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VirtualBox USB Dongle: How to Use USB License Dongle with VirtualBox

Editorial Team Editorial Team Apr 14, 2025

Virtualization allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. Although these virtual machines share the resources of the physical computer (host), you still need a VirtualBox USB dongle system to access a USB security key before you can run certain programs.

While building a VirtualBox USB passthrough is possible, users frequently complain that the VirtualBox USB connectivity is unstable. This connection method only allows users to access security dongles attached to the physical computer.

In this article, we'll explain how you can create a reliable VirtualBox USB dongle connection . We'll also explore all the possible solutions you can try when sharing a dongle through VirtualBox.

Contents:

  1. Use Dedicated Software to Redirect the VirtualBox USB Dongle
  2. How to Capture a USB Dongle in VirtualBox

Use Dedicated Software to Redirect the VirtualBox USB Dongle

Donglify
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With Donglify, users can redirect a VirtualBox USB license dongle from Windows\Mac to a VirtualBox. This redirection allows the license to run on the physical and virtual operating environment.
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The software uses a port redirection technology that goes over the TCP/IP network. This technology also allows users to forward USB security dongles to any environment, even when the key is not connected to the physical computer. As a result, Donglify creates a VirtualBox USB license dongle connection that users can rely on anytime.

How to enable USB dongle in VirtualBox

1
Make a free Donglify account on the software's official website. After signing up, you'll receive a prompt to sign up for one of Donglify's subscription plans. Each plan comes with a 7-day free trial period.
2
Download and install Donglify on the host computer. The application works perfectly on Windows and Mac operating systems.

Note: Before it can work, you must download the software on the computer connected to the VirtualBox USB dongle setup.
Install Donglify
3
Run the Donglify software and sign in with the login details you created on the website.
Sign to your Donglify account
4
Open a list of connected USB license keys by clicking on the "+" symbol. To share the key, check the radio button next to your USB dongle and click "Share."
Sharing a dongle through VirtualBox
5
On the VB machine, download and run Donglify. After the download, sign into your account, then search for the shared USB dongle in the list to connect to it.
Connect to shared USB dongle key
6
After establishing a connection, you'll be able to find the dongle in the display manager. Donglify makes it possible to use the VirtualBox USB license dongle like it was physically connected to the virtual machine environment.

For more information on how to use Donglify to share USB dongles to VirtualBox VMs, please watch this guide:

Donglify

Key Considerations for USB Dongle Connectivity in VirtualBox with Donglify

Before using the Donglify software to connect a VirtualBox to USB dongles, here are three key conditions to consider:

Internet Connection: It doesn't matter if all your devices are connected to the same LAN. Your machines must be connected to the internet and USB dongles before you can use the USB license in the virtual environment.

Windows and Mac Cross-connectivity: Donglify is a flexible software that works on Windows and Mac operating systems. This means you can cross-connect different operating systems when you want. To do so, you'll need to install the latest version of the software if you want to share dongle keys to a Mac device.

Niche Use Is a Must: The dongle software was created exclusively to share USB dongles. As a result, it's not designed to work with any other USB device type.

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How to Capture a USB Dongle in VirtualBox

Many users assume that using USB devices in virtual environments is straightforward. In reality, it requires navigating several software layers and configuring system drivers to enable communication between the host and guest operating systems.

There are two primary methods for enabling USB dongle passthrough in VirtualBox:

Method 1: Capturing a USB Device "On the Fly"

This method allows you to manually capture a USB device while the virtual machine (VM) is running:

  1. Start the VM.
  2. Click the USB icon at the bottom of the VirtualBox window.
  3. Select the desired USB device from the list. A checkmark (✓) indicates the device has been successfully captured by the guest OS.

Note: This approach is quick but may not be reliable for dongles that require instant or persistent connections.

Method 2: Using a USB Filter (Recommended)

Creating a USB filter allows VirtualBox to automatically assign USB devices to the VM when they are connected to the host. This method provides more reliable and consistent performance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack
    Ensure that the extension pack is installed on your system to enable support for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices.
  2. Enable USB Controller Support
    • ⚬ Go to VM Settings → Ports → USB. USB Controller Support
    • ⚬ Select USB 2.0 (EHCI) or USB 3.0 (xHCI), depending on your hardware compatibility.
  3. Create a USB Filter
    • ⚬ Connect the USB device to your host.
    • ⚬ Click the Add Filter button (➕) in the USB section of the VM settings.
    • ⚬ A new filter will be created automatically based on the connected device.
    • ⚬ Delete all values except Name, Vendor ID, and Product ID for best results.

How to Find Vendor ID and Product ID

Use the appropriate method based on your operating system:

  • Linux: Run the lsusb command in a terminal.
  • macOS: Go to Apple Menu → About This Mac → System Report → USB
  • Windows: Open Device Manager, right-click the device → Properties → Details tab → select Hardware Ids from the dropdown.

Optional Workflow (with Existing Filter)

If the filter is already configured and the VirtualBox Extension Pack is installed:

  1. Unplug the USB device from the host.
  2. Start the VM.
  3. Once the guest OS is running, plug in the USB device. It should be automatically captured by the guest via the filter.

Important Note for Linux Hosts

On Linux systems (e.g., Ubuntu or Fedora), VirtualBox may not display connected USB devices unless the current user is a member of the vboxusers group.

To add your user to this group, run:

bash
sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

Then log out and back in (or reboot) for the changes to take effect.

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