How to change the host key in virtualbox
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Essential VirtualBox Tip: How to Change the Host Key (Release Key) in Seconds!
Hi there! This is Darren O’Neill from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and today we’re tackling a small but absolutely crucial fix within Oracle VirtualBox: changing the Host Key.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck inside your Virtual Machine (VM), unable to seamlessly move your mouse back to your main operating system (your Host), you know the frustration. The Host Key is the lifeline that releases your keyboard and mouse input.
The default Host Key is usually the Right Ctrl key. However, many modern or specialized keyboards—including the one I use—don’t actually have a dedicated right control key. This means the default setting is completely unusable!
Fortunately, adjusting this setting is incredibly easy. In this short tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to switch the Host Key from the default Right Ctrl to something more convenient, like the Left Ctrl key, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted VirtualBox experience.
What is the VirtualBox Host Key?
The Host Key is a special key combination defined by VirtualBox that acts as the “escape hatch” for your input.
When you click into a running Virtual Machine, VirtualBox ‘captures’ your keyboard and mouse, meaning all your actions (typing, clicking) are directed only at the guest operating system. To switch back to your host machine without closing the VM, you must press the Host Key. This ‘releases’ the input, allowing you to interact with your host desktop again.
If the default Right Ctrl key doesn’t work for your hardware, changing it is essential for efficient workflow.
Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Host Key Combination
You do not need a running Virtual Machine to perform this change; you just need to be in the main VirtualBox Manager application.
Follow these simple steps to redefine the key combination that works best for your keyboard setup:
1. Access the Global Preferences
From the main VirtualBox Manager window, navigate to the application menu:
- Click File in the top menu bar.
- Select Preferences (or use the shortcut Ctrl+G).
2. Navigate to Input Settings
In the preferences window that pops up, you will see a list of categories on the left side:
- Click the Input option. This section controls how VirtualBox handles keyboard and mouse input globally.
3. Change the Host Key Combination
Under the “Input” settings, look for the section labeled Host Key Combination.
- Locate the field showing the current key (which will likely display “Right Control” or
Host+H). - Click directly inside this field.
- Press the key you wish to use as your new Host Key. (In my case, I pressed the Left Ctrl key).
- Note: As soon as you press the new key, the field will update to display the new command.
4. Confirm and Save
- Once you see your desired key displayed (e.g., “Left Control”), click OK at the bottom of the preferences window to save your changes.
The change is effective immediately!
Testing Your New Release Key
Now that your Host Key has been redefined, it’s time to test it out:
- Start your Virtual Machine and capture the mouse input (click inside the VM window).
- Perform a simple task, like opening a program within the VM.
- Press your newly defined Host Key (e.g., Left Ctrl).
You should immediately see your mouse cursor reappear on your host operating system, proving that the change was successful! You can now move seamlessly between your VM and your host machine using the key that works perfectly for your hardware.
Conclusion
That was a real short video—and blog post!—on how to solve a frustrating, yet common, hardware compatibility issue in VirtualBox. Setting your own release key ensures that you can always capture and release your input without being tied down by the default settings.
A successful virtual environment relies on these small, crucial customizations. I hope this quick fix makes your daily tech life much smoother!
If this tutorial was helpful, please give us a thumbs up, check out my Patreon, and make sure you subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, accessible technology guides. If you have any issues or questions about your new Host Key, please do comment below! As always, thank you for watching.