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.
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 and sending files to a USB printer 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.
Here are simple instructions on how to connect USB in VirtualBox:
After VirtualBox accesses the USB device, it will appear in the guest operating system. Your VM will have access to the same functionality as if it was a direct connection. That allows you to connect iPhones to VirtualBox and other USB devices remotely. An important note: only one virtual or physical machine can access the USB device at any given time.
What is a USB filter in VirtualBox?
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.
