How Can You Change VirtualBox Host Key -Guide

Osvibes
2 min readApr 28, 2021
VirtualBox

In this article, you will learn about changing VirtualBox Host Key. In case, if you want to use any of the shortcut keystrokes in the VirtualBox. Then you must also use the Host key that is available in the combination with another key. So, By default, this is the Host key is the Right Ctrl key on the keyboard.

Now, There may be some keyboards that are just like laptop keyboards. So, that you do not have a Right Ctrl key. Also, If you are in this situation, then you would just rather use a different key than your Host key. So, this post also describes that how to change which key on the keyboard is used as the Host key.

How To Change VirtualBox Host Key?

You have To change the Host key, then open VirtualBox. Now, Select the Preferences available from the File menu.

Using The Settings dialog box displays. You have to click on the Input option that is available in the left pane. This is available on the Input screen, then click on the box next to Host Key. You have to Type the new desired key.

Then NOTE that the Alphanumeric, cursor movement, and editing keys cannot be used as the Host Key. So, The new key displays are also available in the box next to the Host Key. Now, Click on OK.

Using The Host key that will also display in the lower, right corner of the VirtualBox status bar. Also, in case if you forget what key you chose as your Host key.

This is available On the Input screen you can also choose to automatically capture the keyboard. If you open a virtual machine. Then you have To do this and then select the Auto Capture Keyboard check box. So, This means all keystrokes that will direct to the virtual machine until you press the Host key. You have to return control of the mouse and keyboard to the host machine.

Also See: In Windows Fix this error “not recognized as an internal or external command”

Conclusion:

Then you must also use the Host key that is available in the combination with another key. So, By default, this is the Host key is the Right Ctrl key on the keyboard. Now, There may be some keyboards that are just like laptop keyboards. So, that you do not have a Right Ctrl key. Also, If you are in this situation, then you would just rather use a different key than your Host key. So, this post also describes that how to change which key on the keyboard is used as the Host key

Read More: How Can You Change VirtualBox Host Key

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