RemoteFX to redirect USB web cam into Hyper-V VM with VMConnect.exe?

David Echo 116 Reputation points
2021-04-13T12:27:23.323+00:00

I have a few VMs in Hyper-V. I want one of these VMs to be able to use my host web cam, which is a USB Logitech cam, for use in MS Teams.

Using gpedit on the host, I set:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Connection Client\RemoteFX USB Device Redirection\Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFX devices from this computer = Enabled for Administrators and users

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Direction\Do not allow video capture redirection = Disabled

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Direction\Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection = Disabled

Performed "gpupdate /force" and rebooted host

In theory, this should allow me to run "vmconnect.exe localhost <vmname> /edit", and then click "Show Options", click the "Local Resources" tab, Click the "More" button, and then see my camera under "Other supported RemoteFX USB Devices".

87415-84365-vmconnect-remotefx.png
In reality, I have seen this option exactly twice ever. I have zero idea what magic I performed to make it show. On those two occasions, I was able to allow the camera in the VM connect session, and the setting remained for a fairly long time. BUT, that setting is sometimes "lost". But right now, I cannot find any way to apply that setting for the VM again. I have tried setting ant unsetting the gpedit settings, rebooting host and guest VM countless times, nothing makes the option available.

"Allow enhanced session mode is ticked" in the settings, and the vmConnect.exe is running in Enhanced Session Mode.
Both VM and host are Windows 10, latest updates, Enterprise edition.

Guest Services is installed on the VM.

So, is there some reliable repeatable action that I can perform to make this option appear so that I can use my host USB web camera in the Hyper-VM guest through the VMConnect?

Note that this option is actually available on the mstsc.exe UI, but I need to use VMConnect.exe for other corporate policy reasons.

Note also that this "issue" appears to be fuly the fault of the host, not the guests. On the two occasions where "Other supported RemoteFX USB devices" appeated for the VM, it appeared for all VMs, which are all quiet different configurations. When it disappeared, it disappeared for all guests.

At various times in the last 6 months, this has worked fine for very short times. I have no idea what causes RemoteF USB redirection to suddenly show up occasionally, nor do I knwo why it keeps disappearing shortly after, stopping the camera redirection from working, and stopping the camera from being redirected again.

Thank you for any help.
David

Hyper-V
Hyper-V
A Windows technology providing a hypervisor-based virtualization solution enabling customers to consolidate workloads onto a single server.
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  1. Karlie Weng 14,106 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-04-14T07:16:06.56+00:00

    Hello David @David Echo

    I found from here :

    • Enable group policy changes to allow RemoteFX 3D video adapter to work in the HyperV Host
    • Enable group policy changes to allow RemoteFX 3D video adapter to work in HyperV Client
    • Enable group policy changes to allow audio to be redirected to HyperV client
    • Enable group policy changes to allow audio to be recorded from HyperV clientss
    • Disable group policy that blocks USB resources to HyperV the Client (I think it was for remoteFX devices)
    • Force the group policy updates (I used an eleveated command prompt with command "gpupdate /force")
    • Allow enhanced session mode" in hyper manager - server settings
    • Add RemoteFX 3d Video Adapter in hyperV manager - settings for a given virtual machine
    • Add the resources to the VM during when a "local resources" menu pops up during boot

    Best Regards
    Karlie

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