Anyone understand using USB devices inside a VM?

picnic

picnic

picnic

Associate
Joined
14 May 2009
Posts
2,432
I've currently got a W7 PC that I use for work and I use an old version of VMware Workstation to run the odd XP VM. It works OK switching between the 2 as W7 supports the devices I need to talk to. Some of these are quite old.

I've been playing with VirtualBox on W10 (my VMware is too old) but I get problems. It's on a laptop and has limited USB ports. When I assign a Serial-USB to the VM the VM grabs the whole HUB that the USB device is connected to. This kills one of my 2 screens, the mouse (even though that is BT on the laptop itself) and other stuff.

So what are the rules for using USB devices inside VMs, especially ones connected via a USB hub? Are my problems because I don't have the VirtualBox extensions installed ( for some reason I can't install them :( ) Or are there more fundamental issues here? I'm also curious to know if you can install drivers for a device just in the VM or if the host needs drivers as well.

Any tips or pointers as to where to read up on this gratefully received as I'm failing dismally to find something helpful.
 
In order to pass the USB to the VM, it grabs the port at the lowest level - e.g. it has no knowledge of anything connected to the port, and just passes the whole port through (in theory the guest VM then gets access to everything connected).

Only way round it is to ensure the device you want to pass through is connected to a separate port, and run everything else off a hub in the other port


Edit:
Alternative depending on the laptop is a proper docking station e.g. like you can get for Dell E-Series or some HPs and Lenovos or to add additional USB ports via the Expresscard slot e.g.:


My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £48.64
(includes shipping: £8.70)
​


​
 
Thanks for that, laptop is a Dell XPS15 so no expresscard slot.

I did manage to install the VB extension pack, had to disable the virus checker, but that's not changed the behaviour. Guess I need a new plan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom