6.0

For virtual machines with Linux guests, you can add one or both controllers, but 3.0 superspeed devices are
not supported for passthrough from an ESXi host to a virtual machine. You cannot add two controllers of
the same type.
For USB passthrough from an ESXi host to a virtual machine, the USB arbitrator can monitor a maximum of
15 USB controllers. If your system includes controllers that exceed the 15 controller limit and you connect
USB devices to them, the devices are not available to the virtual machine.
Prerequisites
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ESXi hosts must have USB controller hardware and modules that support USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 devices
present.
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Client computers must have USB controller hardware and modules that support USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1
devices present.
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To use the xHCI controller on a Linux guest, ensure that the Linux kernel version is 2.6.35 or later.
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Verify that the virtual machine is powered on.
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Required Privilege (ESXi host passthrough): Virtual Machine.Configuration.Add or Remove Device
Procedure
1 In the vSphere Client inventory, right-click the virtual machine and select Edit Settings.
2 Click the Hardware tab and click Add.
3 Select USB Controller and click Next.
4 Select the Controller Type and click Next.
5 Click Finish.
New USB Controller (adding) appears in the hardware list as Present.
6 Click OK to save your changes.
When you reopen the Properties Editor, the xHCI controller appears on the Hardware tab as USB xHCI
controller. The EHCI+UHCI controller appears as USB controller.
What to do next
Add one or more USB devices to the virtual machine.
Remove a USB Controller from a Virtual Machine in the vSphere Client
You can remove a USB controller from a virtual machine if you do not want to connect to USB devices.
Prerequisites
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Verify that all USB devices are disconnected from the virtual machine.
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Required Privilege: Virtual Machine.Configuration.Add or Remove Device
Procedure
1 In the vSphere Client inventory, right-click the virtual machine and select Edit Settings.
2 Click the Hardware tab and select USB controller.
3 Click Remove.
4 Click OK to save your changes.
The controller is no longer connected to the virtual machine, but remains available to add at a later time.
Chapter 15 Configuring Virtual Machines in the vSphere Client
VMware, Inc. 175