Windows key when running windows through virtual box on a mac

Question

I am running Windows 7 on a virtual image using virtualbox on my max osx. I need to know what the windows key is on the mac keyboard. Any tips?

score 43 · Answer 1 · edited Jun 04 '15 at 18:09

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By default it's the right ⌘ (Command) Key.

The left ⌘ (Command) Key does not work because it is set as the Host (Meta) Key in VirtualBox.

And they can be swapped simply by replacing the Host Key with the right ⌘ (Command) Key, in Preferences > Input > Virtual Machine > Host Key Combination.

edited Jun 04 '15 at 18:09

ryenus

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answered Nov 25 '13 at 18:46

mike

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awesome! that's what I am look for. – David.Chu.ca Jan 15 '14 at 16:20
Brilliantly stupid that I didn't do this without your help Mate Mike! Thanks – Jamie Hutber May 04 '18 at 10:05

score 3 · Answer 2 · edited Feb 20 '14 at 10:50

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On Virtualbox 4.3.6, I use Ctrl + Esc for the Windows button.

Tested on Windows 7 and 8.1

edited Feb 20 '14 at 10:50

Rob

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answered Feb 20 '14 at 10:35

Damax

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I can't downvote on this site, but this answer is wrong. Ctrl+Esc is a default hotkey to open start menu on Windows, regardless of it being on a VM or real hardware. Ctrl+Esc doesn't work as Windows key in any application, and none of keyboard shortcuts utilising the Windows key will work with Ctrl+Esc. – Alexander Revo May 27 '18 at 15:56
@AlexanderRevo the Windows open the start menu, Ctrl + Esc also open the start menu. It is what expected. – Damax May 29 '18 at 08:16
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Opening start menu is not the only thing that Windows key does. There are plenty of hot keys utilising the Windows key, none of which can be used with Ctrl+Esc. Just because Ctrl+Esc performs one of Windows key’s functions doesn’t mean it’s equivalent. – Alexander Revo May 29 '18 at 08:22

score 2 · Answer 3 · edited Dec 22 '21 at 06:22

In 2021, if you're using a Mac and want the left ⌘ on the Mac to act as Ctrl on Windows in "Windows VM", you can do as following:

1. Change default Meta-key in VirtualBox

On the Mac, focus on a running "Windows VM"
Select: Input menu > Keyboard > Keyboard Settings...
Look at Input tab > Virtual Machine
Under Host key Combination, change the left ⌘ to the right ⌘ by clicking on the field, press the right ⌘

=> Now your Meta-key is the right ⌘

=> The "Windows" key on Windows will be assigned back to the left ⌘

=> Stop here if that was all you need.

2. Switch function of "Windows" key (left ⌘) and Ctrl key to each other in "Windows VM"

In "Windows VM", install Microsoft's PowerToys from this link
Open the program after finishing the setup process
Select Keyboard Manager menu item on the left, and then click on Remap a key on the right
Click on Type button under Key column, and press Ctrl
Click on Type button under Mapped To column, and press left ⌘
Then, you need to do the same but in reverse order
- Click on Type button under Key column, and type left ⌘
- Click on Type button under Mapped To column, and type Ctrl

=> The Ctrl (Mac) is now the "Windows" key ("Windows VM")

=> And the left ⌘ (Mac) is now Ctrl ("Windows VM")

Would you mind if I edited this so the [key caps matched actual keys](https://apple.meta.stackexchange.com/a/210/5472)? Superb answer! — bmike, Dec 21 '21 at 22:51
@bmike Please go ahead if the change would make it looks better. — James H., Dec 21 '21 at 22:54
Will do later and remove the comments. You can edit further if you don’t like the change as well or revert — bmike, Dec 21 '21 at 22:55

score 1 · Answer 4 · edited Jul 25 '13 at 13:24

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By default the Windows key is mapped to the Command key on an Apple keyboard.

On the Windows 7 Desktop, tap the Command key and see if the Start menu appears.

You can change the mapping of keys in VirtualBox if you don't like the default mapping as well.

edited Jul 25 '13 at 13:24

bmike

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answered Jul 25 '13 at 12:45

Dave Nelson

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Windows key when running windows through virtual box on a mac

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