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I installed Windows 10 on a virtual machine, and everything is working fine. But when I go into fullscreen mode, the size doesn't change, and I get a black screen around the display. Some people suggested that I install the guest additions, so I did. I downloaded the file and inserted it. This did not change anything. I still get a black screen around the VM. How can I fix this?

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  • Why did I get a -1? I am willing to improve the question if necessary.
    – Rahul Mukherji
    Mar 6, 2016 at 12:31
  • This appears to be a Windows issue based on the subject being a Windows VM and not Ubuntu. This is offtopic. (Likely why you got a down vote).
    – Thomas Ward ♦
    Mar 8, 2016 at 2:20
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    @ThomasWard It is a Windows based issue, that presents as an Ubuntu issue, which is why it is an appropriate question.
    – Malcolm Anderson
    Jul 19, 2019 at 12:15
  • @ThomasWard (Actually I think it's a VirtualBox question which may or may not be a Windows question.) Downgrading a question without an explanation may not be required, but it adds to the perception that Stack Overflow is an unwelcoming or hostile place. (Personally I think it's a form of bullying) It's not helpful to someone trying to learn. If the down vote had come with a note: "This is a virtualbox issue, and has been answered here ..." it would be helpful. This article is spot on - stackoverflow.blog/2018/04/26/…
    – Malcolm Anderson
    Jul 19, 2019 at 12:27

6 Answers 6

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The guest additions cd needs installed within the client. You can do this from the client toolbar. Devices -> Insert guest additions CD image...

That will mount the guest additions cd image. Click on it to run it. Let it install. It will then reboot the guest operating system. When the guest restarts and you log back in you will be able to go full screen and the resolution will adjust automatically. You can scale the window whatever way you want by dragging the corners of guest window and it will auto adjust to whatever that resolution is.

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    This answer deserves the most votes. After following these steps, Windows will always fill the entire window without needing to modify settings in either the guest or the host.
    – trebormf
    Nov 28, 2017 at 21:24
  • Totally agree with @trebormf. This is the correct answer
    – MrPaulDriver
    Jan 3, 2018 at 9:58
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    It happened to me after a windows update, when Guest Additions was already installed. Going out of an into full screen mode again (right-ctrl + f, right-ctrl + f) solved the problem (more or less what is in the second paragraph, but without mouse).
    – Wilbert
    Aug 13, 2018 at 8:25
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    In my case there was no optical drive attached to my VM. I had to go to Settings -> Storage to add one before I could insert the disk
    – ErikAGriffin
    Jul 7, 2020 at 18:38
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    I just changed the resolution inside my Ubuntu VM and it worked.
    – Amit Ray
    Aug 25, 2020 at 6:13
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Most probably the resolution in Virtualbox does not match your monitor resolution. Try to change the resolution inside the virtual machine.

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  • How do I achieve this?
    – Rahul Mukherji
    Mar 6, 2016 at 12:36
  • Inside Windows 10 set the resolution matching your monitor.
    – kukulo
    Mar 6, 2016 at 12:42
  • Thanks, it worked. Unfortunately, the highest resolution available is 1600x1200. Also, in that resolution, my mouse doesn't go above a certain level. Is there anyway to add a custom resolution? And is there anyway to fix this mouse problem?
    – Rahul Mukherji
    Mar 6, 2016 at 12:57
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    I was able to solve the problem. You simply execute this command in the terminal: VBoxManage setextradata "VMName" CustomVideoMode1 1920x1080x32
    – Rahul Mukherji
    Mar 7, 2016 at 6:18
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    @RahulMukherji's answer worked. Just replaced "VMName" with my VM's actual name and after windows booted up, went and selected the 1920x1080 resolution in Windows Display Settings.
    – Frank Hayward
    Aug 6, 2019 at 9:26
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I had a similar problem and did the following (with the Windows 10 VM stopped):

  1. In the manager right-click and choose settings for the Windows 10 VM
  2. Click on User-Interface options, at the bottom
  3. Un-check/disable the option Show in Full-Screen/Seamless

This seemed too easy to possibly fix it, but it worked for me! No more black anomalies and such!

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you need to install an extension pack which is available at:

https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

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I found there's an option at the bottom right corner of the window.

Screenshot Pick the icon between the folder and recording icon. Choose 'Virtual Screen' in the dropdown then you'll be provided a whole bunch of resizing options. Pick one that fits your testing purposes.

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Another possible cause is less than 28 Mb of Video Memory has been allocated to the VM. To adjust

  1. Shutdown VM
  2. Go to Settings / Display in VirtualBox
  3. Adjust Video Memory slider so at least 28 Mb has been allocated.
  4. Start up VM
  5. My VM did not automatically switch to full screen until I moved it to my 2nd monitor and then back to my main screen. I also right clicked on monitor icon on bottom of VM window and selected a couple of different resolutions - some adjusted others didn't.
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