Remotefx usb device redirection windows 10

How to enable RemoteFX USB redirection for Windows 10

Start with configuring your server:

Step 1: Open your system’s Server Manager and click Add roles and features to invoke the pop-up window titled Add Roles and Features Wizard.

Step 2: Click Next to see the Select installation type page. You won’t have to make any adjustments here for the default configuration is just right.

Step 3: Click Next again to get to the Select server roles page and pick Remote Desktop Services on the Roles list.

Step 4: Keep clicking Next until you see the Role services list. Here you need to tick Remote Desktop Connection Broker, Remote Desktop Licensing, and Remote Desktop Session Host.

Step 5: Click Next one more time, then click the Install button.

Step 6: Wait until the installation is successfully completed, restart your CVM. Then use Windows search to find gpedit.msc. Press Enter to invoke the window titled Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 7: Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Device and Resource Redirection and double-click Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection to invoke a pop-up window.

Step 8: On the Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection window, select Disabled and click OK.

Step 9: Restart the CVM once more.

Now configure your client:

Step 1: Enter gpedit.msc to Run dialog box and click OK.

Step 2: In the invoked Local Group Policy Editor window, click RemoteFx USB Redirection on the menu (it’s in Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Connection Client → RemoteFx USB Redirection), then double-click Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFx USB devices.

Step 3: In the popped-up window, select Enabled, then go down to the RemoteFX USB Redirection Access Rights menu and select the Administrators and Users option.

Step 4: Click OK and restart your computer.

Scenario

RemoteFx is an upgraded version of Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). From RDP 8.0, RemoteFx can be used to redirect local USB devices to a remote desktop through the RDP data channel, ensuring that the CVM can use these USB devices.

This document uses the following environment versions as examples to describe how to enable the RemoteFx USB redirection feature of RDP to redirect USB devices to a CVM.

• Client: Windows 10
• Server: Windows Server 2016

Use Limits

Because RDP 8.0 and later versions support the RemoteFx USB redirection feature, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019 all support this feature. If the operating system of your local PC has one of these versions, you do not need to install the RDP 8.0 update patch. If your local PC has Windows 7 or Windows Vista, please go to Microsoft official website to get and install the RDP 8.0 update patch.

Directions

Configuring the server

1. Logging in to a Windows instance using the RDP file (recommended).
2. On the desktop, click and select Server Manager to open Server Manager.
3. In the «Server Manager» window, click Add roles and features, as shown in the following figure:
   
4. In the pop-up «Add Roles and Features Wizard» window, click Next to go to the «Select installation type» page.
5. On the «Select installation type» page, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
6. On the «Select destination server» page, keep the default configurations and click Next.
7. On the «Select server roles» page, select Remote Desktop Services and click Next, as shown in the following figure:
   
8. Keep the default configurations and click Next for 2 times.
9. On the «Select role services» page, select Remote Desktop Session Host, Remote Desktop Connection Broker, and Remote Desktop Licensing. In the pop-up window, click Add Features, as shown in the following figure:
   
10. Click Next.
11. Click Install.
12. After the installation is completed, restart the CVM.
13. On the desktop, click , enter gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open «Local Group Policy Editor».
14. In the leftside navigation tree, choose Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection, and double-click Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection, as shown in the following figure:
    
15. In the pop-up window, select Disabled and click OK, as shown in the following figure:
    
16. Restart the CVM.

Configuring the client

1. On the local PC, right-click and choose Run to open the «Run» dialog box, as shown in the following figure:
2. In the «Run» dialog box, enter gpedit.msc and click OK to open «Local Group Policy Editor».
3. In the leftside navigation tree, choose Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Connection Client > RemoteFx USB Redirection and double-click Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFx USB devices, as shown in the following figure:
   
4. In the pop-up window, select Enabled and set the RemoteFx USB redirection access permission to Administrators and Users, as shown in the following figure:
   
5. Click OK.
6. Restart the local PC.

Verifying the configuration result

1. On your local PC, insert a USB device, right-click and choose Run to open the «Run» dialog box.
2. In the «Run» dialog box, enter mstsc and press Enter to open the remote desktop connection dialog box, as shown in the following figure:
   
3. Enter the Windows server’s public IP address in Computer, and then click Options.
4. On the Local Resources tab page, click More under «Local devices and resources», as shown in the following figure:
   
5. In the pop-up window, expand Other supported RemoteFx USB devices, select the inserted USB device, and click OK.
   
6. Click Connect.
7. In the pop-up Windows Security window, enter the instance’s admin account and password, as shown in the following figure:
   
8. Click OK to log in to the Windows instance.
   If appears on the Windows instance operation page, the configuration was successful.
   

Relevant Operations

Windows RDP provides optimized connection for standard USB devices. Devices such as drivers and cameras can be mapped directly without enabling the RemoteFx feature. The RemoteFX USB redirection feature is required for less commonly used USB devices. The following table lists the redirection methods for these USB devices.

I too have had problems using RemoteFX USB Redirection on a Windows 7 Client to a remote host on Azure running Windows 10, while the same machine configuration would successfully redirect USB to a Windows 8.1 Azure VM.

To be clear I’ve not had issues with the USB redirection for common devices (Flash drives, Printers, etc) that are supported with the vanilla setup of Remote Desktop. This type of USB redirection, for example, allowing me to see a Flash drive that I plug in to my Windows 7 client is working perfectly for me as I can see it in Explorer in the Azure VM.

A comparison of standard RDP redirection and RemoteFX redirection is detailed in this blog entry.

My particular USB redirection problem relates to the classes of devices not handled by the basic RDP high-level redirection, and for that I’ve enabled RemoteFX USB redirection on previous releases of Windows. When this is functioning correctly the computer icon () appears in the Remote Desktop title bar allowing me to select which device should be redirected to the VM.

^{Titlebar when RemoteFX USB Redirection is working}

Following the instructions on numerous web resources for enabling RemoteFX USB redirection worked for me for earlier OS versions (i.e. Windows 8.1 on a Azure VM), but would not work for any Windows 10 VM I created. The titlebar stubbornly remained without the RemoteFX USB redirection feature.

^{Titlebar when RemoteFX USB Redirection was not working}

I finally stumbled across this thread which solved my problem.

It seems there is one more step needed on a Windows 10 host compared to previous OS versions and that is:

1. Run gpedit.msc on the target VM (the target windows 10 Virtual Machine) to start the Group Policy Editor. gpedit.msc can be typed in from a run dialog (use WinKey+R) if you have administrator access, or start an elevated CMD.EXE and type gpedit.msc from the command line.

2. Locate the item Computer Configuration Administrative Templates Windows Components Remote Desktop Services Remote Desktop Session Host Device and Resource Redirection Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection from the treeview of the Group Policy Editor.

3. Bizarrely set this item to Disabled.

4. Run gpupdate /force from an elevated command prompt.

5. At least disconnect RDP session and connect again, if this does not work reboot target VM.

First published on CloudBlogs on Jun, 10 2010

In April, Max Herrmann posted

a blog article

announcing our newest device redirection feature for Remote Desktop Virtualization Host: RemoteFX USB redirection. In this three-part series, we’ll take a closer look at the feature and how it helps close the gap between the user experience of a local user sitting at their physical desktop and that of a remote user connected to a virtual desktop. The first part of the series gives an overview of the feature and what it can do, and how to set up a basic deployment of the feature.

Feature Overview

The goal of RemoteFX USB redirection is simple: the user should be able to use

any

device they want, and have it

just work

. RDP has numerous high-level redirections that allow specific types of devices to be used effectively in a remote session, such as:

• Easy Print, which allows users to print to local printers in remote sessions
• Drive Redirection, which allows users to access the file system on any local drive in a remote session, including USB drives
• Smart Card Redirection, which allows users to authenticate to and in a remote session by using smart cards/e-tokens
• Plug-and-Play Device Redirection, which allows users to access PTP digital cameras, MTP music players, and POS for .NET devices in a remote session, among others
• Input Redirection, which allows the use of keyboards/mice in remote sessions
• Audio Redirection, which allows recording and playback of audio in remote sessions
• Port Redirection, which allows the use of serial and parallel ports in remote sessions

However, there are many devices which are not covered by these redirections, such as scanners, multifunction printers, webcams, and more. RemoteFX USB redirection acts as a catch-all mechanism that redirects these USB devices! Unlike high-level redirections such as drive redirection, RemoteFX USB redirection happens at the port protocol (USB request block or URB) level, and is similar to how one can redirect serial or parallel ports via RDP. This provides some unique advantages, as you’ll see below. However, RemoteFX USB redirection is meant to supplement high-level redirections, not to supplant them. By combining RemoteFX USB redirection with RDP high-level device redirections, you can have the best of both worlds. Here is a table that compares and contrasts the two forms of redirection.

