How to use USB in VirtualBox?
How to use USB in VirtualBox: Technical guide Step by Step
VirtualBox is a widely used virtualization tool that allows users to run additional operating systems on their main computer. One of the most convenient features of VirtualBox is its ability to connect and use USB devices inside the virtual machine. This feature is especially useful for those who want to use peripherals such as printers, scanners, flash drives and other devices USB with its virtual operating systems. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how use USB in VirtualBox to take full advantage of this functionality.
USB configuration in the virtual machine
Before you can use USB devices in your virtual machine, you need to properly configure USB options in VirtualBox. Within the VirtualBox interface, USB options can be enabled in the virtual machine settings. Once the specific virtual machine on which you want to enable USB support has been selected, a few additional steps must be taken to ensure a proper connection.
Connecting USB devices to the virtual machine
Once the pre-configuration has been done, the next step to use USB in VirtualBox is to connect the USB device to the virtual machine. To do this, you need to go to the “Devices” menu in the virtual machine window and select the appropriate USB device from the available list. Once connected, the USB device should be available and ready to be used on your operating system Interactive
Safe Disconnection of USB Devices
It is important to note that when ending the use of a USB device in your virtual machine, a safe disconnection must be performed to avoid data loss or damage to the device. To disconnect the USB device in a safe way, simply head back to the “Devices” menu in VirtualBox and click “Disconnect” next to the USB device you want to disconnect. Once disconnected, you can use the device again in your operating system principal.
In summary, the ability to use USB in VirtualBox provides users with great flexibility by allowing them to connect and use USB devices in their virtual operating systems. Through proper configuration and proper device connection and disconnection, users can enjoy the full functionality of their USB peripherals in VirtualBox. We hope this step-by-step technical guide has been helpful and that you can make the most of this functionality on your own virtual machines.
1. USB pre-configuration in VirtualBox
Before using a USB device in VirtualBox, it is necessary to perform prior configuration to ensure compatibility and correct operation. First of all, we must verify that we have the latest version of VirtualBox installed on our system. This is important, since each version brings improvements and corrections that can influence the detection and use of USB devices. Therefore, it is recommended to always keep the software updated.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that you have the USB controllers correctly installed en and operating system Guest. If we are using Windows, we may need to install the drivers provided by the manufacturer of the specific USB device. If you are using Linux, you probably don't need to install anything, as most distributions include USB drivers by default.
Once we have the latest version of VirtualBox installed and the USB drivers on the guest, we can proceed to the configuration in the virtualization itself. To do this, we must open VirtualBox and select the virtual machine in which we want to enable the use of USB devices. Next, we select the option "Settings" en the toolbar and we go to the tab "USB". Here we will find several options related to the use of USB devices in the virtual machine.
2. Steps to enable the use of USB in VirtualBox
To enable the use of USB in VirtualBox, you need to follow some simple steps. First of all, make sure you have the latest version of VirtualBox installed on your operating system. Once you have verified your version, you should note that USB support is not enabled by default. To enable it, you must follow these steps:
1. Start VirtualBox and open virtual machine settings: After opening VirtualBox, select the virtual machine on which you want to enable USB usage. Right click on it and select “Settings”. This will open a window where you can make different adjustments to the virtual machine configuration.
2. Navigate to the “USB” section: In the virtual machine configuration window, look for the “USB” tab in the list of options on the left. Click on it to access settings related to USB devices.
3. Enable USB support: Once in the “USB” section, check the box that says “Enable USB Controller” to activate USB support in the virtual machine. If you also want to enable support for USB 2.0 devices, be sure to select the appropriate option from the drop-down menu.
By following these steps, you will be able to enable the use of USB in VirtualBox and use your USB devices within the virtual machine easily and safely. Remember that for a USB device to be recognized within the virtual machine, you must first connect it to your host operating system. Also, note that some USB devices may require additional drivers to be installed within the virtual machine.
3. USB support on different operating systems
When using VirtualBox to work with different systems operational, it is important to understand the USB compatibility among them. Although VirtualBox allows sharing USB devices between the host system and guest systems, it is necessary to keep in mind that each operating system has its own limitations and requirements.
First, it is essential to ensure that the different operating systems support the USB virtualization. For example, some guest systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS have native USB support, making it easier to configure and use USB devices in VirtualBox. However, other operating systems may not be supported by default and may require the installation of additional drivers or special configurations.
Another important aspect to consider is the USB version supported by each operating system. VirtualBox allows you to emulate different versions of USB, from USB 1.1 up to USB 3.0, allowing you to adapt to the specific needs of each guest operating system. It is necessary to verify the specifications and requirements of the operating system to determine which USB version should be selected.
4. Troubleshooting common problems when using USB in VirtualBox
Sometimes, when using USB devices in VirtualBox, problems may arise that make it difficult to function correctly. Fortunately, there are simple solutions that will allow you to solve these problems quickly.
