VirtualBox cannot enumerate USB device on Windows 11

Oracle VirtualBox allows you to run multiple operating systems on different virtual machines. However, while trying to add USB devices to the virtual machine, some of us encountered a fatal error that prevented the virtual machine from recognizing or communicating with the USB device connected to the host system. In this post, we will discuss what to do when VirtualBox fails to enumerate USB devices.

Cannot enumerate USB devices…

Failed to enumerate host USB devices

The Host USB Proxy service (VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND) could not be loaded. The service may not be installed on the host computer.

Result code: E_FAIL (0X00004005)
Component: HostWrap
IHost Interface {…}

Fix VirtualBox Cannot Enumerate USB Device on Windows 11

If VirtualBox is unable to search for USB devices on your Windows 11/10 computer, please follow the solutions given below.

1. Restart the host computer
2. Reinstall the USB driver on the host computer
3. Update or downgrade VirtualBox
4. Install the extension pack
5. Turn on USB controller

Let’s discuss this in detail.

1) Restart the host computer

First, we will restart the host computer, as the problem may be the result of a fault. If this is the case, after the computer starts, open VirtualBox and try adding the USB again. If this fails, move on to the next solution.

2) Reinstall the USB driver on the host computer

Then we recommend reinstalling the USB driver on the host computer and see if that helps. A corrupted or faulty USB driver can cause this problem. To do this, follow the steps below.

• Disconnect the USB device.
• Open Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Increase Universal Serial Bus Controllers, right click on the disconnected USB device and select Uninstall device.
• Reconnect your device and wait for the driver to be reinstalled.

Finally, check if the problem is solved.

3) Update or downgrade VirtualBox

There is a problem with Oracle VirtualBox version 7.0.10. However, version 7.1.0 is available. If your workflow allows, update VirtualBox. If you are unable to update, consider downgrading to an older version.

4) Install the extension pack

To use USB host devices inside a virtual machine, you need to install the extension pack. If you haven’t already, go to virtualbox.org and download the extension pack. Once downloaded, follow the steps below.

• Open VirtualBox is an application that supports multiple virtual environments.
• Click on File > Tools > Extension Pack Manager.
• Now go to location and select expansion pack.
• Once you select an option, the installation will begin.

After installing the extension pack, check if the issue is resolved.

5) Turn on the USB controller

If for some reason you have disabled the USB controller in your VM settings, you will need to re-enable it. To do this, follow the steps below.

• Open VirtualBox is an application that supports multiple virtual environments.
• Right-click on the virtual machine and click Settings.
• Now go to USB and check the box Turn on the USB controller.
• You can then select the controller version you want to use and save your settings.

I hope this helps.

To read: USB device is busy with previous request – VirtualBox error

Why can’t I access USB in VirtualBox?

There could be various reasons why you are unable to access USB in VirtualBox. However, most likely you have not enabled USB support for that particular VM. You can check the guide mentioned earlier to do the same.

To read: VirtualBox could not connect the USB device to the virtual machine.

How to enable USB device in VirtualBox?

To enable USB device in VirtualBox, right-click on the virtual machine and go to Settings. In the Settings window, click on USB and check the box associated with Turn on the USB controller. Finally, save your settings.

Read also: Fixed a bug where VirtualBox USB was not detected on Windows PC.