How to Fix
"Failed to Attach the USB Device"
Error in VirtualBox

Many VirtualBox users receive error messages when using USB devices in the platform like:

• "VirtualBox Failed to attach USB..."
  
  
• "Failed to create a proxy device for the USB device
  (VERR_PDM_NO_USB_PORTS)"
  
  
• "USB device is busy with a previous request"
  
  

These problems typically happen due to misconfiguration in VirtualBox or when the host system interferes with the USB passthrough. It is also possible that the USB subsystem fails completely, so relevant problems like "VirtualBox can't enumerate USB devices" arise.

Read on to discover effective fixes when VirtualBox can’t attach USB device.

Pro Tip: Follow these measures to successfully use USB in VirtualBox

• Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack that matches your current version.
• Use USB 2.0 (EHCI) instead of USB 3.0 on macOS and some Linux distros.
• Add a blank USB filter to help VirtualBox detect any USB device.
• Ensure that the host operating system is not using the USB via File Explorer or other applications.
• To avoid host inference, launch the VM first, then plug the USB.

1. How to Fix VirtualBox USB Errors.
2. How To Troubleshoot Specific VirtualBox USB Errors
3. Conclusion

How to Fix VirtualBox USB Errors

When the VirtualBox USB passthrough goes awry, different frustrating problems can arise. For instance, the system might not detect the device, errors might appear on boot, or the host might lock the USB.
To avoid these troubles, we discuss the correct steps applicable for different operating systems to configure a VM for seamless USB usage.

How To Fix USB Errors in VirtualBox on Windows

Follow the methods below to establish a real-time and seamless connection between VirtualBox on Windows and a USB device.

Step 1: Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack

This pack is a prerequisite for access to USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 devices via VirtualBox. Do the steps below:

1. Go to “VirtualBox Downloads”
2. Find and download an extension pack version that matches your VirtualBox installation.

Step 2: Enable USB Controller

With a USB controller, VirtualBox will have a “slot” for the attachment of the USB device. To enable this feature, simply do the following:

1. Go to VM Settings → USB.
2. Select USB 2.0 (EHCI) or USB 3.0 (xHCI).
3. Add a USB filter (blank is okay to match all devices).

Step 3: Eject USB from Host Operating System

A VM gains full control of the USB device if the host OS has no claim on it. Otherwise, you can eject the USB from the system tray before attaching it to the VM via Devices → USB.

Step 4: Install Guest Additions

A missing integration driver might be a reason why VirtualBox failed to attach the USB because of potential blocking in device recognition. To fix this:

1. Run the VM.
2. Go to Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
3. Follow installation inside the VM.

How To Fix USB Errors in Linux VirtualBox?

VirtualBox USB passthrough is a bit more complex on Linux Systems because permissions, kernel modules, and group memberships are essential to its operation in this OS. Read on and discover ways to make USB work flawlessly on Linux machines.

Step 1: Add Your User to vboxusers Group

The user account will gain USB access permission upon performing this step. To do this, input this command:

sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

Then, log out and back in.

Step 2: Install Support Tools or Extension Pack

If your Linux system has no required kernel modules installed, you might need to install them manually. The fix command is:

sudo apt install virtualbox-ext-pack virtualbox-dkms

Step 3: Switch to xHCI (USB 3.0) Controller

USB 3.0 devices are usually incompatible with older EHCI (USB 2.0) controllers. To fix this, switch to the updated xHCI (USB 3.0) Controller in VirtualBox.

Launch the VM → Settings → USB → Choose USB 3.0 (xHCI).

Step 4: Remove and Reconnect the USB Device

Let the VM access the USB by dismounting the device from the Linux system. This will unlock the USB and make it accessible to the VM.
Enter this command to fix it and attach it via VirtualBox’s menu.

sudo umount /dev/sdX

How To Fix VirtualBox USB Issues on macOS?

If a VirtualBox mac failed to attach USB device, it is usually due to misconfiguration or issues with security and device permissions. This section provides solutions for successful USB passthrough and overcome connection barriers.

Step 1: Grant Full Disk Access to VirtualBox

You need to explicitly allow hardware access so MacOS can freely access the USB device. To resolve this, go to “System Preferences,” open “Security & Privacy,” choose “Full Disk Access,” and add VirtualBox.

Step 2: Plug in USB After VM Boot

If the macOS locks the USB device, try starting the virtual machine first before inserting the USB. Go to Devices → USB to plug the USB into the VM booting.

Step 3: Use USB 2.0 Instead of 3.0

Many macOS users reported compatibility issues with USB 3.0, so we suggest shifting to USB 2.0 as a possible remedy.

The fix is simple. Switch the controller to USB 2.0 (EHCI) in the VM settings.

How To Troubleshoot Specific VirtualBox USB Errors

If you receive a specific error message about a “VirtualBox failed to attach the USB” issue, it is usually easy to resolve. In this section, we’ll help you understand these error messages so you can apply immediate fixes and save hours of frustration.

“Failed to Create a Proxy Device” (VERR_PDM_NO_USB_PORTS)

This error message usually happens when the USB controller is disabled, or there’s a driver or registry issue that blocks access. To resolve this, enable USB 2.0/3.0 in the VM settings or reinstall your VirtualBox Extension Pack.

You may also fix Windows Registry with this command:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\

{36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}

You may also delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters or reinstall USB drivers from:
C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\drivers\USB

Simply follow these steps to resolve:

1. Enable the USB controller feature (follow the tutorial above).
2. Install a compatible Extension Pack to your existing VirtualBox feature.
3. If you’re using Windows, remove any conflicting registry filters.
4. If necessary, reinstall USB filters.

“USB device is busy with a previous request”

One reason why VirtualBox can’t enumerate USB devices is that the USB might be still accessible with the host machine.

To solve this problem, eject the device from the host before VM boot. Then, reboot the host and use a different USB port. You can also disable host-side auto-mounting.

“USB device busy”

This means that Windows background applications such as file managers or sync services still use the USB device.

These are the steps for resolution:

1. Terminate all applications accessing the USB.
2. Unplug and replug the device.
3. Establish a USB filter in VM settings.
4. Restart the host if the issue persists.

Conclusion

Fret not next time you encounter USB errors in VirtualBox. Yes, these problems are common, but they are easily fixable. Many of these issues stem from missing permissions, host conflicts, or misconfigured settings. But with the proper controller, extension Pack, and a few tweaks on the OS, you can get VirtualBox USB passthrough working smoothly.