Electronic Team uses cookies to personalize your experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our cookie policy. Click here to learn more.

RemoteFX USB Redirection: Definitive Guide

Editorial Team Editorial Team Feb 12, 2025

RemoteFX USB redirection technology boasts numerous benefits, but that doesn’t mean that it’s flawless, since certain devices do not function properly with RemoteFX USB redirection. Besides, RemoteFX for USB devices does have issues with operating system cross-compatibility (most notably regarding RemoteFX USB passthrough on Mac).

Today, we’ll share solutions for these RemoteFX USB device redirection issues, as well as how to successfully configure RemoteFX USB redirection. Additionally, users will learn the easiest method to overcome these challenges with USB for remote desktop software.

Contents:
  1. Software method for RemoteFX USB Redirection
  2. How To Configure RemoteFX USB Redirection
  3. RemoteFX USB Redirection built-in functionality vs USB Network Gate

Software method for RemoteFX USB redirection

If you're seeking a reliable and user-friendly solution to simplify RemoteFX USB passthrough, USB Network Gate by Electronic Team Inc. is the perfect tool. This software enables seamless USB redirection over RDP, making remote devices appear as if they were physically connected to the remote system. With USB Network Gate, you can access and control any USB device connected to a networked machine effortlessly.

One of the standout features of USB Network Gate is its simplicity. The software requires minimal configuration, making it an ideal choice for setting up RemoteFX USB redirection. Once configured, it allows full functionality and control over any remotely accessed USB device, regardless of its type.

Requiring little configuration, USB Network Gate is ideal for setting up RemoteFX USB redirection to a remote desktop, allowing full control over a remotely accessed USB device.
UNG logo
USB Network Gate
4.9 Rank based on 372+ users, Reviews(372)
Try for Free 14-day trial, You can share only 1 local USB-device
USB for Remote Desktop

Overcoming Limitations of Native RDP USB Redirection

Native RDP methods are limited to redirecting specific device types, such as printers and USB flash drives. However, USB Network Gate provides an unparalleled solution for users needing to forward more specialized USB peripherals without restrictions.

With USB Network Gate, you can share a physical USB port with your virtual desktop. Any device connected to the shared port will automatically be accessible in your remote session. For example, if you unplug one device and connect another to the same port, the new device will be redirected seamlessly without requiring reconfiguration.

Using USB Network Gate for Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection

First of all, you need to install the app on both computers that will take part in the connection:

  1. 1
    The machine on which you’re going to share the device over RDP. We’ll call it UNG Server. The required peripheral is attached physically to this PC. On this computer, you are running the client for Microsoft RDP protocol.
  2. 2
    The remote desktop from which you’re going to access the shared device. We’ll call it UNG Client. You are running the server component for Microsoft RDP protocol on that PC.

Once done, just follow these simple steps:

On the RDP client:

  1. Install and start USB Network Gate.
  2. In the "Local Devices" tab, find the required USB port/device and click "Share" next to it.
  3. Connect to the remote desktop via Remote Desktop Connection.

On the RDP server:

  1. Enter the password if required.
  2. Launch the software.
  3. Find the shared peripheral in the app’s "Remote Devices" tab and click "Connect".
ung
Redirect any devices to remote desktop
Try for Free
Printer and scaner
Printer and scaner
keyboard
Keyboard
webcam
USB webcam
Gamepad
Gamepad
Hard disk drive
Hard disk drive
Barcode scaner
Barcode scaner

So, now when you connect to the Terminal Server over RDP and get access to the locally shared USB device using USB redirection software, the peripheral will appear in the server’s Device Manager and all programs installed on that computer will work with it as though the device were connected to the server directly.

How to Configure RemoteFX USB Redirection

While RemoteFX USB Redirection offers built-in functionality for basic USB redirection within RDP, USB Network Gate enhances the experience by providing better compatibility, simpler setup, broader platform support, and additional features that cater to complex and diverse use cases.

You can choose the appropriate method based on your use case and device requirements by understanding the differences, limitations, and configuration steps for RemoteFX USB Redirection and High-Level USB Redirection.

Overview of RemoteFX USB Redirection and High-Level USB Redirection

RemoteFX USB Redirection:

This method redirects USB devices at the low level by transmitting raw USB traffic over the RDP connection. It allows the remote session to access the device as though it were physically connected, providing full functionality for specialized devices like scanners or signature pads.

High-Level USB Redirection (RDP Device Redirection):

This method redirects specific device functionalities at the application layer using optimized protocols. It’s primarily used for common peripherals such as printers, audio devices, webcams, and smart cards.