Setting up a Basic Deployment

Now that you’ve seen what RemoteFX USB redirection can do, let’s take a look at how to set up the feature.

Prerequisites

You will need the following:

• A RemoteFX-capable client (Remote Desktop Connection 7.1 or later)
• A virtual machine hosted on a RemoteFX host (Windows 7 SP1 or later)

Enabling RemoteFX USB redirection on the clients

1. In order to redirect USB devices from a given machine, the RemoteFX USB redirection feature must be enabled. In Group Policy, navigate to Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsRemote Desktop ServicesRemote Desktop Connection ClientRemoteFX USB Device Redirection, and edit “Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFX USB devices from this computer.” Enable the policy, and specify whether you wish to allow all users or only admins to redirect devices.
   

   
2. On the client machines, run “gpupdate /force” (without quotes) from an Administrator command prompt to enable/disable the feature, and then restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
   
   The feature will not work until you restart.
   

Using the feature

1. On the client, open Remote Desktop Connection. If the tabs are not listed, click
   
   Options
   
   to expand the dialog box.
2. On the
   
   Local Resources
   
   tab, click
   
   More
   
   to display the
   
   Local devices and resources
   
   dialog box. If at least one supported RemoteFX USB device is connected, it should be listed in the device tree under
   
   Other supported RemoteFX USB devices
   
   .

   
   Note: The heading “Other supported RemoteFX USB devices” will only appear if the RemoteFX USB redirection feature is enabled on the client (apply the Group Policy setting, run gpupdate, and then restart) and at least one supported RemoteFX USB device is connected and available for redirection.
   

   

   

3. After you are connected, the devices that you have selected should appear in the remote virtual desktop.
   

   

I hope you’ve enjoyed this first part in our series of blogs about RemoteFX USB redirection. In Part 2, we’re going to talk about some deployment-related topics, including setting up publishing and RD Web Access for rich and thin clients, and server device security. If you have any questions or comments, please post them to the blog, or send us an e-mail at

rfxusb@microsoft.com

. We look forward to hearing from you.

Функция перенаправления USB в RemoteFX

После обсуждения богатых графических возможностей, предоставляемых функцией RemoteFX в Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 в предыдущей статье, в этой статье будет рассказано о перенаправлении USB в RemoteFX.

В исходном сценарии VDI, поскольку клиент использует виртуальную машину на сервере, виртуальная машина не поддерживает двустороннее аудио и USB-устройства. Она поддерживает только воспроизведение звука, а некоторые U-диски или мобильные жесткие диски USB распознаются как диски. устройство. После выпуска Windows 7 встроенный RDP 7.0 в Windows 7 поддерживает двустороннее аудио, что позволяет воспроизводить и записывать аудио. Однако он поддерживает только очень небольшое количество устройств, таких как U-диски или мобильные жесткие диски USB. Использование USB-камер, USB-сканеров и других устройств невозможно. Но с функцией RemoteFX и RDP 7.1 в Windows 7 SP1 (включая Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1). В виртуальных машинах в VDI стало реальностью использование USB-камер, USB-сканеров и других устройств. Далее мы реализуем перенаправление USB-устройств.

Здесь мы по-прежнему используем экспериментальную среду из предыдущего документа.

Сначала откройте физическую машину с установленным пакетом обновления 1 (SP1) для Windows 7, которая будет использоваться для подключения к виртуальной машине, и включите параметр, разрешающий перенаправление USB в групповой политике.

1. Нажмите Пуск, введите gpedit.msc, затем нажмите Enter, чтобы открыть редактор групповой политики, а затем найдите параметр, разрешающий RemoteFX, перенаправление USB.

2. Затем разрешите администраторам и пользователям выполнять перенаправление USB.

3. Затем обновите групповую политику.

4. Перезагрузите компьютер.

5. После запуска системы подключите USB-устройство к этой физической машине. Я подключил здесь 3 устройства, а именно: USB-камеру, пульт дистанционного управления Media Center и свой мобильный телефон.

6. Откройте подключение к удаленному рабочему столу, введите IP-адрес виртуальной машины, к которой вы хотите подключиться, затем откройте вкладку «Локальные ресурсы» и нажмите кнопку «Дополнительно» в разделе «Локальные устройства и ресурсы».

