How to Fix "VirtualBox Can’t Enumerate USB Devices"

Have you faced a situation with VirtualBox where even though USB devices work fine on your host machine, they don't appear on your virtual machine?

Whether you use Windows, or Linux, when this issue happens, you see the error:

"Can’t enumerate USB devices” on VirtualBox."

This frustrates users.

In this guide, we will discuss various causes of this issue along with actionable and clear solutions for general system configurations and specific operating systems. And if you face issues, such as "VirtualBox fails to attach USB device", you will find the fix here. We will also discuss an alternative solution if these methods don't work.

Table of Contents:

1. Universal Solutions to USB Device Enumeration Problem in VirtualBox
2. Fixing USB Problems in VirtualBox for Ubuntu / Linux
3. Troubleshooting VirtualBox USB Devices on Windows 10/11
4. Wrapping Up

Universal Solutions to USB Device Enumeration Problem in VirtualBox

Oracle VirtualBox can't enumerate USB devices due to a number of reasons, such as compatibility issues, mismatched extensions, etc. So, before you learn how to troubleshoot issues specific to operating systems, let's look at some of the solutions to common problems behind this issue. This will act as a good starting point from where you can scale up and fix deeper issues.

Why can't VirtualBox List USB Devices?

When VirtualBox fails to enumerate USBs, you may receive error messages like these:

• "No USB devices available"
• "Failed to enumerate USB device"
• "Could not load the Host USB Proxy Service" (VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND)
• Devices work on the host OS but are invisible in VirtualBox.

There are many reasons why VirtualBox can't enumerate USB devices:

• Not compatible with USB 3.0
• On Linux, the OS Kernel modules are not loaded
• Extension Pack mismatched or missing
• No admin rights for running VirtualBox
• In VM settings, the USB controller is not turned on
• On Linux, the user is not added to the vboxusers group

Universal Solutions for All Operating Systems

Install Extension Pack

If the Extension Pack is missing, VirtualBox may fail to show USB devices. So, check if it's missing or mismatched, and install the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Install it through the VirtualBox GUI. Alternatively, you can run the following command:

VBoxManage extpack install /path/to/extension.pack

Step 2. Modify VirtualBox Settings to Enable USB

Follow the steps to enable USB:

1. VM → Settings → USB → Enable USB Controller
2. Select USB 2.0 (EHCI) or USB 3.0 (xHCI)
3. Add a blank USB filter

Step 3. Switch to USB 2.0

Many users have reported compatibility issues with USB 3.0 while using VirtualBox. So, switch to USB 2.0 and check if you still face the same problem. It should resolve enumeration errors.

Fixing USB Problems in VirtualBox for Ubuntu / Linux

Despite lsusb confirming connection to the host machine, VirtualBox may not be able to list USBs. If that happens, it could mean that VirtualBox lacks required modules or permissions to access USB hardware.

Common Causes of USB Errors in VirtualBox on Ubuntu/Linux

• Compatibility issues with USB 3.0
• Kernel modules are not loaded on Linux
• User is not in vboxusers
• Misconfigured udev/usbfs
• Missing Extension Pack

Step by Step Solutions for Linux/Ubuntu

Step 1. Install or Update the Extension Pack

If the Extension Pack is missing or mismatched with your VirtualBox version, it can cause significant issues. Make sure it's installed and up to date.

1. Download the Extension Pack. Get the latest version of the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack from the official VirtualBox website. Ensure the pack's version matches your VirtualBox application's version.


2. Install via VirtualBox GUI:
   • • Open VirtualBox.
   • • Go to File → Preferences → Extensions.
   • • Click the "Add new package" icon (a plus sign in a square) and select the downloaded .vbox-extpack file.
   • • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
3. Alternatively (via Command Line):
   
   VBoxManage extpack install /path/to/extension.pack
   
   Replace /path/to/extension.pack with the actual path to your downloaded file.

Step 2. Configure USB Controller Settings in VirtualBox

For USB devices to work correctly, you need to ensure the USB controller is enabled and properly configured within your virtual machine's settings.

1. Select your virtual machine in VirtualBox and navigate to Settings → USB.
2. Make sure the "Enable USB Controller" option is checked.
3. Choose the appropriate USB controller:
   • • USB 2.0 (EHCI) Controller (recommended for most devices and better compatibility).
   • • USB 3.0 (xHCI) Controller (if you need USB 3.0 support, but it can sometimes cause compatibility issues. If you run into errors, try switching to USB 2.0).
4. Add a "blank" USB filter by clicking the "plus" icon (add new USB filter). This can sometimes help VirtualBox detect devices.

Step 3. Switch to USB 2.0 (for Compatibility Issues)

Many users have reported compatibility problems with USB 3.0 when using VirtualBox. If you've selected a USB 3.0 controller and continue to experience errors, try switching to USB 2.0.

1. Follow point 3 from the previous section and select USB 2.0 (EHCI) Controller.
2. Remember to restart your virtual machine after making this change for the settings to take effect.

After applying these fixes, you should be able to solve the issue “Can’t enumerate USB devices VirtualBox Linux”.

Troubleshooting VirtualBox USB Devices on Windows 10/11

If you're using Windows 10/11 as your host machine and VirtualBox doesn't show USBs in the guest OS, it's a problem. When this happens, you may see errors, such as no device listed or VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND, E_FAIL.

Common Causes of USB Problems in VirtualBox on Windows

If VirtualBox is unable to show USB devices in Windows 10/11, it could be due to the following reasons:

• RDP session is hiding the connected USB devices
• Not running VirtualBox as admin
• The Extension Pack is not installed on the system

How to Fix VirtualBox Issues on Windows 10/11

Follow the steps below to fix the problem when VirtualBox can't display USB devices:

1. Reinstall VirtualBox: Uninstall your current VirtualBox client from your computer. Go to VirtualBox’s official website and download the application again. Reinstall it on your computer by:
   
   Right-clicking on the installer → Run as Administrator


2. Delete leftover .sys files from your computer’s
   
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\.


3. Check if the Extension Pack is installed or not. Install it if not done already. If there's a mismatch, try reinstalling it on your computer.

Wrapping Up

If VirtualBox can't list USB devices on your computer, it's frustrating. This issue is more common in Linux-based systems. If you face such issues, consider the above solutions to resolve them.

We have listed both genetic and OS-specific VirtualBox issues that you may encounter and how to solve them using the right combination of USB controller settings, Extension Pack, and user group permissions.