How to Enable Full-Screen Mode in a VirtualBox VM

To use your VirtualBox VM in full-screen mode effectively, you need to follow a series of steps to properly configure your virtual machine. This guide will walk you through the process, including installing Guest Additions and adjusting display settings. Let's dive into the details!

Step 1: Install Guest Additions

The first step is to install Guest Additions. Here's how:

Start your VM. In the VM window, go to the menu bar and click on Devices. Select Insert Guest Additions CD image.... Follow the prompts to install the Guest Additions. This typically involves running a setup program within the VM. Restart the VM when prompted.

Step 2: Enter Full-Screen Mode

After installing the Guest Additions, you can switch to full-screen mode:

Press the Host key (usually the right Ctrl key and then press F) to enter full-screen mode. Alternatively, go to the menu bar, click on View, and then select Full-screen Mode.

Step 3: Adjust Display Settings (if necessary)

If the VM does not resize properly, you may need to adjust the display settings:

In the VM window, go to Settings and select Display. Increase the Video Memory and enable 3D Acceleration if needed.

Step 4: Exit Full-Screen Mode

To exit full-screen mode:

Press the Host key (usually right Ctrl and then press F) again. Alternatively, move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar and select View and then Exit Full-screen Mode.

Example: Ubuntu 20.04 Full-Screen in VirtualBox on Windows 10

As an example, here are the steps for enabling full-screen mode in an Ubuntu 20.04 VM running on VirtualBox and Windows 10:

Start your Ubuntu 20.04 VM. Install Guest Additions as previously described. Go to the Hints option in the Preferences tab and set the machine resolution to match your monitor. Set the Graphics Controller to improve performance (e.g., Virtio).

General Tips for Enabling Full-Screen Mode

While the steps above specifically target VirtualBox, the process may vary slightly depending on your virtualization platform. Here are some general tips:

Always ensure that you have the latest version of your virtualization software and the guest additions installed. Regularly update your operating system within the VM to ensure compatibility and performance improvements. Check the documentation specific to your virtualization platform and guest operating system for any additional tips or settings.

In summary, enabling full-screen mode in a VirtualBox VM involves installing Guest Additions, configuring display settings, and exiting full-screen mode as needed. By following these steps, you can enhance your virtual machine experience and make the most of your virtual environment.