VirtualBox – Exiting Scale or Full Screen Mode in Windows [2023 Updated]

virtualbox

Last updated on May 1st, 2023 at 04:15 pm

Read Time:2 Minute, 1 Second

When using VirtualBox you may at some point enter Scale or Full Screen Mode and then wonder how the hell you get out of it again and get your menu toolbar back!

VirtualBox Toolbar
Click to Enlarge – VirtualBox Toolbar

Well the solution is very simple but not very clear. In the settings you will notice that mentioned a lot is the Host+(something) key. One of these key presses is to exit scale or full mode which is Host+C or you can use Host+Home to bring up the menu bar and then you can click the View menu option and change the settings.

But – what if you are using a Windows machine – what the hell is the Host key!?. Well, the Host key on a Windows machine is actually the Right Ctrl key (unless you have manually reconfigured the shortcut keys). So you can go ahead and press the Right Ctrl + C to exit these modes.

So what other Host key presses can I use in VirtualBox?

Well, below is a few key presses that you can use and some that you may want to avoid. We have seen people desperately pressing multiple keys to try and exit scale mode and ending up shutting their virtual machine down – usually followed by a number of expletives!

NameKey Press
Host Key ComboRight Ctrl
ACPI ShutdownRight Ctrl+H
Adjust Windows SizeRight Ctrl+A
Full Screen ModeRight Ctrl+F
Insert ALT-CTRL-DELRight Ctrl+Del
Minimise WindowRight Ctrl+M
Pop-Up Toolbar MenuRight Ctrl+Home
Reset Virutal MachineRight Ctrl+R
Scaled ModeRight Ctrl+C
Seamless ModeRight Ctrl+L
SettingsRight Ctrl+S
Take ScreenshotRight Ctrl+E
Take SnapshotRight Ctrl+T

Downloads

Some references for you if you are interested in using VirtualBox for your virtualisation requirements:

FAQ

What is VirtualBox used for?

VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows users to create and run virtual machines (VMs) on their computers. Virtual machines are self-contained, isolated environments that simulate a complete computer system, including its own operating system, applications, and virtual hardware.

Is VirtualBox still free?

Yes it is still free to use.

Is VirtualBox better than VMware?

Personally, I’d say no, but for home use or free use – it does the job it’s intended to do.

Is VirtualBox free for Mac?

Just like it’s Windows version, yes, it is free for Mac too.

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