One of the most common problems is the recognition of the USB device by VirtualBox. To fix this issue, make sure the USB device is connected correctly and that you have selected the “Devices” option in the VirtualBox menu bar. Next, select “USB Devices” and choose the desired device from the list. If the device does not appear, it may be necessary to install additional USB drivers provided by VirtualBox.
Another recurring problem is the slow speed of file transfer via USB in VirtualBox. To resolve this issue, make sure you have correctly installed the VirtualBox drivers on the corresponding virtual machine. Also, check if the USB device and virtual machine are configured correctly for USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 support. If possible, use a USB 3.0 port to achieve faster transfer speeds. It is also advisable to avoid having too many applications running on the virtual machine, as this can affect the performance of data transfer over USB.
Remember that VirtualBox may experience problems with certain USB devices, especially those that require specific drivers. In these cases, you may need to investigate further or look for alternative solutions. We hope these solutions help you resolve the most common problems when using USB devices in VirtualBox and enjoy a smooth experience on your virtual machines.
5. Recommendations to improve the USB connection in VirtualBox
To ensure a smooth USB connection in VirtualBox, there are some important recommendations to keep in mind. First of all, it is essential install Oracle VM VirtualBox extensions corresponding to the version we are using. These extensions provide support for additional features, including USB support. To install them, you simply have to open VirtualBox, select the desired virtual machine and access the "Settings" tab. Within this section, in the "Extensions" section, you can add the downloaded extension file.
Another relevant aspect to improve the USB connection is enable USB controller in virtual machine settings. To do this, you must access the "USB" tab in the "Settings" section of the virtual machine. Here, you need to check the “USB Controller” option and select the appropriate type based on the guest operating system. Additionally, it is advisable to enable the “EHCI Controller” option as it provides better compatibility with USB 2.0.
If the USB connection continues to have problems, it is possible to enable or disable USB filters in VirtualBox. These filters allow you to define which specific devices can connect to the virtual machine and which cannot. To manage USB filters, you must access the “USB Filters” tab in the “Settings” section of the virtual machine. Here, filters can be added, edited or removed as needed. It is important to remember that, for the filters to be applied, the virtual machine must be turned off.
By following these recommendations, you can significantly improve the USB connection in VirtualBox. Always remember to stay up to date with the latest updates and versions of Oracle VM VirtualBox software and extensions to ensure you have the latest improvements and compatibility. With proper configuration and maintenance, VirtualBox enables a smooth and efficient experience when using USB devices in virtual machines.
6. How to access USB devices from a virtual machine
Regrettably, Accessing USB devices from a virtual machine in VirtualBox can be a bit tricky, since by default, USB devices are disabled. But don't worry, there is a simple solution to this problem. In this article, I will explain step by step how to enable and access USB devices from a virtual machine in VirtualBox.
First, You should make sure you have the VirtualBox extension package installed, as this package adds support for USB devices. You can download and install it from the official VirtualBox website. Once installed, open it and select the virtual machine you want to enable USB devices on.
Then Select the “Settings” tab and then click “USB” in the left panel. A list of USB devices connected to your computer will appear. Check the box “USB 2.0 Controller (EHCI)” to enable support for USB 2.0 devices. If you want to use USB 3.0 devices, you can also check the “USB 3.0 Controller (xHCI)” box. After enabling the necessary USB drivers, click the icon of the USB cable with the plus sign (+) on the right side of the window to add a USB device filter. This will allow VirtualBox to automatically detect USB devices connected to your computer when you start the virtual machine. Remember to apply the changes and that's it! You will now be able to access and use USB devices in your virtual machine in VirtualBox.
7. Security measures when using USB devices in VirtualBox
There are important security measures to consider when using USB devices in VirtualBox. These precautions are essential to protect both the data stored on USB devices and the virtual environment itself. Below are some key recommendations you should follow to ensure safe use of USB devices in VirtualBox:
1. Disable automatic auto-mount: It is advisable to disable the automatic auto-mount feature of USB devices in VirtualBox. This prevents USB devices from being automatically mounted in the guest operating system and allows greater control over which USB devices should be connected to the virtual machine.
2. Virus scan: Before connecting any USB device to VirtualBox, it is crucial to run a virus scan on the device to detect possible malware threats. USB devices can carry viruses and other types of malware, so this security measure is essential to protect the integrity of your data and the virtual environment.
3. Access restrictions: It is possible to set access restrictions to specific USB devices in VirtualBox. This allows you to control which USB devices can be connected to the virtual machine and restrict access to unauthorized devices. These restrictions can be configured through VirtualBox settings and provide an additional layer of security to prevent untrusted USB devices from connecting.
following these security measures, you will be able to use USB devices in VirtualBox safely and protect both the data stored on the devices and the virtual environment itself. Always remember to be aware of possible security threats and take the necessary precautions to protect your data.