Connect USB HIDs to a virtual machine

By default, USB HIDs (human interface devices), such as an USB keyboard, mouse, or game controller, do not appear in the Removable Devices menu in a virtual machine, even though they are connected to the USB ports on the host system. To connect these devices to a virtual machine, you must configure the virtual machine to show all USB devices in the Removable Devices menu. Here are the steps:

1. Make sure that the virtual machine is powered off.

2. Select the virtual machine from the library in VMware Player and select Player > Manage > Virtual Machine Settings:

vm settings usb hid

3. On the Hardware tab, select USB Controller and check the Show all USB input devices checkbox on the right:

usb controller

4. USB human interface devices should appear in the Removable Devices menu after you power on the virtual machine:

usb mouse connected virtual machine

 

An USB human interface device that is connected to a virtual machine is not available to the host system.
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