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How to use GNS3 VM with VirtualBox

Video Tutorial

📺 Watch the Video Tutorial - Follow along step-by-step to import GNS3 VM to VirtualBox

Run GNS3 VM in VirtualBox. This is good for personal use and learning.

Before You Start​

Step 1: Set Up the Network​

Set up a "Host-Only Network" for GNS3 VM in VirtualBox.

  • Click "Network", choose "Host-Only Network", then click "Create".
Create a Host-Only Network
  • Select the new network, then choose "DHCP Server".
DHCP Server settings
  • Check "Enable Server", then click "OK".
Enable DHCP server

Step 2: Import the Virtual Machine​

Download the GNS3 VM image from the GNS3 website, then import it into VirtualBox.

Main menu → Import → Choose GNS3 VM.ova → Import

Import the OVA file
  • Import is done.
Import complete

Step 3: Start the Virtual Machine​

Start the GNS3 VM. Wait for it to fully boot (about 2-3 minutes). Then write down the IP address shown on the screen.

After it starts, you will see the GNS3 VM console screen. It shows login information and the IP address.

GNS3 VM console showing the IP address

Step 4: Log In to the Web UI​

Open your browser and go to the GNS3 Web UI. Log in with username admin and password admin.

Web UI login page
  • The page after you log in.
Web UI dashboard overview

Document Version: 3.1.0 Last Updated: 2026-05-15