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How to Fix VMware Not Detecting USB Devices in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Using USB devices in VMware on Windows 11 can sometimes be tricky when the virtual machine doesn’t detect them. This issue can interrupt your workflow and cause frustration. Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward.

In this article, we will walk you through simple and detailed steps to resolve the issue of VMware not detecting USB devices. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along with ease.

By following these solutions, you will be able to use your USB devices seamlessly within your VMware virtual machines. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

These solutions apply to VMware Workstation, VMware Player, and VMware Fusion running on Windows 11.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check USB Device Connection: Ensure your USB device is properly plugged into your physical computer and recognized by Windows 11. You can verify this by opening File Explorer or Device Manager.
  • VMware Tools Installed: Having VMware Tools installed inside the virtual machine improves USB device compatibility. If not installed, plan to install it after you fix the detection issue.
  • VMware Version: Make sure you are running the latest version of VMware software. Updates often fix compatibility problems.
  • VM Power State: USB devices can only be connected to virtual machines that are powered on and running, not when they are suspended or turned off.

Step 1: Enable USB Controller in VMware Settings

Before your USB device can be detected, VMware must have the USB controller enabled in the virtual machine settings. This controller manages USB connections between your physical computer and the VM.

  1. Open VMware and select your virtual machine.
  2. Click on Settings or Edit virtual machine settings.
  3. Look for the USB Controller option in the hardware list.
  4. If it’s missing, click Add and choose USB Controller from the list.
  5. Set the USB compatibility to USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, depending on your device and VM support.
  6. Click OK to save the changes.

Why this matters: Without a USB controller, VMware cannot recognize or use any USB devices connected to your host computer.

Step 2: Connect USB Device to the Virtual Machine

Once the USB controller is enabled, you need to manually connect the USB device to your virtual machine.

  1. Make sure your virtual machine is powered on and logged in.
  2. In VMware’s top menu, click on VM > Removable Devices.
  3. Find your USB device in the list.
  4. Hover over it and select Connect (Disconnect from Host).

This action detaches the USB device from your Windows 11 host and connects it to the VM, allowing the guest OS to recognize it.

Step 3: Check Windows 11 USB Driver Issues

If the USB device still isn’t detected, there might be a driver issue on your Windows 11 host.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark — this indicates a driver problem.
  4. Right-click the problematic device and select Update driver.
  5. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.
  6. Restart your computer after updating drivers.

Proper USB drivers on the host are essential for VMware to detect and pass USB devices to the VM correctly.

Step 4: Adjust USB Arbitration Service

VMware uses a service called USB Arbitration Service to manage USB device connections. If this service is not running, USB devices won’t be detected in the VM.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down and find VMware USB Arbitration Service.
  3. Right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
  5. Click Start if the service is not running.
  6. Click OK to save and close.

This service ensures that USB devices can be properly routed to VMware virtual machines.

Step 5: Change USB Compatibility Settings

Sometimes, USB 3.0 devices cause detection problems due to compatibility issues. Switching to USB 2.0 may help.

  1. Power off your virtual machine.
  2. Go to the VM settings and select the USB Controller.
  3. Change the USB compatibility from USB 3.0 (or auto) to USB 2.0.
  4. Save the settings and start the VM again.
  5. Try connecting the USB device once more.

This workaround is useful for older USB devices or when VMware has trouble handling USB 3.0.

Alternative Method: Use USB Passthrough via VMware Workstation Menu

If automatic detection fails, you can try manually passing through the USB device using VMware’s menu each time you connect the device.

  1. Connect the USB device to your physical Windows 11 machine.
  2. In your running virtual machine, click VM > Removable Devices.
  3. Select your USB device and click Connect (Disconnect from Host).
  4. If the device disconnects from the host and connects to the VM, it should be detected by the guest OS.

This is a handy method when auto-connect doesn’t work.

FAQs

Why does VMware not detect my USB device even after connecting it?

This can happen if the USB controller is not enabled in VM settings, the USB Arbitration Service is stopped, or there are driver problems on the host. Following the steps above usually resolves these issues.

Can I connect multiple USB devices to one virtual machine?

Yes, VMware supports multiple USB devices, but each device must be connected manually via the Removable Devices menu or configured for automatic connection.

Is USB passthrough supported on all VMware products?

Most VMware desktop products like Workstation and Player support USB passthrough. However, some VMware server products or cloud instances may not support it.

What if my USB device works on the host but not in the VM?

This often indicates a configuration issue in VMware, such as missing USB controller or compatibility settings. Check the VM USB settings and try changing USB versions.

Do I need administrative privileges to connect USB devices in VMware?

Yes, managing USB devices and services usually requires administrator rights on your Windows 11 host.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your VMware virtual machine still does not detect USB devices, consider the following options:

  • Reinstall VMware Software: Sometimes reinstalling VMware fixes corrupted files or settings causing USB issues.
  • Update Windows 11: Ensure your host OS is fully updated as system updates can improve hardware compatibility.
  • Consult VMware Official Support: Visit the VMware Knowledge Base for specific USB-related articles and troubleshooting guides.
  • Try Alternative Virtualization Tools: If USB passthrough is critical, tools like VirtualBox or Hyper-V might better suit your needs depending on your hardware.

Conclusion

USB detection issues in VMware on Windows 11 are common but usually easy to fix with proper settings and checks. Enabling the USB controller, ensuring the USB Arbitration Service is running, and managing USB device connections manually are key steps.

Always verify your USB drivers on the host and consider adjusting USB compatibility settings to improve detection. Using these step-by-step solutions will help you connect your USB devices smoothly within your VMware virtual machines.

By following this guide, you can minimize downtime and focus on your work without USB connection interruptions.

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