How to set up USB for Virtualbox? - Ask Ubuntu

i'm using ubuntu maverick , virtual box 3+. have windows 7 ultimate. problem doesn't detect usb drives in windows 7, usb peripherals (mouse + keybord) working.

i followed these instructions, can't find user group vboxusers. how can continue? upgrade latest version without risk (without losing virtual hard disk drive).

1. install extension pack

usb 1.0 supported in version installed ubuntu repositories (from virtualbox > 4.x).

for usb 2.0 , usb 3.0 need install free (but closed source) virtualbox extension pack (not "platform packages") from virtualbox download page. if had installed virtualbox repositories have make sure choose extension pack right version of virtualbox. can see version of installed virtualbox in help > virtualbox menu. regular updates , bugfixes recommended install recent virtualbox version oracle repository.

all virtual machines need powered off before installing extension.

2. become "vboxuser"

to able access attached usb device, ubuntu host user needs in vboxusers group. add user group running following command

sudo usermod -ag vboxusers <username>  

and reboot or logout/login.

3. activate usb support in virtualbox manager

shut down virtual machine , open usb settings in virtualbox manager. tick enable usb controllerand usb 2.0 (ehci) controller or usb 3.0 (xhci) controller.

if these settings greyed out, need shut down virtual machine.

4. select host usb device access guest

to grant access usb devices need select device disable in host , enable in guest (this precaution avoid simultaneous access host , guest). can done panel devices menu or right mouse click in bottom panel of virtualbox manager on usb icon:

tick device need in guest, untick if need in host. if can't see usb device in list, means virtualbox cannot access host usb devices. make sure user added vboxusers group , restarted host.

the selected device accessible guest. windows guest may need additional drivers.

• windows 7 needs additional driver usb 3.0 support.
• windows 10 not accept ntfs formatted usb pen drive.

[optional] use usb filters permanent access in guest

by defining usb filters can define usb devices automatically presented guest when booting guest os.

click on green + symbol on right add known device.

note, devices may lead boot failure of guest. can not use these devices filters.

read more on usb support in virtualbox user manual.

also see: what proper values usb device in virtual box