Skip to content

Connecting USB Devices

Remote desktops can use USB devices that are attached to the client using a process called redirection. USB devices are not automatically redirected to the remote desktop; they must be specifically connected to the session.

Note: Excludes Mice and Keyboards

Normal Human Interface Devices (HID), such as keyboards and mice, are always connected and used by the remote desktop. This page describes using non-HID USB devices such as tablets or cameras.

Important considerations

  • USB functionality depends on remote desktop configuration: The remote agent (whether an Anyware agent, VMWare Hoziron Agent, or Amazon WorkSpaces agent) must be configured to allow USB redirection. If it is not, the Connection > USB Devices option will not be visible in the Trusted Zero Client menu bar and only HID devices like keyboards and mice will be used.

  • Persistence: USB device connections do not persist across multiple remote sessions. You must connect your USB device each time you connect.

  • NoMachine USB Drivers: The Trusted Zero Client is not compatible with NoMachine and No Machine USB drivers. For information on how to uninstall NoMachine USB drivers, see NoMachine's knowledge base.

Connecting a USB Device

Connecting a USB device to your session must be done after the session is established.

To Connect a USB device to the remote session:

  1. Attach the USB device you want to connect to your Trusted Zero Client.

  2. Reveal the Trusted Zero Client's menu bar by moving the mouse cursor to the top of a display.

  3. From the menu bar, select Connection > USB Devices.

    A list of all USB devices connected to your Trusted Zero Client appears. The name shown in the list is self-reported by the device; some devices will identify themselves only as USB Device.

    Important: Connecting special HID devices

    Because most Human Interface Devices (HID devices) are automatically processed by the Trusted Zero Client, they do not appear on this list even if they use a USB connection. However, certain HID devices—like Wacom tablets—actually do require processing on the remote host, and will not work as expected unless connected to the session.

    To show these hidden HID devices and allow them to be connected, enable the Show Human Interface Devices checbox. You may also need to perform additional configuration steps or install drivers on the remote machine.

  4. Click Connect beside the USB device you want to use.

Disconnecting a USB Device

You can disconnect a USB device from the in-session menu:

  1. Reveal the Trusted Zero Client's menu bar by moving the mouse cursor to the top of a display.

  2. From the menu bar, select Connection > USB Devices.

  3. Click Disconnect beside the USB device you want to disconnect.

Connect USB Webcams

USB Webcams may be used in remote sessions by connecting them to a Windows remote session as USB devices. This feature has been tested with a limited number of popular webcams, including the Logitech C920. See HP Anyware Webcam Support for a current list of tested webcams.

This feature is only supported by the Anyware Graphics Agent for Windows and Standard Agent for Windows, and is limited to resolutions of 480p or lower.