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Rob1br
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Workstation 15 can't see any USB flash drive

Can't see any USB flash drive: in menu VM > Removable devices it never appears. VM is local. USB controller is enabled in VM's settings (I tried all cases of USB version). VMware tools is successfully installed on guest OS.

My host system works fine with USB. All VMware services are enabled and working (Workstation server, USB arbitrator and others). I tried everything...

Host: Ryzen 7 1700, AMD B450 chipset, 16 GB RAM. Windows 7 Pro 64-bit.

Guest OS: also Windows 7 Pro 64-bit.

Workstation 15.1.0.

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Rob1br
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I installed third-party USB 3.0 controller (based on NEC µPD720201 chip) in PCIe slot, and VMware successfully works with it's ports! But still can't see PC's native ports. So, obviuosly, reason is in VMware's support of specific controllers...

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a_p_
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Welcome to the Community,

please allow me two quick questions:

  • You mentioned Workstation Server. Does the issue occur with shared VMs (which do not support local USB devices), or with "regular" VMs? see e.g. https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2005585
  • Is it the same for USB2, and USB 3.x devices/ports? I'm asking because Microsoft added native USB3 support with Windows 8 and later.

André

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Rob1br
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I used only local VMs yet. And also tried to disable sharing in settings (enabled by default).

Yes, I tried 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1 ports with 2.0 flash drive.

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Rob1br
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Does VMware technical support know about this frequent problem?

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Mits2020
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Windows 7 x64 is my daily driver and I've never experienced such a problem. You may have a Windows services problem.

Please execute services.msc to see the Local Services list and ensure that a service called VMware USB Arbitration Service is present and running. If it's there, The Startup Type should be Automatic. If it has not started, start it manually from the services left panel options and see if that resolved the USB problem. Upon the next reboot the service should run automatically.

If the service is not on your list, you should either repair install or totally uninstall and install the latest version. Be aware that several antivirus products mess with the installation, so when reinstalling please disable them temporarily.

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Rob1br
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All as you wrote: "VMware USB Arbitration service" always works and starts automatically. And it should be only on host system, not guest, right?

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Mits2020
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Yes, only on the host.

Unfortunately I can't think other solutions beyond repair or reinstallation. Does this happen to all VMs you have? Did you try making a new one and see if the problem persists?

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Rob1br
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Yes, it happens to all VMs, and also I tried on new one. Also tried to uninstall antivirus (Avast) on host and re-install Workstation after it (with reboot), to reinstall VMware tools on guest.

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Mits2020
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I'm out of ideas.... Unfortunately there will be few people now using Windows 7, so the chances of finding somebody willing to help in these forums are slim. Your best chance is to continue googling in the hope you find something useful.

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Rob1br
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May VMware not support USB controller of my motherboard (Prime B450-Plus)? Is there reason to try install third party PCIe USB controller?

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Rob1br
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I installed third-party USB 3.0 controller (based on NEC µPD720201 chip) in PCIe slot, and VMware successfully works with it's ports! But still can't see PC's native ports. So, obviuosly, reason is in VMware's support of specific controllers...

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Mits2020
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Since this will be of much interest to the AMD-using community, can you please disclose the exact brand and model of the motherboard (or at least hardware details for the USB3 controller)?

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Rob1br
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Asus Prime B450-Plus, BIOS was updated in december 2019. Uses AMD USB 3.1 eXtensible host controller.

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Mits2020
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Have you tried deleting the motherboard-provided drivers and letting Windows autodetect the hardware? I remember reading about similar problems where using the Windows or Intel drivers solved the problem.

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Rob1br
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Yes, tried it earlier. Windows 7 can't automatically install standard driver. So only AMD-provided.

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Mits2020
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Have you tried the ASUS-provided WHQL-certified Win7x64 driver in their support page? https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/03CHIPSET/AMD_Chipset_Driver_win7-64_V5.12.0.0031_0910.zip

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Rob1br
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Thanks for link. I do not remember. Most probably yes, probably early version. I tried a lot of everything and was tired of this fckn leapfrog.

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