Kali Linux and VirtualBox Resolution Issues: A Guide to Troubleshooting

When running Kali Linux under VirtualBox, users may encounter issues with the resolution of their virtual machine. One common problem is that the screen size keeps changing, making it difficult to work comfortably. In this article, we will explore the causes of these issues and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve them.

The Problem

When Kali Linux is running under VirtualBox, the screen resolution can change unexpectedly, causing black windows and screens to appear. This issue is often caused by the 'Auto resize' feature being enabled in the View menu.

Solution 1: Disable Auto Resize

To disable auto-resize, follow these steps:

1. Open the VirtualBox application.

2. Select your Kali Linux virtual machine from the list of available machines.

3. Click on the 'Settings' icon or press Ctrl + S to open the settings window.

4. In the settings window, navigate to the 'Display' tab.

5. Under the 'Graphics Controller' section, select 'VMSVGA' or one of the other options (such as VboxVGA or VboxSVGA).

6. Click 'OK' to save your changes.

Solution 2: Adjust Virtual Screen Settings

Another common issue is that the virtual screen settings may not be set correctly. To adjust these settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the View menu in the Kali Linux desktop.

2. Select 'Virtual Display 1' from the dropdown list.

3. Choose the host display you want to use for the virtual screen.

4. Adjust the resolution and scaling as needed.

Solution 3: Enable Multiple Virtual Displays

If you have multiple monitors connected to your host machine, you can enable multiple virtual displays in VirtualBox. To do this:

1. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal window on your host machine.

2. Type the following command to connect to monitor 1: `rdesktop -d ip-address-of-host`

3. Type the following command to connect to monitor 2: `rdesktop -d ip-address-of-host`

4. To enable multiple vrdp connections, use the following command: `VBoxManage modifyvm 'VM name' -vrdpmulticon on`

5. To set the number of monitors, use the following command: `VBoxManage modifyvm 'vm name' -monitorcount X`

In this article, we have explored some common issues with Kali Linux resolution in VirtualBox and provided step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and resolve them. By disabling auto-resize, adjusting virtual screen settings, and enabling multiple virtual displays, you should be able to get your Kali Linux virtual machine running smoothly under VirtualBox.

Kali linux virtualbox resolution