Improving VirtualBox Performance When UNITY_LOW_GFX_MODE Fails

VirtualBox is a powerful tool for running multiple operating systems simultaneously. However, sometimes you may encounter performance issues, especially when the UNITY_LOW_GFX_MODE fails. This article provides a detailed guide on how to improve VirtualBox performance under such circumstances.

Reinstalling Guest Additions

The first step in troubleshooting VirtualBox performance issues is to reinstall the Guest Additions. These are software applications that improve the performance and usability of guest systems. To reinstall Guest Additions, follow these steps:

1. Start your guest OS in VirtualBox.
2. From the menu, select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image....
3. Run the installer in the guest OS.

Reinstalling Guest Additions can often resolve performance issues by ensuring that the guest OS has the latest drivers and performance enhancements.

Disabling Desktop Effects

Desktop effects such as animations and transitions can consume significant system resources. Disabling these effects can often improve performance. This can be done using tools like Unity Tweak Tool or Gnome Tweak Tool. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install the Tweak Tool using the command sudo apt install gnome-tweak-tool.
2. Open the Tweak Tool and navigate to the Appearance section.
3. Disable animations and other effects.

Using Compiz Config Settings Manager

Compiz Config Settings Manager (ccsm) is a powerful tool for configuring the Compiz compositing window manager. It can be used to disable Compiz effects, which can improve performance. However, be aware that it can potentially cause issues, so it’s recommended to create a snapshot of your virtual machine before making any changes.

To use ccsm, follow these steps:

1. Install ccsm using the command sudo apt install compizconfig-settings-manager.
2. Open ccsm and navigate to the Effects section.
3. Uncheck the boxes for the effects you want to disable.

Using dconf-editor

dconf-editor is another tool that can be used to disable animations and other effects. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install dconf-editor using the command sudo apt install dconf-editor.
2. Open dconf-editor and navigate to org > compiz > profiles > default > core and org > compiz > profiles > unity > core.
3. Remove the animations from the active profiles.

Considering a Different Desktop Environment

If Unity is causing too much strain on the virtual machine, you may want to consider using a different desktop environment. Cinnamon and Gnome are two alternatives that may provide better performance in a virtual machine.

To install Cinnamon, use the command sudo apt install cinnamon. For Gnome, use the command sudo apt install gnome.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to performance issues in VirtualBox. It may require some trial and error to find the best combination of settings for your specific hardware and software configuration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to significantly improve the performance of your virtual machines when the UNITY_LOW_GFX_MODE fails.