Is there any easy way to copy from a VirtualBox Guest to the Host?

Question

I have Windows 7 and use VirtualBox. I have installed Ubuntu Server as a guest.

Is there any easy way where I can copy text in the Ubuntu Server terminal to my Windows 7 host? How about in the other direction?

Answer 1

I think the best solution is to "ssh" into the server and work on it like that.

The best known SSH client & terminal emulator on Windows is probably PuTTY. When you use that, it will allow you to copy/paste text from/to it.

Answer 2

I believe you need to install the Virtualbox Guest Additions. This adds certain integration features like the ability to share the clipboard between the host and guest.

After installing guest additions you see the options for clipboard settings such as "Host to Guest", "Guest to Host", as well as "Bidirectional" clipboard sharing. The last is my preference.

Answer 3

In the Oracle Virtualbox settings, go to Settings > General > Advanced

There is an option for Drag and Drop. Select the direction you want to copy the text.

Answer 4

I had to run manually the following command after the installation of VirtualBox Guest Additions to make copy & paste work.

sudo VBoxClient --clipboard

Answer 5

Yes. Highlight the text and right-click. Choose "Copy". Go to the other application and right-click, then choose "Paste". At least that works with my own Ubuntu host and Windows XP guest, in either direction.