FreeRDP - USB-Redirection of supported Plug and Play devices

Last modified by Tobias Wintrich on 2026/01/02 09:09

Last successfully tested:
Firmware: x64 – 13.00 Build: 145
FreeRDP version: freerdp 3.19-x64 – 13.00 Build 002

This guide does *not* refer to the redirection of connected storage devices (USB sticks, cameras, SD card readers, etc.), smart cards, and webcams.

Storage devices can be configured separately via GLOBAL SETTINGS → DRIVE SETTINGS .

For smart card passthrough, it is sufficient to enable the Smartcard option within the FreeRDP connection settings.

The use of webcams is described here:
FreeRDP – Webcam Redirection

Server Settings
- Group Policy
- Session Collection Configuration
Client Settings

Server Settings

Ensure that the integration of redirected USB devices is allowed on the server side.
By default, this function is disabled and must first be enabled via Group Policy.

Group Policy

The required settings can be found in the Group Policy Editor (locally or in the domain) under:

    Computer Configuration
        → Administrative Templates
            → Windows Components
                → Remote Desktop Services
                    → Remote Desktop Session Host
                        → Device and Resource Redirection
                            → “Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection”
                                → Disabled

On our test servers, a gpupdate /force on the respective server was not sufficient.
Only after a restart was the new policy applied correctly.

Session Collection Configuration

Additionally, ensure that redirection of supported Plug & Play devices is allowed within the session collection configuration.
By default, this option is enabled.

To do so, select the session collection to be configured in the Server Manager under Remote Desktop Services and navigate via
Tasks → Edit Properties to the Client Settings .

Verify that the option Plug & Play Devices is enabled.

A server restart is required to fully apply the settings.

Client Settings

Identify your USB device in the Kommbox via Peripherals → USB Devices and note the VID:PID combination (vendor and product ID).

Transfer the determined USB device VID:PID combination into the FreeRDP configuration.

Do not check the option USB Redirection (FabulaTech) .
This type of redirection requires the paid “USB Server” module from FabulaTech.

As soon as you establish the connection, the redirected USB device will appear in Device Manager.

In this example, it is a Lenovo webcam: