Overview of RemoteFX USB Redirection in VDI and RDS
Microsoft added significant improvements and capabilities of USB redirection with RemoteFX. There are now numerous categories of devices supported, including: scanners, webcams, multi-function printers and more. Many of the differences and benefits between RemoteFX USB redirection and the previous iteration, RDP High-Level Device redirection, are outlined in the table below:
Requirements To Enable RemoteFX USB Redirection
RDS Session Hosts
- Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, or 2016
- Install the Desktop Experience feature
VDI Desktops
- Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Client Systems
- Windows Workspot client 2.x.x
- RemoteFX-capable client (Remote Desktop Connection 8.1 or later): https://workspot.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/209993933
Configure USB Redirection with RemoteFX
Set the following Group Policy setting on RDS hosts or VDI desktop to "Disabled":
- Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Redirection\Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection
Set the following Group Policy setting on client machines to "Enabled":
- Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Connection Client\RemoteFX USB Device Redirection\Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFX USB devices from this computer
Choose the option "RemoteFX USB Redirection Access Rights to Administrators and Users"
Launch a CMD session with Administrative privileges and execute the following command:
- GPUpdate /force
Reboot machines to ensure GPOs are applied.
Additional Information
Some devices will be redirected by using high-level device redirection, while others will be redirected using RemoteFX USB redirection. The table below outlines how devices are redirected; RemoteFX or High-Level Device redirection:
Deploying for Rich and Thin Clients
Server Device Security
More granular control of redirected devices can be achieved by using the Device Installation Restrictions policy settings. Devices can be restricted by device setup classes, device IDs, and whether or not the user is an administrator.
Modify the following group policy setting on the client as desired:
- Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Device Installation\Device Installation Restrictions
Verifying Proper Installation of RemoteFX USB Redirection
In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, and find any of the USB root hub, USB hub, or USB controller devices. Right-click the device, then click Properties. On the Driver tab, click Driver Details. If RemoteFX USB redirection is properly installed and enabled, tsusbflt.sys will appear in the list of driver files provided.
Verifying Settings in Workspot Client
Ensure the Workspot client is configured to support device redirection to the Session Host server by verifying the devices are enabled under "Settings > RDP > Devices > Use plug and play devices."
If this checkbox is not shown on the Client, it means you need to go to Workspot Control and enable "Allow Redirection of Plug and Play Devices" under the Security Policy defined for your users' Group.
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