Andrew N. Kowtalo
asked on
External USB devices not seen in ESXI VM
Can anyone explain why the ESXI host server does not pass a USB connection to the VM running on it? We plugged 3 different USB keys into the server but when we bring up the server OS it doesnt show.
ASKER
I just added a 2.0 controller lets see if it works... I will keep you posted. What a PITA!
A workaround is to add a USB Controller using PCI Passthrough to the VM.
and please do not add external USB hard disks to a VM for backup it's very slow.....
USB passthrough was designed to add Security Devices e.g. Dongles.
I also discussed in the group here as well...
https://www.experts-exchange.com/discussions/209901/VMware-Support-Test-for-USB-Passthrough-issue.html
and please do not add external USB hard disks to a VM for backup it's very slow.....
USB passthrough was designed to add Security Devices e.g. Dongles.
I also discussed in the group here as well...
https://www.experts-exchange.com/discussions/209901/VMware-Support-Test-for-USB-Passthrough-issue.html
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So you never actually added the USB Controller to the VM ? (as per my EE Article?)
ASKER
The USB was added as a 3.0 it didnt show up until I added the 2.0
this is it...
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1021345
IF YOU HAVE A DEVICE WHICH IS NOT ON THE ABOVE LIST DO NOT EXPECT IT TO WORK WITHIN VMWARE VSPHERE IN USB PASSTHROUGH MODE.
So if your device is not one of those 9 USB devices, it's not supported, and whether it works is another question...
Yes, you read that correctly, VMware has a HCL of Tested and Certified USB devices for ESXi.
I wrote and article many years ago here
HOW TO: Add and Connect a USB Device to a Virtual Machine, hosted on VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESX 4.1 ESXi 4.1, ESXi 5.0
and I wish VMware would remove the damn feature! it causes so many issues....
because just because there is a USB port on your server, and ESXi support USB passthrough it does not mean that ANY USB device you plug in will pass through to the VM.
Read all the comments in my Article...