How to Exit Full Screen in VirtualBox on Ubuntu, Mac, Linux, and Windows
VirtualBox is one of the most popular virtualization tools for running multiple operating systems on a single computer. Whether you are testing software, learning a new operating system, or creating a development environment, VirtualBox makes it easy to switch between your host computer and a virtual machine.
One feature many users enjoy is Full Screen Mode, which lets the virtual machine take over the entire display for a more immersive experience. However, beginners often get confused when they cannot figure out how to leave full screen mode. In many cases, pressing the standard Esc or F11 keys does not work because VirtualBox uses a special Host Key to control certain functions.
Whether you are using Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, or another Linux distribution, the process is almost identical, with only a few differences depending on your host operating system.
How to Exit Full Screen in VirtualBox on Ubuntu, Mac, Linux, and Windows
To exit full screen in VirtualBox, press the Host Key + F. By default, the Host Key is the Right Ctrl key on Windows and Linux hosts, while on Mac, it is typically the Left Command key.
You can also exit full screen by moving your mouse to the top edge of the screen to reveal the VirtualBox menu and selecting View > Full Screen Mode to disable it.
If the shortcut does not work, check your Host Key settings in VirtualBox Preferences.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Understand What the VirtualBox Host Key Does
Before trying to exit full screen mode, it is important to understand what the Host Key is. VirtualBox captures your keyboard and mouse whenever you click inside the virtual machine. This allows the guest operating system to receive all keyboard and mouse input directly.
Because of this behavior, your normal operating system shortcuts may not work while the virtual machine is active. VirtualBox solves this by assigning a special Host Key that tells the program to perform actions such as leaving full screen mode, releasing the mouse pointer, or opening certain VirtualBox commands.
On most Windows and Linux computers, the default Host Key is the Right Ctrl key. On Mac, the default Host Key is usually the Left Command key. Knowing this key is essential because nearly every important VirtualBox shortcut depends on it.
If you are unsure which key is currently assigned, don’t worry. You can verify or change it later in the VirtualBox settings.
Step 2: Exit Full Screen Using the Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest and easiest method is to use the VirtualBox keyboard shortcut.
If you are using Windows, Ubuntu, or another Linux distribution as your host computer, press Right Ctrl + F. The virtual machine should immediately return to windowed mode.
If you are using macOS, press Left Command + F unless your Host Key has been changed. This performs the same function and exits full screen mode.
When the shortcut works, your virtual machine will shrink back into its normal application window, allowing you to resize or move it around your desktop.
If nothing happens after pressing the shortcut, there is no need to panic. Many users accidentally change the Host Key during installation or while customizing VirtualBox. The next steps will help you identify the correct key.
Step 3: Exit Full Screen Using the VirtualBox Menu
If the keyboard shortcut does not work or you simply prefer using menus, VirtualBox provides another easy method.
Move your mouse pointer to the very top edge of the screen while the virtual machine is running in full screen mode. After a brief moment, the hidden VirtualBox Mini Toolbar or the standard VirtualBox menu will appear.
Click View, then select Full Screen Mode. Since this option acts as a toggle, selecting it again disables full screen mode and returns the virtual machine to a standard window.
This method is especially helpful for beginners because it does not require remembering keyboard shortcuts. It also works consistently across Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, and most other Linux distributions.
If the Mini Toolbar is hidden, slowly move your cursor to the screen edge and wait for a second. It should slide into view automatically.
Check Which Host Key Is Assigned
If the keyboard shortcut still fails, your Host Key may have been changed from its default value.
Close the virtual machine if necessary and return to the main VirtualBox Manager window. Open File, then choose Preferences. On some versions, this option may appear under Tools instead.
Select Input from the left panel. You will see the current Host Key Combination displayed on the screen.
If the assigned key is different from what you expected, make a note of it. You can now use that key together with F to enter or exit full screen mode.
Many users discover that they accidentally reassigned the Host Key while experimenting with VirtualBox settings. Simply knowing the correct key often solves the problem immediately.
