VBoxClient
Enables VirtualBox guest additions features
SYNOPSIS
VBoxClient [options]
PARAMETERS
--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.
DESCRIPTION
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.
CAVEATS
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.
TROUBLESHOOTING
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.
STARTUP
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.
HISTORY
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.
SEE ALSO
VBoxService(1)