Configure composite USB device redirection

USB support enables interaction with a wide range of USB devices when connected to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service).

USB devices available for remoting include flash drives, smartphones, PDAs, printers, scanners, MP3 players, security devices, and tablets.

Use the Desktop Viewer Preferences in the toolbar to control whether USB devices can be allowed on the virtual desktop.

Isochronous features in USB devices are supported in typical low latency/high speed LAN environments. The USB devices include webcams, microphones, speakers, and headsets.

This type of support allows these devices to interact with packages, such as Microsoft Office Communicator and Skype.

The following types of device are supported directly in a virtual apps and desktops session:

  • Keyboards
  • Mice
  • Smart cards

Note:

You can configure specialist USB devices (for example, Bloomberg keyboards and 3-D mice) to use USB support. For information on configuring Bloomberg keyboards, see the Configure Bloomberg keyboards section in the Citrix Product documentation.

By default, certain types of USB devices aren’t supported for remoting through Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and Citrix DaaS. For example, you might have a NIC (NIC) attached to the system board by internal USB. Remoting this device isn’t appropriate.

By default, the following types of USB device aren’t supported for use in a virtual apps and desktops session:

  • Bluetooth dongles
  • Integrated NICs
  • USB hubs
  • USB graphics adaptors

USB devices connected to a hub can be remoted, but the hub itself cannot be remoted.

The following types of USB device aren’t supported by default for use in a Citrix Virtual Apps session:

  • Bluetooth dongles
  • Integrated NICs
  • USB hubs
  • USB graphics adaptors
  • Audio devices
  • Mass storage devices

In a virtual apps and desktops session, split USB devices are displayed in the Desktop Viewer under Devices. Also, you can view split USB devices from Preferences > Devices.

In a Citrix Virtual Apps session, split USB devices are displayed in the Connection Center.

Configure composite USB device redirection

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