How to Set Up USB Redirector TS Edition on Windows Server
Overview
This guide shows step-by-step how to install and configure USB Redirector TS Edition on a Windows Server to enable remote USB device access for Terminal Services / Remote Desktop Services sessions.
Prerequisites
- A Windows Server (2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022 — assume latest supported OS).
- Administrative rights on the server.
- USB Redirector TS Edition installer (downloaded from vendor).
- Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or Terminal Services role installed if you plan to use RDS sessions.
- Client machines with USB Redirector client (if connecting from remote endpoints).
- Network connectivity between server and clients.
- Ensure any required ports are allowed in the server firewall (default TCP port 3200; confirm in product docs).
Step 1 — Prepare the server
- Log in to the server with an administrative account.
- Install RDS/Terminal Services role if you intend to use multi-user remote sessions:
- Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features → Remote Desktop Services → follow prompts to install required services.
- Disable conflicting USB drivers/tools that may block exclusive access to USB devices.
Step 2 — Install USB Redirector TS Edition
- Run the USB Redirector TS Edition installer as Administrator.
- Accept the license and follow installer prompts.
- When asked, choose the “TS Edition” integration option.
- Allow the installer to add the kernel-mode driver if prompted (required to redirect many device types).
- Reboot the server if the installer requests it.
Step 3 — Configure server-side service
- After reboot, open the USB Redirector management console (or Services snap-in if provided).
- Ensure the USB Redirector server/service is set to start automatically.
- In the management console, configure connection settings:
- Listen port (default 3200) — change only if it conflicts with other services.
- Authentication method — enable password or Windows authentication per your security policy.
- Encryption — enable TLS if available for secure transport.
- If the server is behind a firewall or NAT, configure port forwarding for the chosen port.
Step 4 — Configure Remote Desktop Services integration
- In RDS deployment settings, ensure device redirection policies do not conflict:
- Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or Domain GPO for RDS hosts.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Device and Resource Redirection.
- Make sure policies like “Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection” are set to Disabled or Not Configured.
- If using session collection settings, confirm the USB Redirector TS plugin/driver is available to session hosts.
Step 5 — Install and configure client components
- On the client workstation (the machine that has the physical USB device), install the USB Redirector client or Local Agent.
- Run the client application and add the USB device you want to share. Typically this involves:
- Selecting the physical USB device from a list.
- Marking it as “Share” or “Publish to server.”
- Configure the client to connect to the server’s IP/hostname and port. Provide authentication credentials as required.
- Test the share: confirm device status shows as “Shared” on the client.
Step 6 — Connect and use the redirected USB device in an RDS session
- From an RDS session on the server or from a remote user session, open the USB Redirector management console or client plugin within the session.
- Locate the published/shared device (should appear in the device list).
- Connect to the device — the device will be attached to the user’s session and behave like a locally connected USB device.
- Verify device functionality in the session (e.g., open scanner software, access mass storage, test dongle-licensed apps).
Troubleshooting
- Device not visible: confirm client shows device as shared and server shows incoming connection; check
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