Oracle VirtualBox keyboard shortcuts
VirtualBox runs other operating systems as virtual machines on your computer. Its host key frees your keyboard and mouse from a guest, sends combinations like Ctrl+Alt+Delete into it, and decides which side gets keys like Alt+Tab.
Windows, macOS, Linux · 7 shortcutsSend special combinations to the guest
Prefix a special guest command with the host key when VirtualBox must translate it instead of sending it to the host.
| Action | Shortcuts |
|---|---|
| Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete to the guest | Windows / LinuxRight Ctrl then Delete macOSLeft Cmd then Delete |
| Send Ctrl+Alt+Backspace to the guestUseful for restarting the graphical interface of a Linux or Oracle Solaris guest. | Windows / LinuxRight Ctrl then Backspace macOSLeft Cmd then Backspace |
| Send Ctrl+Alt+F1 through F12 to the guestChoose the function key for the guest virtual terminal you want to reach. | Windows / LinuxRight Ctrl then F1-F12 macOSLeft Cmd then F1-F12 |
| Insert the host-key combination in the guest | Windows / LinuxRight Ctrl then Host key macOSLeft Cmd then Host key |
Input routing and host-key ownership
Release input from the guest or route common combinations such as Alt+Tab to the host or guest. Routing depends on input settings and focus.
| Action | Shortcuts |
|---|---|
| Release keyboard and mouse from the guestThe host key can be changed in VirtualBox Preferences, so treat these as the documented defaults. | Windows / LinuxRight Ctrl macOSLeft Cmd |
| Route Alt+Tab to the host or guestVirtualBox lets you configure whether this combination affects the host or guest under Preferences > Input. | Windows / LinuxAlt + Tab macOSOption + Tab |
| Route Ctrl+Alt+Delete according to host and guest rulesSome host operating systems reserve this combination, so it may not be available to the guest without the host-key translation above. | Windows / LinuxCtrl + Alt + Delete macOSControl + Option + Delete |
Source
Oracle VirtualBox User Guide host-key shortcuts · Checked
Oracle VirtualBox 7.2 User Guide keyboard and host-key behavior checked September 1, 2026. The default host key is Right Ctrl on Windows and Linux hosts and Left Command on a Mac host; users can change it in Preferences.