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Asked: 2024-09-24T21:41:54+05:30 In:

How can I enable fullscreen mode in VirtualBox for my virtual machine running Ubuntu?

Alright, so I’ve been digging into VirtualBox because I’m trying to set up an Ubuntu virtual machine, and I really want to take full advantage of the screen real estate on my monitor. But here’s the thing: I can’t for the life of me figure out how to enable fullscreen mode. It’s kind of driving me nuts!

I mean, I’ve done a bit of research and read through some guides, but nothing seems to click for me. When I start my virtual machine, everything looks fine at first, but once I want to go fullscreen, it just doesn’t seem to work the way I expected. I either get this tiny window with massive borders or a weird zoomed-in effect that cuts off part of the Ubuntu desktop.

I checked the VirtualBox settings for the machine, and I’m pretty sure I enabled the 3D acceleration option since I heard that’s important for graphics performance and fullscreen capabilities. I also tried the keyboard shortcuts like Host key + F, but that doesn’t seem to do anything. You know that Host key is just a mystery! Sometimes it’s the right Ctrl key, and other times it’s not; it’s like the unpredictability adds another layer of frustration.

I’ve already gone into the display settings in Ubuntu to adjust the resolution, but even that doesn’t fix the fullscreen issue. I’m starting to feel like I’m missing something super obvious.

Did anyone else have this problem? Is there some trick I’m overlooking or a specific setting I need to change? Maybe there’s a particular version of VirtualBox that plays nicer with Ubuntu, or perhaps it’s a guest additions issue? If anyone can share their experiences or a workaround, I’d be beyond grateful! I just want to work comfortably without squinting at this tiny window. Any insights would be awesome!

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    2 Answers






    1. VirtualBox Fullscreen Issue


      Struggling with VirtualBox Fullscreen?

      Sounds like you’re having a real headache with VirtualBox and the Ubuntu VM! That’s totally relatable. Fullscreen mode can kinda be a pain sometimes. Here are a few things you might try out:

      1. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

      This is usually the magic fix. Guest Additions help with things like screen resolution and shared clipboard. You can install it by:

      - Starting your Ubuntu VM.
- Go to the VirtualBox menu and click on "Devices."
- Select "Insert Guest Additions CD image."
- Open a terminal in Ubuntu and run the installer.

      2. Adjusting the Display Settings

      After installing Guest Additions, try adjusting the resolution in Ubuntu:

      - Go to "Settings" > "Displays."
- Set the resolution to match your monitor.

      3. Using the Right Host Key

      The Host key is super important! If unsure which key it is, check VirtualBox preferences under “Input.” You can change it if it is giving you trouble.

      4. Use the Right Keyboard Shortcut

      Try the Host key + F again after installing Guest Additions. Sometimes it does take a moment to take effect.

      5. Update VirtualBox

      If you’re running an older version, that could be the root of your problems. Make sure you’re using the latest version of VirtualBox!

      If you do all this and it’s still not working, there might be something unique to your setup? Keep experimenting with the settings — sometimes the answer is hiding in plain sight!



    2. It sounds like you’re facing a common issue when trying to get fullscreen functionality for Ubuntu running in VirtualBox. The first step you should take is to ensure that you have installed the VirtualBox Guest Additions. This package includes drivers and utilities that optimize the performance of the guest operating system, including support for seamless mouse integration, better video support, and enhanced resolution settings. To install it, boot into your Ubuntu VM and then select “Devices” from the VirtualBox menu, followed by “Insert Guest Additions CD Image.” After that, follow the prompts in the terminal to install it. Once installed, reboot the VM and re-check your display settings.

      If the fullscreen issue persists, you may also need to adjust your display settings both in the VirtualBox Manager and within your Ubuntu VM. In VirtualBox, make sure that the video memory is set to at least 128 MB and that 3D acceleration is enabled. After rebooting the VM post-Guest Additions installation, go to Ubuntu System Settings > Displays and ensure that your resolution is set to match your host display. The unpredictability of the Host Key can indeed add to the confusion; remember that it can be customized in VirtualBox’s global preferences. If you’re using the key combination and it still seems unresponsive, try right-clicking on the VM window and selecting “Full Screen” directly from the menu as an alternative. With these adjustments, you should be able to enjoy a seamless fullscreen experience.


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