VBoxClient

VBoxClient [options]

--check-orphaned
    Checks for orphaned processes and cleans them up.

--display
    Specifies the display to connect to (only relevant in X11/Linux guests).

--no-seamless
    Disables seamless window integration.

--no-draganddrop
    Disables drag and drop functionality.

--no-vmsvga
    Disable vmsvga integration if present.

--no-auto-resize
    Disables automatic guest display resizing.

--no-clipboad
    Disable clipboard sharing.

--help
    Displays help information.

--version
    Displays version information.

VBoxClient is a command-line tool included with the VirtualBox Guest Additions. Its primary purpose is to handle various integration features between the host operating system and the guest operating system running inside the VirtualBox virtual machine.

It manages several guest services like seamless window integration, shared clipboard functionality, shared folders mounting, time synchronization, and drag and drop. This program runs as a background process within the guest OS. When the VirtualBox Guest Additions are properly installed, VBoxClient enables a more integrated and user-friendly experience within the virtual machine.

Its main role is to facilitate communication between the guest operating system and the VirtualBox hypervisor. This communication ensures features like copy-pasting between host and guest work smoothly, the guest's screen automatically resizes when the VirtualBox window is resized, and shared folders appear as network drives inside the guest. Without VBoxClient running, many of these convenience features would be unavailable, making the virtual machine feel more isolated from the host system.

The VBoxClient command must be run within a VirtualBox guest operating system with Guest Additions installed. It is typically started automatically by the guest operating system's startup scripts.

If guest additions features are not working, ensure the VirtualBox Guest Additions are installed correctly and VBoxClient is running. Check the VirtualBox logs for errors. Sometimes restarting the guest operating system or reinstalling the Guest Additions can resolve issues.

VBoxClient is usually started automatically by the guest operating system during startup. The exact method may vary depending on the guest OS (e.g., through init scripts, systemd services, etc.). Manual invocation is rarely needed, but may be useful for testing or debugging purposes.

VBoxClient was introduced as part of the VirtualBox Guest Additions. Its development has been ongoing to improve the integration and user experience of virtual machines. Initial implementations focused on basic features like shared clipboard and seamless mode. Later versions added support for drag and drop, improved display handling, and better integration with different guest operating systems. The command has evolved alongside VirtualBox to support new features and address compatibility issues.

VBoxService(1)