error while installing Virtualbox guest additions in Ubuntu 20.04.2: Look at /var/log/vboxadd-setup.log to find out what went wrong

Q: How do I fix: 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps Update the kernel configuration?

Step 1: Step 1: Update the kernel version to a compatible version. Open a terminal and run the command `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y` to ensure that all packages are up-to-date.Step 2: Step 2: Check the kernel version using the command `uname -r`. If the kernel version is not compatible wi

Error while installing Virtualbox guest additions in Ubuntu 20.04.2: Look at /var/log/vboxadd-setup.log to find out what went wrong

Quick Answer: Check the kernel configuration by running 'make oldconfig & make prepare' on kernel src and try again.

📋 Table of Contents

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
💡 Conclusion

Error installing VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu 20.04.2 can be frustrating, especially when trying to use the virtual machine for optimal performance. The error message 'VirtualBox Guest Additions: Look at /var/log/vboxadd-setup.log to find out what went wrong' indicates that there is an issue with the kernel configuration.

This error is caused by a mismatch between the kernel version and the VirtualBox Guest Additions version, or possibly due to missing configuration files. The solution involves updating the kernel configuration, installing additional packages, or using alternative installation methods.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

The primary root cause of this error is a mismatch between the kernel version and the VirtualBox Guest Additions version. This can be caused by an outdated or incompatible kernel configuration.
Another possible root cause is missing configuration files required for the VirtualBox Guest Additions installation.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update the kernel configuration

Step 1: Step 1: Update the kernel version to a compatible version. Open a terminal and run the command `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y` to ensure that all packages are up-to-date.
Step 2: Step 2: Check the kernel version using the command `uname -r`. If the kernel version is not compatible with VirtualBox Guest Additions, you may need to update it. You can do this by running `sudo apt install linux-generic-hwe-20.04` (for Ubuntu 20.04) or a similar command for your specific kernel version.
Step 3: Step 3: Re-run the VirtualBox Guest Additions installation process after updating the kernel configuration.

Install additional packages

Step 1: Step 1: Install the `build-essential` package using the command `sudo apt install build-essential -y`. This package is required for building the VirtualBox Guest Additions module.
Step 2: Step 2: Re-run the VirtualBox Guest Additions installation process after installing the necessary packages.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the error, try updating the kernel configuration or installing additional packages. If neither of these methods work, you can try using an alternative installation method or seeking further assistance from the VirtualBox community.

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