Learn how to redirect USB devices in Hyper-V virtual machines using multiple methods and understand best backup strategies for USB-dependent VMs.
Updated by Dan Zeng on 2025/06/24
Hyper-V USB redirection lets you use physical USB devices inside a virtual machine. When you connect a USB device to the host, the guest OS can access it. This is useful for smart card readers, USB printers, external drives, or dongles.
Many enterprise apps rely on hardware dongles or local USB tools. Without USB access inside the VM, these apps may fail. Unlike some other virtualization platforms, Hyper-V does not support native USB passthrough. Admins must use alternative methods.
There are several ways to redirect USB devices, each suited for different systems, guest OS types, and performance needs.
Enhanced Session Mode is built into Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 or later. It works like Remote Desktop by redirecting local devices and resources to the VM.
Steps to enable:
Open Hyper-V Manager
Select the host, click Hyper-V Settings
Under Server, enable Enhanced Session Mode Policy
Under User, enable Enhanced Session Mode
After enabling the feature, when you start a VM, the Connect to Virtual Machine window appears. Click Show Options, go to Local Resources, click More, then select the USB devices you want to redirect.
This method supports only some Windows guest OSes and requires integration services installed.
Using Remote Desktop, you can redirect USB devices to the VM. It supports most storage and input devices.
Steps:
Launch Remote Desktop Connection
Click Show Options
Go to the Local Resources tab
Click Local Devices and Resources, then click More
Select the USB devices or drives to redirect
RDP USB redirection works well for printers, scanners, and USB drives, but special devices like dongles may not function correctly. Ensure the VM allows remote desktop connections and group policies do not block redirection.
Hyper-V does not support native USB passthrough. To redirect devices to Linux VMs or unsupported devices, use USB-over-IP tools. These share the host's USB ports over the network for VM access.
This method is cross-platform and device-friendly but requires complex setup and may add latency.
Many critical VMs depend on USB devices—such as POS systems, authentication tools, or encryption nodes. These devices are tightly linked to the VM, so if the host or VM fails, both data and device functions are lost, risking business continuity and security.
Vinchin Backup & Recovery offers a professional enterprise backup solution with agentless VM migration that simplifies deployment and management. It supports automated incremental backups and snapshot management to ensure efficient and timely data protection. Vinchin works with VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox, oVirt, and over 15 leading virtualization platforms, meeting diverse environment needs and enabling smooth VM transitions.
1.Just select VMs on the host
2.Then select backup destination
3.Select strategies
4.Finally submit the job
Start your 60-day free trial of Vinchin today and experience its powerful data protection capabilities in real-world business scenarios. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to explore a full-featured backup solution in your own environment!
Q1: Can I redirect a USB license dongle to a Hyper-V VM?
A1: Not reliably with native tools—dongles often require third-party USB-over-IP software.
Q2: Can Hyper-V redirect USB audio devices or webcams?
A2: Partially. Some USB audio devices and webcams work with RDP redirection, but performance may suffer. Low-latency or HD devices are not recommended.
Hyper-V USB redirection improves flexibility but adds setup and performance issues. Use Enhanced Session Mode or RDP for redirection. Backup is key. Vinchin makes VM backup and migration easy—protect your USB-reliant VMs with fast, reliable recovery today.
Share on:
