Working with USB peripherals in a Remote Desktop environment can be challenging. However, there are several methods to simplify this process. Let’s explore a tutorial on using USB over RDP, considering the challenges involved and all possible solutions to address them. We will begin with the native Windows method.
Redirecting local USB peripherals can pose challenges when using a thin client that connects to a more powerful server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
USB Redirection allows users to connect external devices to a server and access them from a remote desktop. However, there are several factors to consider:
Considering these factors will improve the usability of USB devices in remote desktop environments.
The local machine is the computer from which you are initiating the Remote Desktop connection.
Win + R to open the Run dialog.mstsc and press Enter to launch the Remote Desktop Connection tool.
.rdp file with your settings.
The remote machine (server) must allow USB redirection.
Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource RedirectionEnsure the following settings are configured on the remote desktop server:
gpedit.msc).If you want to connect to a local USB device from a remote desktop, there’s probably no better solution than USB Network Gate by Electronic Team, Inc. This dedicated app is designed to redirect USB peripherals over RDP in such a way that they appear on a remote machine like they were physically attached to that computer.
USB Network Gate (UNG) connects USB devices to a remote desktop. To take advantage of the app’s powerful functionality, you should install the utility on both computers: the one that has the device attached (UNG Server) and the one that will connect to it remotely (UNG Client).
USB Network Gate is a convenient tool that combines Server and Client parts for RDP USB passthrough.
It’s worth noting that USB Network Gate requires activation. You need to activate the software for using it on the server computer (UNG Server). After that, you will be able to forward the USB device to the remote desktop. As for the Client part, it doesn’t need to be registered. You can install the app and use the Client module on an unlimited number of remote machines to connect to shared devices for free.
So, once you create a connection to a shared peripheral, the device shows up in the Device Manager of the RDP Server and all applications installed on that machine recognize the peripheral as though it were attached locally.
Note: Starting from version 7.x, USB Network Gate supports the ICA protocol, which means you can forward devices from a thin client to the terminal server over ICA.
USB to Remote Desktop software hosts versions for Windows, Linux, and Mac, so any server-client combination is possible. For example, your Windows PC can easily connect to a USB device from Mac or the other way around.
USB Network Gate is a professional software application that makes it possible to securely connect to any USB device from a Mac running an RDP client.
Use the following steps to share a physically connected USB device with a Remote Desktop session running on your Mac.
brew install freerdp.xfreerdp --plugin usb4rdp <remote address=""><remote address=""> remote server’s IP address/domain name/computer name.xfreerdp --plugin cliprdr --plugin usb4rdp xxx.xx.xx.xxxfreerdp --plugin usb4rdp -0 -o serverImportant notes:
Accessing USB devices during Remote Desktop sessions can be quite a challenge for many users. Most USB for Remote Desktop Solutions can solve these issues. But USB Network Gate offers even more benefits:
Some USB devices provide better performance when used in a remote desktop session. This should be taken into account by an IT team that configures access to USB devices within an RDP environment.
Note that devices that require substantial resources are not good candidates for USB redirection.
Generic USB Redirection is a feature that enables the Citrix USB redirection of varying devices from client computers to virtual desktops.
Generic USB Redirection manages request and response communication amongst XenDesktop VMs and client PCs at low levels. As long as the required device drivers are installed on the virtual desktop, one can avoid the hassle that occurs when installing them on client machines.
Using Generic USB Redirection allows users to access and control an array of USB devices through XenDesktop sessions. Users enjoy full control of their USB devices with the same level of functionality that one would experience if the device was plugged directly into the virtual machine.
Thin clients use Remote Desktop Protocol, Citrix ICA, or any other communication protocols as a way of connecting to the terminal servers. This allows for remote printing, audio support, serial device support, terminal emulation, and support for USB devices.
Usually, when a USB device is connected to a thin client via a physical port, it becomes immediately accessible during local sessions. However, a thin client USB passthrough can come with few challenges:
Incorporating dedicated software for thin client USB redirection is the most convenient way to deal with these challenges.
Poor support or inability to connect complex USB devices (like scanners or webcams with the built-in microphone) over RDP is a typical problem with Linux RDP USB redirection.
Usually, Linux RDP clients are capable of redirecting some generic USB devices among which are printers and USB hard drives. To make this list larger, you can use USB Network Gate to share USB devices over RDP on Linux.
Unfortunately, Google Chrome Remote Desktop does not provide a native method for sharing USB devices over Chrome Remote Desktop, which is a great functionality limitation. This issue has been around for years, but still, Google has not offered native support for Chrome Remote Desktop USB redirection.
Fortunately, USB Network Gate solves the problem and enables users to gain full control over USB devices from within Chrome Remote Desktop instances.
