Exiting Full Screen VirtualBox: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
VirtualBox is a popular virtualization software that allows you to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) on your local machine. One of the most useful features of VirtualBox is the ability to run VMs in full screen mode, which provides an immersive and interactive experience. However, if you find yourself stuck in full screen mode, it can be frustrating and difficult to exit. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to exit full screen VirtualBox.
Why Exit Full Screen VirtualBox?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s quickly discuss why you might want to exit full screen VirtualBox. Here are a few scenarios:
- You’re working on a complex project and need to switch between multiple windows.
- You’re trying to troubleshoot a problem and need to access the VM’s console.
- You’re simply tired of the full screen mode and want to switch back to a normal windowed environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exiting Full Screen VirtualBox
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to exit full screen VirtualBox:
Step 1: Switch to Normal Windowed Mode
To exit full screen VirtualBox, you need to switch back to normal windowed mode. Here’s how:
- Click on the VirtualBox icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom right corner of your screen).
- Click on the "Settings" icon (represented by a gear icon).
- In the settings window, click on the "VMs" tab.
- Select the VM you want to exit full screen mode for.
- Click on the "Edit" button next to the VM’s name.
- In the edit window, click on the "Settings" button.
- In the settings window, click on the "Window" tab.
- Select "Window" from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the "OK" button.
Step 2: Switch to Full Screen Mode
Once you’ve switched back to normal windowed mode, you can switch back to full screen mode. Here’s how:
- Click on the VirtualBox icon in your system tray.
- Click on the "Settings" icon (represented by a gear icon).
- In the settings window, click on the "VMs" tab.
- Select the VM you want to exit full screen mode for.
- Click on the "Edit" button next to the VM’s name.
- In the edit window, click on the "Settings" button.
- In the settings window, click on the "Window" tab.
- Select "Full Screen" from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the "OK" button.
Alternative Method: Using the "Exit Full Screen" Option
Alternatively, you can use the "Exit Full Screen" option to exit full screen VirtualBox. Here’s how:
- Click on the VirtualBox icon in your system tray.
- Click on the "Settings" icon (represented by a gear icon).
- In the settings window, click on the "VMs" tab.
- Select the VM you want to exit full screen mode for.
- Click on the "Edit" button next to the VM’s name.
- In the edit window, click on the "Settings" button.
- In the settings window, click on the "Window" tab.
- Select "Exit Full Screen" from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the "OK" button.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few additional tips and tricks to help you exit full screen VirtualBox:
- Use the "Ctrl + Shift + F" shortcut: This will switch you to full screen mode and exit it.
- Use the "Alt + F" shortcut: This will switch you to full screen mode and exit it.
- Use the "Window" tab: This tab allows you to switch between full screen and normal windowed modes.
- Use the "VMs" tab: This tab allows you to manage your VMs, including switching between full screen and normal windowed modes.
Conclusion
Exiting full screen VirtualBox can be a bit tricky, but with these steps and tips, you should be able to do it easily. Remember to switch back to normal windowed mode after exiting full screen mode, and use the "Ctrl + Shift + F" or "Alt + F" shortcut to switch between full screen and normal windowed modes. Happy virtualizing!