USB 3.0 support in Linux virtual machines running on Linux a host using Workstation
Article ID: 339249
Updated On:
Products
VMware Desktop Hypervisor
Issue/Introduction
For a USB device attached to an xHCI port in a Linux host to work properly in a virtual machine, the Linux kernel must be version 2.6.35 or later. For devices that use isochronous endpoints, such as webcams and audio devices, Linux kernel version 2.6.37 or later is required.
Environment
VMware Workstation 8.x (Linux)
VMware Workstation 7.x (Linux)
VMware Workstation 7.x (Linux)
Resolution
If the host system has a Linux kernel earlier than version 2.6.35, use this workaround:
- Look for a non-xHCI port on the host system.
Non-xHCI ports do not have a blue tab on the USB connector and are usually black, dark grey, or white.
- Connect the USB device to the non-xHCI port.
You can attach a USB 3.0 device to a Linux host's non-xHCI port to use it in virtual machines, but the device will operate at USB 2.0 speed.
USB 3.0 devices are not supported with Workstation 7.x when attached to a Linux host's xHCI port, but are supported in Workstation 8.x.
To enable USB 3.0 support in a Linux virtual machine running on Workstation 8.x for Linux, edit the virtual machine's configuration (.vmx) file and add the following:
usb_xhci.present = "TRUE"
For information on editing your .vmx file, see Tips for editing a .vmx file (1714).
For information on USB 3.0 support on Windows hosts, see VMware Workstation 7.x does not detect and connect USB devices attached through USB 3.0 host controller (1025956).
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