How to connect USB to cloud PC

Question

I am trying to connect a usb device to cloud PC but it does not read my ports from my laptop. How do I enable this.

Answer 1

Hello Chris

To connect a USB device to a cloud PC and have it recognized within the virtual environment, you typically need to enable USB redirection or pass-through capabilities in the remote desktop or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software you are using. The specific steps may vary depending on the platform or service you are utilizing (e.g., Azure Virtual Desktop, Amazon WorkSpaces, VMware Horizon, etc.). Below are general guidelines to help you enable USB device redirection:

1. Check Cloud PC Configuration

Ensure that the cloud PC or virtual desktop you are connecting to supports USB redirection or USB passthrough. Some cloud PC services may have restrictions or limitations on USB device compatibility.

2. Enable USB Redirection in Remote Desktop Client

If you are using a remote desktop client to connect to the cloud PC, follow these steps:

• Windows Remote Desktop Client: Open the Remote Desktop client on your local computer.

   Click on "Show Options" before connecting.
  
      Go to the "Local Resources" tab.
  
         Under "Local devices and resources," click "More...".
  
            Select the types of local devices (including USB devices) you want to redirect to the remote session.
  
               Connect to the cloud PC.
  
              - **Other Remote Desktop Clients**:
  
                  For macOS, Linux, or other operating systems, refer to the client's documentation for USB redirection settings.
  

3. Configure USB Redirection on Cloud PC Service

If USB redirection settings are managed on the cloud PC service's administrative portal or console, follow these steps:

• 1. Check Cloud PC Configuration Ensure that the cloud PC or virtual desktop you are connecting to supports USB redirection or USB passthrough. Some cloud PC services may have restrictions or limitations on USB device compatibility. 2. Enable USB Redirection in Remote Desktop Client If you are using a remote desktop client to connect to the cloud PC, follow these steps: Windows Remote Desktop Client:

   Open the Remote Desktop client on your local computer.
  
   Click on "Show Options" before connecting.
  
   Go to the "Local Resources" tab.
  
   Under "Local devices and resources," click "More...".
  
   Select the types of local devices (including USB devices) you want to redirect to the remote session.
  
   Connect to the cloud PC.
  

  Other Remote Desktop Clients:

   For macOS, Linux, or other operating systems, refer to the client's documentation for USB redirection settings.
  

  3. Configure USB Redirection on Cloud PC Service If USB redirection settings are managed on the cloud PC service's administrative portal or console, follow these steps: Azure Virtual Desktop:

   Use Azure Portal to manage USB redirection settings for session hosts.
  
   Ensure that the appropriate USB redirection policies and settings are configured.
  

Answer 2

@Christodoulatos, Anson, Thanks for posting in Q&A.

From your description, I know you want to connect a USB device to cloud PC.

Based on my research, we should configure both windows cloud pc and local pc to enable connect USB to cloud windows PC.

Here is a link with detailed information you can refer.

https://avdpunks.com/w365/2024/01/04/W365-AdvancedUSBRedirection.html#Device-redirection-overview

Non-official, just for reference.

Hope above information can be helpful.

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Answer 3

I faced a similar issue when I needed to use a 3D mouse with my cloud PC. Cloud environments typically don’t support direct USB connections so they can’t access ports from your local device. I found a tool that allowed my cloud PC to recognize and work with my USB device. You can find more information here https://www.net-usb.com/features/usb-to-cloud/