VMware introduced support for USB 3.0 xHCI controllers with VMware Workstation 8, however the compatibility was limited to NEC xHCI driver. Starting with VMware Workstation 9.x and Fusion 5.x, support was extended to all USB 3.0 controllers, if the virtual machine was running Windows 8. Windows 8 provided native USB 3.0 drivers for all USB controllers.

VMware Workstation Pro 12.x and VMware Fusion 8.x introduces USB 3.0 support for Intel controllers in Windows 7 virtual machines. To use the USB 3.0 devices in a Windows 7 virtual machine, download and install the latest Intel USB 3.0 controller drivers.

Note: Please take a backup of the virtual machine before making any following suggested changes.

• For VMware Workstation, see Best practices when backing up a VMware Workstation virtual machine (2006202).
• For VMware Fusion, see Best Practices for virtual machine backup (programs and data) in VMware Fusion (1013628)

To download and install the drivers:

1. Shut down the virtual machine.
2. Open the virtual machine settings.
   • For VMware Workstation: Select VM > Settings.
   • For VMware Fusion: Select Virtual Machine > Settings.
3. Change the USB Controller compatibility to 3.0.
   • For VMware Workstation:
     1. Select USB Controller.
     2. Change USB compatibility to 3.0.
     3. Click OK to save and exit the settings.
   • For VMware Fusion:
     1. Click USB & Bluetooth.
     2. Expand Advanced USB options.
     3. Change USB compatibility to 3.0.
     4. Close settings.
4. Power on the virtual machine.
5. Download the drivers from Intel Download Center.
6. Save the drivers to any folder on the virtual machine.
7. After the download is complete, double click the downloaded file to start the installation.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
9. Reboot the virtual machine.

Note: The preceding link was correct as of November 7, 2017. If you find the link is broken, provide a feedback and a VMware employee will update the link.