How To Go Full Screen In VMware Workstation

Introduction

Welcome to the world of VMware Workstation, a powerful virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. Whether you’re a developer, IT professional, or just a curious tech enthusiast, VMware Workstation provides you with the flexibility and freedom to explore different environments without the need for additional hardware.

One of the most useful features of VMware Workstation is the ability to go full screen, providing you with an immersive experience that maximizes your virtual machine’s display area. Whether you’re working on a project, gaming, or testing software, going full screen can enhance productivity and enhance your overall virtualization experience.

In this article, we will explore three different methods to go full screen in VMware Workstation, so you can choose the one that suits you best. We’ll cover using the menu bar, using a keyboard shortcut, and configuring the virtual machine settings. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make the most out of VMware Workstation!

Note: This article assumes you already have VMware Workstation installed on your machine and have a virtual machine set up. If not, please refer to the VMware Workstation documentation for guidance on installation and creating virtual machines.

Method 1: Using the Menu Bar

One of the simplest ways to go full screen in VMware Workstation is by using the menu bar. Here’s how to do it:

1. First, ensure that your virtual machine is powered on and running in VMware Workstation.
2. Next, navigate to the top of the VMware Workstation window, where you will find the menu bar.
3. Click on the “View” option in the menu bar to expand the dropdown menu.
4. In the “View” menu, you will find an option called “Full Screen”. Click on it to enable full screen mode.

Once you click on “Full Screen”, your virtual machine display will automatically switch to full screen mode, utilizing your entire monitor’s real estate. This allows you to take full advantage of the available screen space and provides a more immersive experience.

To exit full screen mode and return to the normal VMware Workstation window, you can either press the “Ctrl+Alt” keys simultaneously, or move your mouse cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the VMware Workstation menu bar and click on the “Restore” button.

That’s it! You have successfully gone full screen in VMware Workstation using the menu bar. This method is quick and easy, making it ideal for those who prefer using the mouse and navigating through menu options.

Note: Depending on your version of VMware Workstation, the menu options may be slightly different. However, the general steps to go full screen using the menu bar remain the same.

Method 2: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to navigate and perform actions quickly, VMware Workstation provides a handy shortcut to go full screen. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ensure that your virtual machine is powered on and running in VMware Workstation.
2. Press the “Ctrl+Alt+Enter” keys simultaneously on your keyboard.

By pressing the “Ctrl+Alt+Enter” keys, your virtual machine display will instantly switch to full screen mode, utilizing your entire screen area.

To exit full screen mode using the keyboard shortcut, simply press the “Ctrl+Alt+Enter” keys again, and your virtual machine will return to the normal VMware Workstation window.

The keyboard shortcut method is a quick and convenient way to toggle between full screen and windowed mode without the need to navigate through menu options. It is especially useful for power users who prefer minimizing mouse usage and maximizing productivity.

Note: The “Ctrl+Alt+Enter” keyboard shortcut is the default for going full screen in VMware Workstation. However, you can customize this shortcut by going to the “Edit” option in the menu bar, selecting “Preferences”, and navigating to the “Input” tab. From there, you can modify the keyboard shortcut to your preference.

Method 3: Configuring VM Settings

Another way to go full screen in VMware Workstation is by configuring the virtual machine settings. This method provides more control over the full screen experience by allowing you to customize how the virtual machine behaves in full screen mode. Follow these steps to configure your VM settings:

1. Ensure that your virtual machine is powered off in VMware Workstation.
2. In the VMware Workstation window, right-click on the virtual machine you want to configure and select “Settings”.
3. In the “Settings” window, navigate to the “Options” tab and click on “Unity” in the left-hand panel.
4. Check the “Enable Unity” option to enable the Unity mode for your virtual machine.
5. Next, check the “Use Full Screen” option to enable full screen mode for your virtual machine.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the “Settings” window.
7. Power on your virtual machine, and it will automatically launch in full screen mode.

With the Unity mode enabled, you can seamlessly integrate your virtual machine applications with your host operating system, making it appear as if they are running side by side. This provides a more integrated and cohesive user experience.

To exit full screen mode using this configuration, press the “Ctrl+Alt” keys simultaneously to release the control of the virtual machine and return to the VMware Workstation window.

Configuring VM settings for full screen mode gives you more flexibility and options when it comes to customizing your virtual machine experience. You can choose to enable or disable Unity mode and specify whether your virtual machine should launch in full screen mode by default.

Note: The availability of the Unity mode and full screen options may vary depending on the version of VMware Workstation you are using. Make sure to consult the VMware Workstation documentation or help resources for your specific version if you encounter any issues or discrepancies.

Conclusion

Going full screen in VMware Workstation can greatly enhance your virtualization experience by maximizing the display area and providing a more immersive environment. In this article, we explored three different methods to go full screen:

1. Using the menu bar: A simple and straightforward method that allows you to enable full screen mode with just a few clicks.
2. Using the keyboard shortcut: Perfect for those who prefer using shortcuts to quickly toggle between full screen and windowed mode.
3. Configuring VM settings: Provides more control over full screen mode by customizing the behavior of the virtual machine in full screen.

Each method has its own benefits and can be used depending on your personal preference and requirements. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, VMware Workstation offers you the flexibility to choose the method that works best for you.

Remember to familiarize yourself with the specific features and options available in your version of VMware Workstation, as they may vary slightly. Make sure to refer to the documentation or help resources provided by VMware for detailed instructions and troubleshooting guidance.

Now that you know how to go full screen in VMware Workstation, you can take full advantage of your virtual machines and optimize your workflow. Explore, experiment, and unleash the potential of your virtualized environments with VMware Workstation!