Mac Command-Tab to switch to Mac apps?

[Laptop Academy]

Hi

How can i configure a Windows vbox guest running on a Mac OS host, so that Mac CMD-TAB works?

On Mac, CMD-TAB switches between Mac application Windows. But it has no effect with vbox on Mac.

thx!

[ChipMcK]

Mission Control 101: How to Use Multiple Desktops on a Mac
Essential Tools & Tips for Working With Multiple Mac Monitors

[socratis]

What version of Windows are you using?
Take a look at viewtopic.php?f=8&t=63567
By default the Left-Cmd is the "Host-key" in VirtualBox. If you change it to something like Right-Opt, the Left-Cmd acts as the Windows "Super" key and you can switch apps. Within your guest ONLY. You cannot easily switch between guest and host apps with a single key combination.

[erdeslawe]

A bit late, but for anyone picking up on this thread, the Keyboard Shortcut for switching directly from a VirtualBox VM to native Mac Apps is 'CMD', 'CMD+TAB' (i.e. it's a 'two-stage' shortcut). As the OP mentioned switching to a VirtualBox (VM) from a native Mac App is the standard 'CMD+TAB' shortcut.

[socratis]

switching directly from a VirtualBox VM to native Mac Apps is 'CMD', 'CMD+TAB'

Actually make that 'HostKey', 'Cmd-Tab' and I agree 100% with you. It just so happens in your case that the 'HostKey' is mapped to 'Cmd' (which is the default BTW).

[pallymdridge]

switching directly from a VirtualBox VM to native Mac Apps is 'CMD', 'CMD+TAB'

Actually make that 'HostKey', 'Cmd-Tab' and I agree 100% with you. It just so happens in your case that the 'HostKey' is mapped to 'Cmd' (which is the default BTW).

This is a little off of this previous topic but close enough that I think it makes sense to ask it here.
I've been using virtualbox hosted on macOS for a few years now to get at some older windows programs. I've generally run VB in "seamless" mode but recently have had a problem with that and I'm not sure exactly what is causing it. The issue is that when a windows program (running in VB) is in focus, I can't simply click on a MacOS window behind it to switch. I find that i have to go to the dock and select the Mac app that I want to switch to. This is different from how VB has operated in the past. I used to be able to simply click on another window and that app would come into focus. I can't pinpoint when I started having this issue but I think it may have to do with an update to Sierra from either Mavericks or Yosemite. Is there an option in VB [that I can't find] that changes this functionality back or am I stuck?

thanks,

[socratis]

This is a little off of this previous topic but close enough that I think it makes sense to ask it here.

Actually I'm afraid it doesn't. This thread is dealing with keyboard shortcuts, you don't have such a problem, you have a mouse click problem. Not the same. Shortcuts still work. Did you try?

I can't pinpoint when I started having this issue but I think it may have to do with an update to Sierra from either Mavericks or Yosemite.

No, you started having the issue with VirtualBox 5.1.10. It's a reported, known issue. Ticket #16246: In seamless mode, mouse events do not reach host windows visible behind the VM. Add your setup in the bug if you want to be automatically notified if and when a change is made.

[pallymdridge]

Aha! I've got an answer!

btw, I apologize for drifting the thread. I thought it made sense since my searches on the forum were not revealing any posts closer to what I was experiencing. I suppose a new thread would have been in order. I will travel a different direction next time.