Host Key - How to use Oracle Virtual Box's Host Key
The Virtual Box host key in combination with other keys provides shortcuts for performing virtual machine operations.
The default host key for Oracle Virtual Box is the right control key on a PC keyboard.
The default host key for Oracle Virtual Box is the left command key on a MAC
The table below summarizes a few functions.
Key | Function | Description | ||
The host key is a toggle which determines whether the mouse and keyboard are active in the host or guest machine. | ||||
To initially activate the keyboard and mouse in the guest machine mouse click inside the guest machine window. | ||||
While the keyboard and mouse are attached to the host machine pressing the host key with any key combination below will perform a specific task. | ||||
The host key transmits the key sequence Ctrl+Alt | ||||
In the Linux environment, when switching to a virtual console instead of using the key sequence, CTRL+ALT +F# use CTRL+ F#. | ||||
To disengage the mouse and keyboard from the guest machine and return to the host machine press the host key once. | ||||
s | Settings | Access virtual machine settings | ||
t | Snapshot | Opens a screen to initiate a snapshot. | ||
e | Screen Capture | Capture the current screen. The screen capture may be saved to the host machine as a .bmp, .png, .ppm, .xbm, or .xpm file. | ||
f | Full Screen | Display the virtual machine in full screen mode. | ||
c | Scale Screen | Displays the virtual machine in scale mode. | ||
Virtual box will scale the size of its' screen to the size of the current window. | ||||
p | Pause | Pause virtual machine | ||
r | Restart | Restart the virtual machine without saving its' current state. | ||
h | Shutdown | Provides you with the choices: log out, shut down, or restart. | ||
If you are not logged into the virtual machine the virtual machine will halt. |