🛠️ Why Is VirtualBox Not Detecting USB Devices? (2025 Ultimate Fix)

Trying to use your USB device in VirtualBox and it’s just not showing up? You’re not alone. Thousands of users face this problem daily, especially with VirtualBox versions on Windows 10/11. But most guides are outdated or just don’t work. This 2025 guide gives you a complete solution, tested and verified.

🔍 Common USB Problems in VirtualBox

• USB not showing up in guest OS (Windows/Linux)
• USB 3.0 device ignored or grayed out
• "Failed to attach the USB device" error
• Missing VirtualBox Extension Pack

✅ Step-by-Step Fix for USB Detection

1. Download and Install the Extension Pack

VirtualBox does not support USB 2.0/3.0 by default. You must install the Extension Pack:

• Go to: VirtualBox Official Downloads
• Download the matching Extension Pack for your version.
• Open VirtualBox → Preferences → Extensions → Click Add → Install the pack.

2. Add Your User to the "vboxusers" Group (Linux Only)

sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER
newgrp vboxusers

Then reboot your PC.

3. Enable USB Controller in VM Settings

In VirtualBox:

1. Select your VM → Click Settings
2. Go to USB tab
3. Check Enable USB Controller
4. Choose USB 2.0 (EHCI) or USB 3.0 (xHCI)

4. Add a USB Device Filter

This step is crucial:

1. Click the small USB icon on the right → Select your device from the list
2. This creates a "filter" so your VM can capture it exclusively
3. Start your VM and the device should appear

5. Run VirtualBox As Administrator (Windows Only)

If you’re on Windows and the USB still doesn’t show up, try this:

Right-click VirtualBox → Run as Administrator

This gives it permission to access USB hardware directly.

6. Reinstall VirtualBox with Admin Rights

If nothing works, uninstall VirtualBox and reinstall it by:

• Right-click the installer → Run as Administrator
• Also install the Extension Pack again

7. Disable USB Power-Saving (Windows Host Fix)

Go to:

Control Panel → Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus Controllers

• Right-click each "USB Root Hub" → Properties → Power Management
• Uncheck: “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”

📷 Optional: Screenshot Guide (Upload via Blogger)

Use your own screenshots for each step to help users. Upload them with Blogger’s image upload tool for best compatibility.

🧠 Still Not Working? Try This:

• Try switching to USB 2.0 instead of 3.0 (more stable)
• Ensure guest additions are installed
• Use another port on your PC (especially with USB hubs)
• 
  

✅ Final Thoughts

USB issues in VirtualBox are frustrating — but not permanent. If you follow the step-by-step methods above, you’ll fix most problems related to USB detection. This guide is tested with the latest VirtualBox 7.x on Windows 11 and Ubuntu 22.04.

💬 Got stuck? Leave a comment or visit Tsupports.blogspot.com for more real-world tech fixes.