How to Fix Greyed Out VirtualBox Resize Screen Issue
Key Notes
- Rebooting often clears temporary glitches.
- Guest Additions are essential for advanced features.
- Changing Graphics Controller settings can solve many issues.
Resolving the Greyed Out Resize Screen Option in VirtualBox
If you’ve encountered the frustrating issue of a greyed out resize screen option in VirtualBox, hindering your ability to change display size, you’re not alone. This problem can be especially troublesome for users relying on automatic scaling that fails to function properly. In this guide, we’ll outline effective solutions to restore the functionality you need.
Steps to Fix the Greyed Out Resize Screen Issue
Step 1: Restart Your Virtual Machine
To tackle the greyed-out “Auto-resize Guest Display, ” begin by rebooting your virtual machine. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, restart VirtualBox itself. A simple reboot might clear up transient glitches.
Pro Tip: Regularly restarting your virtual machine can keep it running smoothly.
Step 2: Install the Guest Additions Package
The Guest Additions package installs essential virtual video drivers that enhance performance and unlock advanced features, including screen resizing. If this package isn’t installed, critical functions may be unavailable. Proceed to install the Guest Additions to see if it resolves the issue.
Step 3: Remove and Re-attach the Guest Additions
If the Guest Additions are installed but not recognized, the “Auto-resize Guest Display” option may still be disabled. To fix this, remove and then re-attach the Guest Additions ISO file. Right-click on your virtual machine, navigate to Settings > Storage, and detach the Guest Additions ISO file. Following this, restart the machine, reinsert the ISO from the Devices menu, and complete the installation.
Pro Tip: Always check compatibility when re-adding Guest Additions to avoid version conflicts.
Step 4: Change the Graphics Controller
If you are using VMSVGA as your graphics controller, the Guest Additions may not be utilized correctly. To rectify this, switch to VBoxVGA. Open VirtualBox, right-click your VM, select Settings, go to the Display tab, change the Graphics Controller to VBoxVGA, and ensure 3D Acceleration is disabled. Confirm the changes and restart your virtual machine.
Pro Tip: Adjustments to the graphics controller can greatly impact performance; test various settings for optimal results.
Summary
Through the steps outlined above, you should be able to successfully activate the resize screen option in VirtualBox. Rebooting your VM, ensuring Guest Additions are installed, and modifying the graphics controller are critical actions to resolve the greyed-out issue you may be facing.
Conclusion
By following these straightforward steps, you can effectively tackle the greyed-out resize option in VirtualBox. Always keep your software updated and regularly check settings that may affect your virtual machine’s performance. Don’t hesitate to explore additional troubleshooting options if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable auto-resize guest display?
To enable the auto-resize feature, go to the VM Window menu, click on View, and ensure that “Auto-resize Guest Display” is checked. Dragging the window corner should adjust the resolution automatically.
How do I turn off auto-resize in VirtualBox?
To disable auto-resize, simply navigate to View and uncheck the “Auto-resize Guest Display” option. This will prevent the VM from resizing automatically.