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Vm ManagementVNC Console

VNC Console

Access your virtual machines directly through a browser-based VNC console.

Accessing the Console

From Topology

  1. Click on a running VM node
  2. Click Console in the details panel

From VM List

  1. Find the VM in the list
  2. Click the console icon (monitor)

Direct URL

https://openfactory.tech/vm/{vm-id}/console

Console Interface

Display

The VNC console shows:

  • Full VM display output
  • BIOS/bootloader screens
  • Login prompts
  • Desktop (if applicable)

Input

InputSupport
KeyboardFull keyboard input
MouseClick and movement
ClipboardCopy/paste (with agent)

Controls

ControlFunction
Send Ctrl+Alt+DelSystem interrupt
Send KeysSpecial key combinations
FullscreenExpand to full screen
DisconnectClose console

Keyboard Shortcuts

Console Controls

ShortcutAction
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+FToggle fullscreen
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+CSend Ctrl+Alt+Del

Special Keys

Some keys may be captured by your browser. Use the Send Keys menu for:

  • Ctrl+Alt+Del
  • Ctrl+Alt+F1-F12 (TTY switching)
  • Print Screen
  • SysRq

Connection Status

The console shows connection status:

StatusDescription
ConnectedActive VNC session
ConnectingEstablishing connection
DisconnectedNo connection
ErrorConnection failed

Display Settings

Resolution

The console adapts to the VM’s display resolution. For headless servers, resolution is typically 1024x768.

Scaling

ModeDescription
Local ScalingFit to browser window
Remote ScalingRequest resolution change
None1:1 pixel mapping

Quality

Adjust quality vs. bandwidth:

SettingBest For
AutoAdaptive based on network
HighLocal/fast connections
MediumTypical use
LowSlow connections

Clipboard

Requirements

Clipboard sharing requires:

  • QEMU guest agent installed in VM
  • Agent service running

Copy from VM

  1. Select text in VM
  2. Copy using VM’s method (Ctrl+C, etc.)
  3. Text available in browser clipboard

Paste to VM

  1. Copy text on your computer
  2. Click in console
  3. Paste (Ctrl+V or right-click → Paste)

Audio (Experimental)

Audio streaming is available for desktop VMs:

  1. Enable in console settings
  2. Requires compatible audio device
  3. May increase latency

Troubleshooting

Black Screen

Possible causes:

  • VM not fully booted
  • Display driver issue
  • Wrong display device

Solutions:

  • Wait for boot to complete
  • Try refreshing console
  • Check VM configuration

No Input Accepted

Possible causes:

  • Console not focused
  • VM locked/in screensaver
  • Input device issue

Solutions:

  • Click inside console window
  • Send Ctrl+Alt+Del to wake
  • Check VM input configuration

Connection Failed

Possible causes:

  • VM not running
  • VNC port blocked
  • WebSocket error

Solutions:

  • Verify VM is running
  • Check network connectivity
  • Try reconnecting

Lag/Latency

Possible causes:

  • Network latency
  • High resolution
  • Resource constraints

Solutions:

  • Lower quality setting
  • Reduce VM resolution
  • Check network connection

Security

Authentication

Console access requires:

  • Valid OpenFactory session
  • Permission to access the VM
  • VM ownership or sharing

Encryption

All VNC traffic is encrypted via WebSocket over HTTPS.

Timeouts

Inactive consoles disconnect after:

  • 15 minutes idle (configurable)
  • Session expiration

Alternative Access

SSH

For servers, SSH may be more efficient:

ssh user@vm-ip-address

Serial Console

Access serial console for debugging:

  1. VM must have serial configured
  2. Use Serial Console option
  3. Text-based interface

Best Practices

  1. Use SSH when possible - More efficient for servers
  2. Close unused consoles - Free resources
  3. Lower quality on slow connections - Improve responsiveness
  4. Install guest agent - Enable advanced features
Network Topology