How to Fix the “Failed to Attach the USB Device” Error in VirtualBox on Windows
VirtualBox lets you run many operating systems in a virtual environment without affecting your host system files. It is a great hypervisor platform perfect for trying out any operating system without installing it alongside your host operating system. But many users face an issue while connecting a USB device to their VirtualBox Virtual machine.
VirtualBox does support USB devices out of the box but requires an extension pack to enable USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices. If you see the ‘Failed to Attach the USB Device’ error every time you try to connect a USB device, don’t fret. We will list out the possible reasons why you see the error code along with multiple fixes to resolve the issue.
Reasons for the “Failed to Attach the USB Device” Error
Here are some possible reasons for the VirtualBox USB devices error.
Now, you know the possible reasons why VirtualBox throws an error code when you connect a USB device. Here are the following methods it’s possible to endeavor to fix the error code and successfully connect the USB device to the virtual machine.
How to Fix the “Failed to Attach the USB Device” Error in Windows
Now that we know what’s potentially causing the issue, let’s explore the fixes.
1. Restart VirtualBox
Before you move on to other advanced fixes, restart the VirtualBox application. If restarting the app doesn’t work, restart Windows. It will restart all the processes and services including the ones VirtualBox needs to function properly. Now, connect a USB device and attempt to attach it to a virtual machine in VirtualBox. If it still doesn’t show up, move to the next fix.
2. Check the USB Device on the Host System
Before trying to attach the USB device to the VirtualBox virtual machine, first check if it shows up on your host system. Launch the File Explorer and go to This PC and check if the USB drive appears there. If you don’t see the USB drive, do as follows:
If the USB port on your system malfunctions, the USB drive won’t show up in Device Manager or File Explorer. But if the USB drive doesn’t appear in the device manager even after changing the port, it could have a hardware malfunction. In that case, try connecting another USB drive to VirtualBox virtual machine.
3. Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack
VirtualBox can only attach USB 1.0 devices to a virtual machine. You need to install the extension pack to add USB 2.0 or 3.0 devices. Here’s how to do it.
4. Update VirtualBox
An outdated version of VirtualBox can encounter errors. So, you need to update VirtualBox to fix the underlying bugs and get access to new features offered by the developers. Here’s how to update VirtualBox on Windows.
5. Configure the USB Controller in Virtual Machine Settings
A mismatch in the USB controller settings can also produce the VirtualBox error. If you want to add a USB device to the VirtualBox virtual machine, you must select the correct USB controller option in the USB settings.
6. Reinstall the VBox USB drivers
Corrupt or missing VBox USB drivers on your system could cause the Virtual Box error code. Reinstalling the USB drivers can fix the driver issue and allow USB devices to connect with the virtual machine.
7. Reinstall VirtualBox
If all the above methods don’t solve the ‘Failed to Attach the USB Device’ Error code, consider reinstalling the VirtualBox app on your system. Here’s how to do it.
Easily Connect USB Devices to Your Virtual Machine Once More
VirtualBox needs the extension pack to enable connectivity for USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices. Check your USB devices for errors and verify that they mount properly on the host system. Reinstall USB drivers if you face the error again. Lastly, remove VirtualBox from the system and do a fresh installation.
By default, VirtualBox won’t let you add a USB drive to it. Here’s how to change that on Windows.
My foolproof plan is to use Windows 10 until 2030, with the latest security updates.
Not Linux, not Windows. Something better.
You’ve been quoting these famous films wrong all along!
These films will leave you questioning humanity, but also wanting more.
When your rival has to bail out your assistant.
