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Hi,
I need to access a flash drive connected to a remote computer via USB. I mainly need access from a laptop (Windows 10) but if it's also possible from a smartphone, that would be great.
I've seen a similar question on this forum from 2017, but maybe there are new solutions or methods now?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
Hello, Johrelle!
Thanks for your reply and advice!
I'll go with a software solution since it's more convenient and easier to set up. Most importantly, I need something reliable, so a paid option is fine. Is this the app you had in mind https://www.net-usb.com/ ?
Hello Steffa, I'm Johrelle an independent Microsoft advisor and a fellow Windows/Microsoft user.
Unfortunately, there is no official way or a built-in way that Microsoft has for sharing a USB device over the network. However, some third-party software allows you to share USB devices over a network. These typically involve installing a client application on both the computer with the USB device and the computer you want to access it from. You can search online for these third-party software, you can try searching USB Network Gate.
There is also a dedicated hardware device that allows you to share a USB device with multiple computers on a network. You connect the USB device to the switch and then connect the switch to your network router. This option is generally more reliable but less flexible.
Since you primarily need access from a Windows 10 laptop, software solutions are a good option. Smartphone access depends on the software you choose. Check if they offer compatible mobile apps.
Both options might not be free and require buying a product. Although some third-party software is free, be careful as some might harm your computer.
