VirtualBox is a powerful cross-platform virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their computer. To enhance the productivity and the usability of VirtualBox, keyboard shortcuts can be invaluable. They not only save time but also streamline your workflow by providing quick access to common tasks and functions. Here are some of the best VirtualBox keyboard shortcuts that can significantly improve your performance:

1.Host Key Combination (Right Ctrl by default) – The host key is the cornerstone of all shortcuts in VirtualBox. It’s usually the Right Control key, but you can configure it to whatever you like. Pressing the host key once returns control from the guest to the host operating system.

2.Host Key + F – Switches the virtual machine into full-screen mode, offering an immersive experience as if you’re working directly on the guest operating system.

3.Host Key + L – If you prefer a seamless integration between the host and guest OS, this shortcut enables you to switch to Seamless Mode.

4.Host Key + C – This combination switches to scaled mode, which scales the guest display to fit in the VirtualBox window.

5.Host Key + Home – Brings up the VM menu bar in Full-screen or Seamless mode, providing access to action menus like Machine, View, Devices, and Help.

6.Host Key + Del – Acts like pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del on a physical keyboard; useful for sending a secure attention sequence (SAS) signal to a Windows guest.

7.Host Key + Backspace – Works as an Insert CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE sequence which is useful for Linux guests.

8.Host Key + T – Initiates shutdown of the guest OS; akin to hitting Start and then Shutdown in older versions of Windows.

9.Host Key + S – Triggers a save state, similar to hibernating your PC; this saves your virtual machine’s state for later restoration.

10.Host Key + Q – Prompts you about whether you wish to close your VM or save its state.

11.Host Key + Z – Toggles rescaling of the guest output to fit into the available screen space whenever you resize the virtual machine’s window.

12.Alt + Home – Brings up the Start Menu in Windows-based virtual machines— applicable when using remote desktop connection functionalities within Virtual Managed Desktops on VBox versions that support this feature.

By incorporating these keyboard shortcuts into your regular use of VirtualBox, you’ll likely find that managing your virtual machines becomes faster and more efficient, effectively boosting your overall performance.