The main difference between the variants of USB redirection in the RemoteFX/Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) context lies in how USB devices are redirected to the remote session and which devices or scenarios they support:

  • RemoteFX USB Redirection provides full device control and is suitable for specialized devices.
  • High-Level USB Redirection is optimized for performance and simplicity, supporting only standard device functions.

Limitations of RemoteFX and High-Level USB Redirection

RemoteFX USB Redirection:

  • Requires proper drivers installed on the remote session host.
  • Consumes higher bandwidth due to raw USB traffic transmission.
  • Only available on Windows devices and requires specific configuration on both host and client.
  • Not all USB devices are compatible, especially those requiring high bandwidth or latency-sensitive performance.

High-Level USB Redirection:

  • Limited to predefined device functions (e.g., printing, audio, and video streaming).
  • Does not support complex or specialized USB hardware.
  • Limited flexibility compared to RemoteFX, as it cannot redirect unsupported USB classes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Configuring RemoteFX USB Redirection

Step 1: Prerequisites

  • Ensure an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) host pool with session hosts is available.
  • Verify that you have a Microsoft Entra ID account with the Desktop Virtualization Host Pool Contributor role assigned.
  • Prepare the USB devices for redirection and confirm their compatibility.

Step 2: Enable Plug-and-Play Device Redirection

Using Group Policy:
  1. Open Group Policy Management Editor on the session host.
  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.
  3. Set Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection to Disabled.

Using Microsoft Intune:
  1. Create or edit a configuration profile for Windows 10 and later devices in the Intune admin center.
  2. Under Configuration settings, browse to:
    Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.
  3. Set Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection to Disabled.

Step 3: Configure RemoteFX USB Redirection for Local Devices

Using Group Policy:
  1. Open Group Policy Management Editor on the local machine.
  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Connection Client > RemoteFX USB Device Redirection.
  3. Enable Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFX USB devices from this computer.
  4. Set RemoteFX USB Redirection Access Rights to Administrators and Users.

Step 4: Modify Host Pool RDP Property

  1. Access your Azure Virtual Desktop host pool settings.
  2. By default, all supported USB peripherals are redirected.
  3. To customize, specify the devices or USB classes for redirection by updating the RDP property (e.g., multimedia peripherals or specific hardware).

Step 5: Validate the Setup

  • Test the redirection by connecting the USB device to the local client and ensuring its functionality in the remote session.
  • Restart both the session host and local client devices after applying the configurations.

For detailed configurations, refer to Microsoft's official documentation.

RemoteFX USB Redirection built-in functionality vs USB Network Gate

Here’s a comprehensive comparison chart between USB Network Gate for RemoteFX USB Redirection and native RemoteFX USB Redirection built-in functionality:

Feature USB Network Gate RemoteFX USB Redirection (Built-In)
Device Compatibility Supports a wide range of USB devices, including specialized hardware (e.g., medical, industrial, and proprietary devices). Limited to supported USB peripherals; some specialized devices may not work.
Cross-Platform Support Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Only supports Windows-based environments.
Configuration Complexity Easy to configure via an intuitive interface; no need for complex Group Policy or RDP property settings. Requires detailed configuration using Group Policy and RDP settings.
Dynamic Device Management Allows dynamic sharing of USB devices without session restarts. Requires session restarts or reconnections to apply changes.
Bandwidth Optimization Optimized data transfer for stable performance over low-bandwidth or high-latency networks. Consumes higher bandwidth due to raw USB traffic transmission.
Remote Access Capability Allows USB device redirection over the internet, enabling remote access globally. Limited to local or enterprise networks; no direct internet redirection.
Driver Dependency Does not require device drivers on the remote session host. Requires drivers for USB devices to be installed on the remote session host.
Support for Virtual Environments Fully compatible with VMware, Citrix, Hyper-V, and Azure Virtual Desktop. Limited primarily to Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Session Hosts.
Scalability Centralized sharing of multiple USB devices to multiple users or sessions. Limited scalability due to device-specific configurations.
Ease of Use User-friendly interface; suitable for non-technical users. Requires administrative knowledge to configure.
Cost Paid software with added features and support. Built-in functionality; no additional cost beyond Windows licensing.

Summary

  • USB Network Gate excels in flexibility, device compatibility, and ease of use, making it ideal for scenarios involving specialized devices, remote teams, or diverse environments.
  • Native RemoteFX USB Redirection is suitable for basic use cases in Windows-only environments, particularly when cost considerations are critical.

By evaluating your organization’s needs, you can choose the best solution for USB redirection.

USB Network Gate
Redirect USB devices over network
Try for Free
14-day Free Trial available
License price starts at $159.95
Available for