Olga Weis
Last updated Jan 4, 2021
This guide is particularly helpful for anyone in search of the most convenient Citrix USB redirector.
Keep on reading for some really useful info on not just one but two straightforward and easy methods you can use to enable USB redirection in Citrix.
FlexiHub
FlexiHub boasts a top-level USB redirection feature set combined with a self-explanatory user interface, and this overall makes it perfect for Citrix client USB redirection.
With FlexiHub, you'll be able to effectively address the contentious issues with Citrix USB redirection with just a few mouse clicks, so during your VM sessions, you can freely access USB devices attached to your host PC.
And for the icing on the cake: there is a USB in Remote Desktop version for every popular OS out there, so you can install this app on each of your machines, be it Windows, Linux, Mac, or Android, and use it in all possible combinations.
Still, got questions? Check out this brief and useful video guide:
With Citrix USB support you can redirect USB devices plugged into a physical PC to a virtual desktop so you can access and operate them remotely during your VM sessions.
This feature works for various types of USB peripherals including, but not limited to data tablets, video monitoring cameras, smartphones, memory sticks, printing devices, PDAs, and scanners.
Also, in typical low latency/high-speed LAN environments, there is a Citrix isochronous USB redirection for webcams, acoustic systems, mikes, etc.
Once a USB peripheral is connected to a machine, it gets reviewed for compliance with the USB policy. In cases of non-compliance with said policy, the device will be only accessible from the host machine.
Elsewise, it can be forwarded to the virtual desktop. You can either configure USB support to automate the redirection process, or select devices from the list as often as they are plugged into your PC (after you’ve seen a notification about a new device).
Generic USB redirection feature makes possible the Citrix XenDesktop USB redirection of arbitrary devices from client computers to virtual desktops.
It handles request and response message communication between the XenDesktop VM and client PCs at a low level, so as long as you have all necessary device drivers on your virtual desktop, you can sidestep the hassle of installing those on client systems.
By using this feature, you’ll be able to make use of various USB devices throughout your entire XenDesktop session like if they were attached to your VM directly.
On out-of-the-box Citrix settings, generic USB redirection is disabled. To change this, you’ll need to create and configure the USB redirection policy and rules.
Important note: There’s no point in creating several rules for one type of USB device for the very first one that matches becomes final. If it’s a Deny, then your device will be attached to a host machine. If it’s an Allow, then to the guest OS.
FlexiHub
For every new USB peripheral to be automatically redirected to your virtual machine, you need to make sure these few options are ticked:
1. On your Local Group Policy Editor:
Open Administrative Templates, then go to Citrix Components → Citrix Receiver → Remoting client devices → Generic USB Remoting. Check if both New USB Devices and Existing USB Devices are enabled. If not, tick the Enabled option, and press the OK button.
2. On your Citrix Receiver Preferences:
Open Connections and check if these two options are selected:
If not, tick both of said options and press the OK button.
Any change in policy and registry applies to Windows clients.
FlexiHub