Change the Host Key if It Is Difficult to Use
Some keyboards have layouts that make the default Host Key inconvenient. This is especially common on compact laptops and custom keyboards.
Open the Input settings inside VirtualBox Preferences. Click the current Host Key assignment, then press a new key combination that is easy to remember and unlikely to conflict with your operating system shortcuts.
Choose a key that is comfortable to reach while working inside the virtual machine. After saving your changes, use the new Host Key + F combination whenever you want to switch between full screen and windowed mode.
Using a memorable Host Key can make VirtualBox much easier to use, especially if you frequently switch display modes.
Make Sure the Virtual Machine Has Keyboard Focus
Sometimes the shortcut appears not to work because VirtualBox is not receiving keyboard input.
Click anywhere inside the virtual machine window before pressing the shortcut. This ensures the guest operating system has keyboard focus and VirtualBox can recognize the Host Key command.
If another application is currently active, the shortcut may be sent to that program instead of VirtualBox.
After clicking inside the virtual machine, try pressing the Host Key + F again. In many cases, this simple step immediately fixes the issue.
Restart VirtualBox if Full Screen Mode Gets Stuck
Occasionally, a temporary software glitch may prevent VirtualBox from switching display modes correctly.
Save your work inside the guest operating system before shutting it down properly. Close the virtual machine and completely exit VirtualBox.
Launch VirtualBox again and start the virtual machine. Once it finishes booting, try using the Host Key + F shortcut again.
Restarting the application clears temporary display issues and often resolves problems caused by graphics acceleration or display synchronization.
If the issue continues after restarting, installing the latest version of VirtualBox and updating the Guest Additions package inside the guest operating system can improve display compatibility and keyboard shortcut functionality.
Useful Tips From My Side
One of the best habits is learning your Host Key as soon as you install VirtualBox because many important shortcuts depend on it.
Keep Guest Additions installed and updated. They improve screen resizing, mouse integration, graphics performance, and full-screen support.
If you frequently switch between full screen and windowed mode, practice using Host Key + F until it becomes second nature.
When using multiple monitors, check your display settings if VirtualBox appears to be stuck in full screen. Sometimes the virtual machine simply opens on another monitor.
If your keyboard has a unique layout or missing keys, customize the Host Key to something easier to access.
When using macOS, remember that the VirtualBox Host Key is separate from Apple’s own full screen shortcut, so always use the configured Host Key instead of relying on standard macOS shortcuts.
If keyboard shortcuts suddenly stop working after an update, verify that the Host Key assignment has not changed in VirtualBox Preferences.
FAQs
Why can’t I exit full screen in VirtualBox?
The most common reason is using the wrong keyboard shortcut. VirtualBox requires the Host Key + F rather than standard operating system shortcuts.
What is the default Host Key in VirtualBox?
On Windows, Ubuntu, and most Linux hosts, the default Host Key is Right Ctrl. On Mac, it is generally Left Command.
Can I change the VirtualBox Host Key?
Yes. Open VirtualBox Preferences, go to Input, and assign a different Host Key that is easier for you to use.
Does the same shortcut work on Ubuntu and Linux?
Yes. Most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, use the default Right Ctrl + F shortcut unless the Host Key has been customized.
Why does pressing F11 or Esc not exit full screen?
VirtualBox does not rely on standard operating system full screen shortcuts. Instead, it uses the configured Host Key together with F.
What should I do if the shortcut still doesn’t work?
Check the Host Key assignment, click inside the virtual machine to give it keyboard focus, restart VirtualBox, and make sure both VirtualBox and Guest Additions are updated.
Summary
Knowing how to exit full screen in VirtualBox on Ubuntu, Mac, Linux, and Windows becomes easy once you understand the role of the Host Key. In most cases, simply pressing Host Key + F returns the virtual machine to windowed mode.
If that does not work, using the View menu, verifying the Host Key settings, ensuring the virtual machine has keyboard focus, or restarting VirtualBox usually resolves the issue.
After learning these simple techniques, you can switch between display modes confidently and enjoy a smoother VirtualBox experience every time.