VirtualBox Keyboard Shortcuts: The Full List

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

VirtualBox keyboard shortcuts let you control the virtual machine without touching the mouse: the Host key (normally the right Ctrl) unlocks the mouse and keyboard, and combinations like Host+F switch to full screen. Below is the complete list of default shortcuts, how to change them, and answers to the most common questions about them.

What Is the Host Key and Why Do You Need It?

When a virtual machine has focus, it captures your keyboard and mouse. The Host key is the escape hatch: it releases the capture so you can interact with your physical desktop. By default, VirtualBox uses the Right Ctrl key on Windows and Linux, and Left Command on macOS. You can see the current Host key in the bottom-right corner of the VM window (it appears as “Host” followed by the key symbol).

If you ever press a shortcut and nothing happens, the first thing to check is whether the VM actually has focus. Click inside the VM window, then try again. If the Host key itself seems wrong, it may have been changed by a previous user or an imported configuration.

Complete List of Default VirtualBox Shortcuts

All shortcuts use the Host key (abbreviated as Host below). The following are the defaults in VirtualBox 6.x and 7.x:

Host+F – Toggle full screen mode.
Host+L – Toggle seamless mode (hides the VM’s window borders).
Host+A – Toggle scaled mode (scales the VM display to fit the window).
Host+C – Toggle whether the VM captures the mouse.
Host+H – Take a screenshot of the VM window (saves as PNG).
Host+Home – Open the VirtualBox menu (same as the “Machine” menu).
Host+I – Pause the VM (or resume if already paused).
Host+R – Reset the VM (like pressing the reset button on a PC).
Host+Q – Close the VM (asks whether to save, power off, or restart).
Host+N – Take a snapshot of the VM.
Host+T – Show the VM’s task manager (Windows guest only).
Host+S – Open the VM settings dialog (if available).
Host+P – Pause the VM (same as Host+I).
Host+E – Open the file manager inside the guest (if supported).
Host+Del – Send Ctrl+Alt+Del to the guest (useful for Windows).
Host+Space – Toggle the VM’s mouse pointer integration.
Host+U – Toggle the VM’s USB tablet mode (if available).
Host+Arrow keys – Move the VM window to the corresponding edge of the screen (Windows host only).

Note that some shortcuts only work when the VM window is active. Others, like Host+R, may require confirmation in the guest OS.

How to Change or Add Keyboard Shortcuts

VirtualBox lets you customize most shortcuts through the global preferences. Here’s how:

Open VirtualBox (the main window, not a VM).
Go to File → Preferences (on macOS: VirtualBox → Preferences).
Select Input → Virtual Machine.
You’ll see a list of actions with their current shortcuts. Click on an action, then press the new key combination.
Click OK to save.

You can also change the Host key itself in the same window (the first field). If you set it to something like Left Ctrl, make sure it doesn’t conflict with shortcuts you use in the host OS.

Common Problems and Fixes

If a shortcut doesn’t work, the most likely causes are:

Wrong Host key – Check the bottom-right of the VM window. If it says “Host” but you’re pressing the right Ctrl, it may have been changed.
VM not focused – Click inside the VM window first.
Guest OS intercepts the shortcut – Some guests (like Windows with certain software) may swallow key combinations. Try Host+Del for Ctrl+Alt+Del, or use the VM menu instead.
Shortcut not assigned – Not all actions have a default shortcut (e.g., “Restore Snapshot” doesn’t). You can add one in Preferences.
Host key stuck – If the mouse is stuck in the VM, press the Host key once to release it.

If you’re using a non-US keyboard layout, some shortcuts may not map correctly. VirtualBox uses the physical key position, so a key that is “Z” on a QWERTY layout might be “Y” on a QWERTZ layout. In that case, remap the shortcut to a key you can find easily.

Comparison with Other Virtualization Tools

VirtualBox isn’t the only hypervisor, and its shortcuts differ from others. VMware Workstation uses Ctrl+Alt as the default Host key, while Parallels Desktop uses a combination of the Command key and other keys. The most notable difference is that VirtualBox’s Host key is a single key, which makes it easy to press with one hand. However, some users find that the right Ctrl key is awkward to reach, which is why many change it to the left Ctrl or the Windows key.

Another difference: VirtualBox has a “seamless mode” (Host+L) that is similar to VMware’s “Unity” mode, but the shortcut is different. If you switch between tools, you’ll need to retrain your fingers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Host key on a Mac?

On macOS, the default Host key is the Left Command (⌘) key. You can change it in VirtualBox Preferences under Input → Virtual Machine.

How do I send Ctrl+Alt+Del to a Windows guest?

Press Host+Del. That sends the Ctrl+Alt+Del sequence to the guest. If you’re using a Mac keyboard, the Del key is the Backspace key, but it works the same.

Why does my mouse get stuck inside the VM?

That’s normal when the VM captures the mouse. Press the Host key (right Ctrl by default) to release it. If you have “Mouse Integration” enabled (Host+I toggles it), the mouse should move freely between host and guest without needing to press the Host key.

Can I use keyboard shortcuts to switch between VMs?

Not directly. VirtualBox doesn’t have a built-in shortcut to cycle between running VMs. You can use the host OS’s window switcher (like Alt+Tab on Windows) to switch between VM windows.

How do I take a screenshot of the VM?

Press Host+H. The screenshot is saved as a PNG file in the VM’s Logs folder (usually inside the VM’s directory). You can also use the host OS’s screenshot tool, but Host+H captures only the VM window.

I changed the Host key, but the old one still works. Why?

If you have multiple VirtualBox versions or profiles, the old setting might be cached. Close all VirtualBox processes, then reopen. Also, check if you’re using a portable version that loads settings from a different location.

Conclusion

Keyboard shortcuts are a small but powerful part of VirtualBox. Once you memorize the Host key and a few combinations, you’ll navigate VMs much faster. If you forget a shortcut, you can always use the menus at the top of the VM window. And if you ever need to release the mouse, just press the Host key.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.