Is it possible for local USB devices to be accessed via a remote PC through remote desktop? Is there software or other configuration that can be done to support this? More specifically, I'm referring to the ability to access any USB device rather than just a flash drive. For example, I'd like the ability to plug in a USB smart card or fingerprint reader and have the remote PC recognize the device.
How to Access Local USB Devices from a Remote PC via Remote Desktop
remote desktopusbwindows
Related Solutions
It is not possible. When connecting remotely using RDP, Windows enables some remote smartcard services which disables local smartcards until RDP client supports smart card redirection (at least for most smart card readers). Windows Remote Desktop for Mac does not support this.
You might be successful using rdesktop which can make use of smartcards. You will find it in all major package managers like homebrew, macports and fink.
I've checked all third-party RDP clients I could find, none were supporting smart card redirection.
Only possibility: Only connect using VNC or other software - I am using Teamviewer for this purpose. Not sure about whether someone else may be connected using RDP at the same time you connect.
You need to disable Smartcard Credential Provider.
The easiest way is to use Autoruns tool from Sysinternals. In Winlogon tab disable mentioned provider (you may need to uncheck Hide Windows Entries in Options menu).
Alternatively you may just remove following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\Credential Providers\{8FD7E19C-3BF7-489B-A72C-846AB3678C96}
This worked for me on Windows 10, but it should work on Windows 8 too.
Best Answer
Yes and no.
If you are talking about USB flash drives, it is possible and share them as a hard drive.
The same goes with a few compatible Plug and Play devices, but not everything.
Open remote desktop (Mstsc) and click the "Local Resources" tab, then click "More" under the "Local devices and resources" section.
From here, you should be able to set what is shared from your local machine to the remote.