Olga Weis
Last updated Nov 17, 2020
VirtualBox is not alone in its lack of USB support. Many other virtualization applications also suffer a case of this limitation. Fortunately, there is a software solution called FlexiHub that allows users to connect USB to virtual machines in VirtualBox.
This USB to VirtualBox software enables your guest OS to access USB devices attached to any network-connected machine, not just the host operating system.
FlexiHub
That’s all you need to do to implement the Vbox USB passthrough. During the virtual session, you'll be able to use the USB device just as if it had a direct connection to the virtual machine. FlexiHub is a fully cross-platform solution and supports Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac operating systems.
The developers of the popular VirtualBox virtualization platform have consistently overlooked a feature that would have been greatly appreciated by a great many users. The limited support of the USB devices in VirtualBox is one of the most frustrating aspects of the tool, especially when you realize that VirtualBox won’t recognize your USB devices.
There are many reasons why VirtualBox USB support may be important to you. For instance, using an external USB drive to backup data or printing from VirtualBox are everyday tasks that users need to perform routinely. The ability to connect USB equipment to VirtualBox would make it a highly attractive option for anyone who needs a virtual environment.
Also, VirtualBox can allow virtual machines to directly access USB devices connected to the host OS. The guest OS is presented with a virtual USB controller by VirtualBox. When a USB device is connected to the guest system, it is no longer available on the host machine.
Note, that FlexiHub is compatible with all OSes and you may work in VirtualBox without any limits.
With USB filters, you can get a specific USB device mounted in your VirtualBox VMs in the default mode.
Once USB support is enabled for a virtual environment, you’ll be able to control which devices will be connected to the guest OS automatically. This is accomplished with filters that focus on the specific parameters of a USB device. Devices that match your designated filters will be automatically connected to the guest OS once linked to the host.
Besides, devices that do not match the filter won’t be excluded from further use in the guest session. They can be added manually to the guest through the operating system’s Device -> USB menu.
The USB Device Filters window is where you create new filters. You can name them for easy reference and specify different criteria for each filter. You can keep close tabs on which devices are selected by creating as many filters as you need.
When setting up VirtualBox USB on Windows 10 system, you’ll have to unplug and reconnect a USB device. Otherwise, said device won’t be affected by filters created to control its behavior.
