Virtual Desktop (VDI) - How to Setup USB Redirection and File Sharing

This article describes how to setup USB redirection and file sharing. USB Redirection allows users to plug external storage devices into their laptop and access data from within their virtual desktop.

Objective

Following these steps will enable USB redirection and file sharing on a virtual desktop (VDI). This will allow you to plug an external storage device in to your physical machine and then be able to access it from your VDI.

Environment

Windows
macOS
Virtual Desktop (VDI)

Before You Begin

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Steps

Windows

The image below illustrates what users should see when logging into their virtual desktop. This will enable the sharing of your local desktop/files with your virtual desktop.

If you do not receive this message, please do the following:

1. Once you can see your available desktop(s), right-click your desktop icon and select Sharing.
   Screenshot

   

2. Ensure your C: is listed. Select Add to add a directory if you'd like. Ensure that the Share your local files and Allow access to removable storage boxes are checked.
3. Press OK

Mac OSX

1. On the menu bar click VMWare Horizon Client
2. Scroll down and select Preferences
3. Click on the Sharing tab.
   Screenshot

   

4. Ensure that Allow Access to and Allow Access to Removable Storage is selected. (This enables file sharing and USB redirection within your virtual desktop)
   If no directories are present under folder, click the + to map the directory that you would like to access.

Additional Info

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