VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization platform that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. One of its key features is the ability to adjust display modes, including scaled mode, full-screen mode, and windowed mode. In this tutorial, we will explore how to navigate these display modes, focusing on exiting scale mode.
Understanding Display Modes in VirtualBox
VirtualBox offers several display modes to enhance user experience:
- Windowed Mode: The virtual machine runs in a window on the host operating system’s desktop.
- Full-Screen Mode: The virtual machine takes over the entire screen, providing an immersive experience.
- Scaled Mode: The virtual machine’s display is scaled to fit the host machine’s screen resolution while maintaining its original aspect ratio.
Exiting Scale Mode
To exit scale mode in VirtualBox, you can use the following shortcut:
- Press the Host Key (default is Right Ctrl) + C. This will toggle scale mode on and off.
Note that the Host Key may be different from Right Ctrl depending on your VirtualBox settings. To verify or change the Host Key binding, follow these steps:
- Open VirtualBox Preferences.
- Navigate to Input > Virtual Machine.
- Check or modify the Host Key Combination setting as needed.
Alternative Methods
If the default shortcut does not work for you, there are alternative methods to exit scale mode:
- Switching to Full-Screen Mode: Press the Host Key + F to enter full-screen mode, then press the Host Key + C to toggle scale mode.
- Resetting the Host Key: Go to File > Preferences > Input, and reset the Host Key. This may resolve issues where the default shortcut is not working.
Disabling Scale Mode Permanently
If you prefer not to use scale mode at all, you can disable it using the following command in your host’s terminal:
VBoxManage setextradata global GUI/Input/MachineShortcuts "ScaleMode=None"
This will prevent VirtualBox from entering scale mode.
Tips and Best Practices
- Familiarize yourself with the Host Key and its default binding (Right Ctrl).
- Use the Host Key + F to switch between full-screen and windowed modes.
- Be aware that some shortcuts may only work in specific display modes (e.g., Host Key + C seems to work only in full-screen mode).
By mastering these display modes and shortcuts, you can enhance your VirtualBox experience and efficiently manage your virtual machines.