7. Вы можете видеть, что была добавлена ​​опция для USB-устройства RemoteFX, включая три подключенных мной устройства.

8. Затем подключитесь к виртуальной машине, откройте диспетчер устройств удаленного рабочего стола, вы увидите, что три устройства были подключены к виртуальной машине.

9. Затем мы используем QQ2010 для проверки функции устройства, сначала для проверки двустороннего звука, его можно использовать в обычном режиме.

10. Затем проверьте работу USB-камеры, вы увидите, что USB-камеру также можно использовать в обычном режиме.

С помощью описанных выше шагов тест перенаправления USB-устройств RemoteFX был завершен, и все перенаправленные устройства можно использовать в обычном режиме, чтобы виртуальный рабочий стол мог выполнять больше задач, а VDI можно было применять к большему количеству сценариев.

What is RemoteFX?

Users of the Windows operating system can take advantage of the platform’s built-in Remote Desktop feature. It allows remote access to applications but has limited capabilities for graphic-intensive tasks like playing games or viewing videos. Another potential drawback to the RDP protocol is its lack of support for accessing locally connected USB peripherals.

An alternative that addresses these issues is RemoteFX technology developed by Calista Technologies. It is a set of protocols that enables users to access virtual desktop sessions over a LAN. The protocol provides RemoteFX USB redirection enabling Windows users to access devices attached to a local host from within guest virtual sessions.

Contents

1. What is RemoteFX USB redirection
2. How to access any USB devices over RDP
3. Comparison of RemoteFX USB Redirection and
   dedicated USB sharing software
4. USB redirection software: access USB devices in RDP session

Beginning with Windows Server 2012, RemoteFX has enabled users to redirect USB traffic to RDP sessions. It offers this extended functionality:

• The ability to dynamically redirect USB transmission to remote sessions means that USB devices can be connected to previously established sessions. The connection does not have to be made before the session starts.
• Any virtual machine can enjoy USB redirection without the need for a dedicated GPU.
• Multiple clients can establish remote desktop USB redirection to a single virtual session. This enables flexible RDP USB redirection with devices from different clients attached and accessible from a virtual Windows 8 Enterprise guest session. The devices are isolated and only available to specifically shared VMs.

Remote Desktop USB Redirection: access any USB devices over RDP

Using the native capabilities of the RDP protocol limits USB redirection to specific types of devices. Printers and flash drives are no problem, but many other kinds of devices are not supported.

USB Redirector eliminates those concerns and lets you redirect any USB peripheral device.

Remote Desktop USB redirection lets you share physical USB ports with virtual sessions. Devices connected to a shared port are immediately available and accessible over RDP. Connections are made dynamically with new devices inserted into the port automatically redirected to the remote desktop.

Comparison of RemoteFX USB Redirection and dedicated USB sharing software

Two potential issues with using RemoteFX are its complex configuration requirements and the prerequisites it demands from your system. Here is what needs to be enabled on your Windows machine to make use of RemoteFX.

1. The Desktop Experience feature is installed.

   

2. Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, or 2016 needs to be running on the RDP session host.
3. Windows 7 SP1 (with Remote Desktop Connection 8.1), Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 needs to be run on the VDI desktop.
4. Windows Workspot client 2.x.x needs to be installed on your client system. A RemoteFX-capable client such as Remote Desktop Connection 8.1 or later is also required.

So it is obvious that there are several requirements that must be met if you intend to use RemoteFX USB redirection. Fortunately, there is a solution that offers a simpler path to USB redirection over RDP enabling your virtual sessions to access locally attached devices.

USB Redirector by Electronic Team, Inc. is a software solution that lets remotely attached RDP sessions access local USB equipment. There are no complex configuration steps to negotiate and with just a few clicks, remote sessions can have the same level of functionality as if they were directly connected to the USB device.

Here’s how to use this dedicated software solution.

The first step is to install RDP USB Redirector on the computer that will share the USB port and the machine that will access the shared device.

1. The USB Redirector server is the term used for the computer that will share the device over RDP. The machine must be running the client for Microsoft RDP protocol. This is where the USB peripheral device is physically attached.
2. The remote desktop that will access the shared device is known as the USB over RDP Client. The server component of the Microsoft RDP protocol needs to be active on this system.

Follow these simple steps after installing the software: