6.0.1

The conditions for adding a controller vary, depending on the device version, the type of passthrough (host
or client computer), and the guest operating system.
Table 6‑8. USB Controller Support
Controller type
Supported USB Device
Version
Supported for Passthrough
from ESXi Host to VM
Supported for Passthrough from
Client Computer to VM
EHCI+UHCI 2.0 and 1.1 Yes Yes
xHCI 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 Yes (USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1
devices only)
Yes (Linux, Windows 8 and later, and
Windows Server 2012 and later
guests)
For Mac OS X systems, the EHCI+UHCI controller is enabled by default and is required for USB mouse and
keyboard access.
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
n
ESXi hosts must have USB controller hardware and modules that support USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 devices
present.
n
Client computers must have USB controller hardware and modules that support USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1
devices present.
n
To use the xHCI controller on a Linux guest, ensure that the Linux kernel version is 2.6.35 or later.
n
Verify that the virtual machine is powered on.
n
Required Privilege (ESXi host passthrough): Virtual Machine.Configuration.Add or Remove Device
Procedure
1 Right-click a virtual machine in the inventory and select Edit Settings.
2 On the Virtual Hardware tab, select USB Controller from the New device drop-down menu, and click
Add .
The new USB controller appears at the bottom of the Virtual Hardware device list.
3 Expand New USB Controller to change the USB controller type.
If compatibility errors appear, fix them before you can add the controller.
4 Click OK.
What to do next
Add one or more USB devices to the virtual machine.
vSphere Virtual Machine Administration
144 VMware, Inc.