> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verge.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verge.io/knowledge-base/virtual-machines/emulate-usb.md).

# Emulate a USB Device

Instructions for creating and attaching an emulated USB device to a VM in VergeOS, including hotplug configuration and VirtIO driver requirements.

## Overview

{% hint style="info" %}
**Key Points**

* Create emulated USB devices for VMs
* Enables legacy application support
* Allows hotplugging storage for driver installation
* Requires specific VM configuration
  {% endhint %}

## Prerequisites

Before creating an emulated USB device, ensure your VM meets these requirements:

* VM settings:
  * **Allow Hotplug** must be enabled
  * **Machine Type** must be **9.0** or higher
* VirtIO drivers installed in the guest OS

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Machine Type Changes**

Before modifying a VM's machine type, create a short-term snapshot (24-hour expiration) to enable rollback if needed.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**VirtIO Driver Installation**

* Linux distributions typically include VirtIO drivers
* For Windows, drivers are available in VergeOS custom ISOs or can be downloaded from: [VirtIO Drivers](https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/direct-downloads/stable-virtio/virtio-win.iso)
  {% endhint %}

## Steps to Create USB Device

1. **Access VM Settings**
   * Navigate to the VM dashboard (Virtual Machines > List > Double-click your target VM )
2. **Create New Drive**
   * Click **Drives** in the left menu
   * Select **New** from the left menu
3. **Configure USB Device**
   * Set **Media** to either **Disk** or **Clone Disk**
   * Set **Interface** to **USB**
   * Optional: Enter a custom name (system will auto-generate if blank)
   * If using Clone Disk, select the appropriate \*.raw file
4. **Enable Device**
   * Click **Submit** to create the device
   * Select the new USB device from the drive list
   * Click **HotPlug** in the left menu

For additional drive configuration options, see: [VM Drives](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-drives.md)

## Troubleshooting

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Common Issues**

* **Problem**: Device stays in "hot plugging" status
  * **Solution**:
    1. Check VM dashboard logs for errors
    2. Verify all prerequisites are met
    3. Try restarting the VM if settings were recently changed
* **Problem**: Device shows as offline
  * **Solution**: Ensure hotplug is enabled and VirtIO drivers are installed
    {% endhint %}

***

{% hint style="info" %}
**Document Information**

* Last Updated: 2024-11-19
* VergeOS Version: 4.13
  {% endhint %}


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