New User - Stuck at Preparing Home Assistant (Using Virtual Box) | Home Assistant | Page 1

shut gazelle Dec 27, 2025, 8:12 PM

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Hi everyone, I need some help please.

I’m installing Home Assistant OS on VirtualBox (Windows host) and it’s been stuck on “Preparing Home Assistant” for almost 3 hours.

What I’ve tried so far:

Using both Bridged and NAT network modes
Changing Wi-Fi networks (including hotspot)
Restarting the VM a few times
Waiting without touching the VM for long periods

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

steel marten Dec 27, 2025, 9:28 PM

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shut gazelle Hi everyone, I need some help please. I’m installing Home Assistant OS on Virtu...

used bridged networking to an ethernet adaptor, dont use wifi.
also there are some problems with latest try a slightly older version. i think 7.1.x is fine.

twilit grove Dec 28, 2025, 6:00 AM

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i have seen this taking a few hours... You'll need bridge mode for network and instead of restart, perform full reboot. Check internal network is ok > set static ip (reservation) for haos vm in your router and leave haos on Automatic (DHCP)

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writing before reading your post Michael, oops 😉

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scrolling sometimes helps lol

twilit grove Dec 28, 2025, 8:02 AM

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tip for future, consider switching from virtualbox to proxmox ve, lot easier

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less bugs

#New User - Stuck at Preparing Home Assistant (Using Virtual Box)