How to Open Applications on Windows 10 Virtual Machine from Ubuntu 23.04/23.10

• The content is a blog article that explains how to use Seamless Mode in VirtualBox to run Windows applications on Ubuntu without launching the entire Windows 10 virtual machine.
• The article provides step-by-step instructions on how to enable Seamless Mode, as well as tips and tricks on how to use it effectively and efficiently.

If you are using Ubuntu as your primary operating system, but you also need to run some Windows applications occasionally, you might have installed a Windows 10 virtual machine on your Ubuntu system. A virtual machine (VM) is a software that emulates a computer system and allows you to run another operating system inside it, without affecting your main system. There are many applications that can help you create and manage virtual machines, such as VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V.

However, running a Windows 10 virtual machine on Ubuntu can be cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially if you only need to use a few specific applications. You might wonder if there is a way to open Windows applications directly from your Ubuntu desktop, without having to launch the entire virtual machine. The answer is yes, there is a way to do that, and it is called Seamless Mode.

What is Seamless Mode?

Seamless Mode is a feature of VirtualBox that allows you to integrate the windows of your guest operating system (in this case, Windows 10) with your host operating system (in this case, Ubuntu). This means that you can see and interact with the Windows applications as if they were native Ubuntu applications, without seeing the Windows desktop or taskbar. You can also switch between the Windows and Ubuntu applications using the same keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures.

Seamless Mode can be very convenient and efficient, as it saves you time and resources. You don’t have to switch between the virtual machine and your main system, or allocate a large amount of memory and CPU power to the virtual machine. You can also enjoy the benefits of both operating systems at the same time, such as using the Ubuntu terminal and the Windows file explorer.

How to Enable Seamless Mode?

To enable Seamless Mode on your Windows 10 virtual machine on Ubuntu 23.04/23.10, you need to follow these steps:

1. Make sure that you have installed the latest version of VirtualBox on your Ubuntu system. You can download it from the official website or use the following commands in the terminal:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install virtualbox
   

2. Make sure that you have installed the latest version of VirtualBox Guest Additions on your Windows 10 virtual machine. Guest Additions are a set of drivers and software that improve the performance and functionality of your guest operating system. You can install them by following these steps:
   • Start your Windows 10 virtual machine and log in.
   • In the VirtualBox menu bar, click on Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
   • In the Windows File Explorer, open the CD drive labeled VBox_GAs_6.x.x (where x.x is the version number).
   • Run the VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe file and follow the instructions.
   • Restart your Windows 10 virtual machine when prompted.
3. Start your Windows 10 virtual machine and log in.
4. In the VirtualBox menu bar, click on View > Seamless Mode or press Host + L (where Host is usually the right Ctrl key).
5. You should see a message saying “You have switched to Seamless Mode”. Click on Switch to confirm.
6. You should now see only the windows of your Windows applications on your Ubuntu desktop, without any borders or decorations. You can resize, move, minimize, maximize, or close them as usual.
7. To exit Seamless Mode, press Host + L again or click on View > Disable Seamless Mode in the VirtualBox menu bar.

Tips and Tricks for Seamless Mode

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you make the most out of Seamless Mode:

• To access the Windows Start Menu, right-click on an empty area of your Ubuntu desktop and select Start Menu.
• To access the Windows Taskbar, right-click on an empty area of your Ubuntu desktop and select Taskbar.
• To access the Windows System Tray, right-click on an empty area of your Ubuntu desktop and select System Tray.
• To switch between the windows of your Windows applications, use Alt + Tab or Host + Tab.
• To switch between the windows of your Ubuntu applications, use Super + Tab or Host + Super + Tab (where Super is usually the Windows key).
• To adjust the screen resolution of your Windows 10 virtual machine, go to Settings > System > Display in Windows or Settings > Display in VirtualBox.
• To enable or disable clipboard sharing between your Windows 10 virtual machine and your Ubuntu system, go to Devices > Shared Clipboard in VirtualBox.
• To enable or disable drag and drop between your Windows 10 virtual machine and your Ubuntu system, go to Devices > Drag and Drop in VirtualBox.
• To share files and folders between your Windows 10 virtual machine and your Ubuntu system, go to Devices > Shared Folders in VirtualBox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Seamless Mode:

Question: Can I use Seamless Mode with other guest operating systems, such as Linux or macOS?

Answer: Yes, you can use Seamless Mode with any guest operating system that supports VirtualBox Guest Additions. However, the appearance and behavior of Seamless Mode may vary depending on the guest operating system.

Question: Can I use Seamless Mode with other virtualization applications, such as VMware or Hyper-V?

Answer: No, Seamless Mode is a feature of VirtualBox only. Other virtualization applications may have similar features, such as Unity Mode in VMware or Enhanced Session Mode in Hyper-V, but they are not compatible with VirtualBox.

Question: Can I use Seamless Mode with multiple monitors?

Answer: Yes, you can use Seamless Mode with multiple monitors. However, you need to configure the screen layout of your Windows 10 virtual machine to match the screen layout of your Ubuntu system. You can do that by going to Settings > System > Display in Windows or Settings > Display in VirtualBox.

Conclusion

Seamless Mode is a great way to run Windows applications on your Ubuntu system without having to launch the entire Windows 10 virtual machine. It can save you time and resources, and allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. However, Seamless Mode is not perfect, and it may have some limitations and issues depending on your configuration and preferences. If you encounter any problems or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or visit the VirtualBox forums for more help and support.

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