Ctrl+Alt+[Left/Right] not working in Ubuntu in VMWare

Question

I've installed Ubuntu 12.04 as a VMWare Virtual Machine. I like to switch between my Workspaces using the Ctrl+Alt+ArrowKeys but it doesn't work. It works on my other system with the "Proper" install.

This is a problem with only the Left and Right keys. It works fine for Up and Down.

Answer 1

Found it! It seems that VMWare uses the keys Ctrl+Alt+Left/Right, So there are two things you can do:

1. Change VMWare's Default keys - Go to VMWare > Edit > Preferences > Hot Keys and select some other combination

2. Change Ubuntu's Shortcut - Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Navigation and select some other combination for Switch to Workspace Left/Right

Answer 2

VM itself uses Ctrl+Alt for commands such as "Ctrl +_ Alt + Insert" is the same as Ctrl + Alt + Del" on your computer, you use the insert because that does the del command only in the VM where if you hit C+A+D it will bring you to the screen on your host comp not in the VM. so things like that may not work entirely running it in a VM.

Now that i read that it may be confusing so let me know if it is.

Answer 3

This question is old but today I was dealing with this same issue so my two cents here.What has worked in my case with VMWare Fusion 6 is:

1. Open VMWare Fusion's Preferences (CMD+,)
2. Select Keyboard & Mouse Tab
3. Uncheck "Enable Mac OS Host Keyboard Shortcuts"

This way I have native shortcuts and if I require to use Mission Control I can accomplish that holding at the same time CTRL+CMD.