Ubuntu – Virtualbox, How to change guest (precise) resolution to 16:9 (1920×1080) instead of default 4:3

resolutionvirtualbox

There are many questions about resolution issues on askubuntu but no question/solution seems to solve my issue.

I've a 12.04/precise host system and installed Ubuntu 12.04/precise as guest system as well. After installation I had the option of selecting 1024×768 (4:3) and 800×600 (4:3) as resolution in display settings. After installing guest additions the options 1280×960 (4:3) and 1440×1050 (4:3) was added to the list. Now 4 in total all having the 4:3 ratio.

I then activated full screen mode (host+f) and got the guest running in native 1920×1200 (16:10) for my screen. After deactivating full screen two more options had been added to the resolutions dropdown list, 1920×1200 (16:10) and 1600×1200 (4:3).

I want to run the guest in 1920×1080 (16:9) so I can easily record screencasts in "full-hd". Last time I had this problem the solution was to run "VBoxManage controlvm nameofyourVM setvideomodehint width height colordepth" command from the host but now I want to know if there is any easier way to solve this?

Best Answer

  1. Go to the File menu and activate Environment setting or, in more recent versions, Preferences.
  2. Select Display and change the setting for Maximum guest screen size to “hint” which allows you to set an arbitrary size for both width and height (e. g. 1920 and 1200).
  3. Reboot the virtual machine and enjoy it.
Related Question