Comments
How to Connect USB Devices in VMware Workstation
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
VMware WorkstationUSB DevicesConnectivityVirtual MachineInput/OutputHardwareWindowsLinuxPeripheralsExternal DevicesDevice ManagementSystem ConfigurationPeripheral SetupTroubleshooting
This content is available in 7 different language
VMware Workstation is a powerful tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. This capability is incredibly useful for developers, testers, and anyone who needs to work with different operating systems simultaneously. One of the key features of VMware Workstation is the ability to connect USB devices directly to your virtual machines. This capability allows virtual machines to interact with hardware that is commonly used in various applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the process of connecting a USB device to a virtual machine in VMware Workstation.
Understanding USB device connections in VMware Workstation
To connect a USB device to VMware Workstation, you must configure your virtual machine to recognize and use USB devices connected to the host machine. This configuration is necessary because by default, a USB device connected to the host machine is not automatically visible to the guest virtual machine. You must manage this connection manually.
Basic requirements
Before you begin connecting USB devices to your VMware Workstation virtual machines, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Make sure you have VMware Workstation installed on your computer.
- Make sure the virtual machine is powered on and that VMware Tools is installed and running.
- Your host machine should recognize the USB device you want to connect to the virtual machine.
Steps to connect a USB device to a virtual machine
Step 1: Identifying the USB device
First, make sure the USB device you want to connect is properly connected and recognized by the host operating system. You can usually see USB devices recognized in the 'Devices and drives' section of Windows File Explorer or by using the 'lsusb' command in Linux.
Step 2: Accessing the virtual machine
Open VMware Workstation and access the virtual machine to which you want to connect the USB device. Make sure the virtual machine is powered on. You can turn it on by right-clicking on the virtual machine in the VMware Workstation library and selecting 'Power On'.
Step 3: Menu navigation and USB device connection
With your virtual machine powered on, go to the menu bar at the top of the VMware Workstation window. Click on the 'VM' menu. From the drop-down menu, hover over 'Removable Devices', which lists all the available USB devices connected to the host machine. You will see a list of USB devices connected to your host.
Select the USB device you want to connect. Click 'Connect (Disconnect from Host)'. This action will disconnect the USB device from host use and connect it to the guest virtual machine.
Step 4: Verify the connection
To verify that the USB device is connected successfully, you should check whether it appears in the guest operating system. In a Windows guest, open 'File Explorer' and check whether the device is listed under 'Devices and drives'. For a Linux guest, you can use a command such as 'lsusb' to list the connected USB devices.
Managing USB devices in VMware Workstation
Once you connect a USB device to a virtual machine, you may need to manage it, such as disconnecting it or moving it to another virtual machine. The following subsections explain how to handle these scenarios:
Transferring USB devices between virtual machines
Sometimes, you may want to use the same USB device on another virtual machine. To do this, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the USB device from the current virtual machine by going to 'VM' → 'Removable Devices' → <USB device> → 'Disconnect'.
- Go to the other virtual machine where you want to use the USB device.
- Follow the same procedure to connect the USB device to another virtual machine (as described in step 3).
Disconnecting a USB device from a virtual machine
To disconnect the USB device from the guest virtual machine and reestablish its connection with the host computer, do the following:
Go to the 'VM' menu, find 'Removable Devices', and select the USB device. Click 'Disconnect (connect to host)'. This action releases the USB device from the guest virtual machine, returning control to the host operating system.
Troubleshooting USB connection problems
Connecting a USB device is usually easy. However, there may be cases when the connection does not work as expected. Here are common problems and their solutions:
USB device not recognized by the virtual machine
If your USB device is not recognized by the guest operating system, consider the following steps:
- Make sure VMware Tools is installed and running on the virtual machine.
- Verify that USB compatibility is set correctly in the virtual machine settings. Right-click on the virtual machine and configure the USB controller to match your device, such as USB 2.0 or USB 3.0.
- Check the host's device manager to make sure the device is working. If the host cannot recognize the device, the virtual machine will not be able to either.
Slow USB transfer rates
If you experience slow data transfer rates between the USB device and the virtual machine, consider these options:
- Try plugging the USB device into a different port on the host machine.
- Make sure you're using a USB 3.0 port for devices that support USB 3.0, as they offer much faster data transfer rates than USB 2.0.
Device interference and collisions
Sometimes, other running virtual machines may interfere with the USB connection. If you suspect interference:
- Make sure that only one virtual machine has active possession of the USB device. If necessary, disconnect it from the others.
- Shut down unused virtual machines to minimize conflicts.
Advanced features
VMware Workstation offers advanced features when working with USB devices. Let's discuss a few:
USB auto-connect
This feature allows USB devices to be automatically connected to a running virtual machine. You can set up USB autoconnect by going to 'Edit Virtual Machine Settings' of the virtual machine and configuring the USB controller with the auto-connect option. Make sure this functionality is configured to suit your needs as it affects device management during concurrent virtual machine operations.
USB device sharing
When running a virtual network, you may want multiple virtual machines to recognize the same USB device simultaneously. Shared USB settings can sometimes achieve this, but it requires that the USB device driver supports shared access.
Conclusion
Using VMware Workstation, connecting USB devices to virtual machines increases flexibility and extends the capabilities of virtual desktops. Through the steps and troubleshooting tips provided, you are equipped to efficiently manage USB connectivity, allowing for seamless use in your virtual environment. Proper management of USB devices in VMware takes practice, ensuring the integration aligns with your workflow while maintaining a smooth operational experience in the virtualized environment.
If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can