VirtualBox is a software that allows users to run multiple guest operating systems on a single host computer. It’s supports Windows, Mac OS X and Linux and is maintained my Oracle.
We’ve written a lot on VirtualBox here. Do a quick search and you’ll see all the articles about VirtualBox.
Now, here’s the story: VirtualBox comes with a feature that allows users to quickly take or capture screen shots of active guest machine sessions. These screenshots can then be shared with the host machine using the clipboard.
The sad thing about it is, it won’t work if certain feature in Ubuntu guest machines is enabled. It had always been a pain until just recently when I stumbled upon the solution.
Without this solution, when you take a screenshot in Ubuntu guest machines, the image will be completely dark and not useful at all.
I dug solutions with no luck until just now.
To enable bidirectional clipboard with Ubuntu guest and the host machine, click on the Ubuntu guest machine and select Settings. Then navigate to General –> Advanced Tab and enable it.
Now, in theory, when you start the Ubuntu guest machine and press the Print Screen key or Ctrl + Print Screen keys, the guest machine should take a screenshot of its current desktop session.
You can then save it to the clipboard and access these images from the host machine.
But if you also enable 3D Acceleration feature for Ubuntu guests, the images will be completely dark.
To fix that, you must disable 3D acceleration for Ubuntu guest machines.
To disable it, select the Ubuntu guest machine and click Settings. Then navigate to Systems – Display –> Video tab and disable 3D Acceleration.
Well, you must disable 3D for Ubuntu guests in order to get this to work. Now launch the guest machine and try taking a screen shot.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix black screen issue in Ubuntu guest with VirtualBox screen capture?
To fix the black screen issue in Ubuntu guest with VirtualBox screen capture, you need to disable the 3D Acceleration feature for Ubuntu guest machines. Navigate to Settings > Systems > Display > Video tab and disable 3D Acceleration.
What should I do if the screenshot taken in Ubuntu guest machines is completely dark?
If the screenshot taken in Ubuntu guest machines is completely dark, you need to enable bidirectional clipboard with Ubuntu guest and the host machine. Navigate to Settings > General > Advanced Tab and enable it.
How can I enable bidirectional clipboard between Ubuntu guest and host machine in VirtualBox?
To enable bidirectional clipboard between Ubuntu guest and the host machine in VirtualBox, click on the Ubuntu guest machine, select Settings, then navigate to General > Advanced Tab and enable it.
Why won't the screenshot feature work in Ubuntu guest machines in VirtualBox?
The screenshot feature won't work in Ubuntu guest machines in VirtualBox if the 3D Acceleration feature is enabled. Disable 3D Acceleration by navigating to Settings > Systems > Display > Video tab.
How can I capture screen shots of active guest machine sessions in VirtualBox?
To capture screen shots of active guest machine sessions in VirtualBox, press the Print Screen key or Ctrl + Print Screen keys while on the Ubuntu guest machine. Save the screenshot to the clipboard for access from the host machine.
What is VirtualBox and what operating systems does it support?
VirtualBox is a software that allows users to run multiple guest operating systems on a single host computer. It supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux and is maintained by Oracle.
Why are the images taken in Ubuntu guest machines completely dark when 3D acceleration is enabled?
The images taken in Ubuntu guest machines become completely dark when 3D acceleration is enabled due to a compatibility issue. Disable 3D acceleration to resolve this problem.
What is the solution to the dark image issue when taking screenshots in Ubuntu guest machines?
The solution to the dark image issue when taking screenshots in Ubuntu guest machines is to disable 3D Acceleration for Ubuntu guests. Navigate to Settings > Systems > Display > Video tab and disable 3D Acceleration.