USB Redirector RDP Edition by Incentives Pro allows you to redirect local physical USB devices into a remote virtual machine, cloud desktop, or terminal server over Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This software is a lifesaver for remote work when you need to use hardware like security dongles, scanners, or barcode readers that are physically plugged into your home computer but needed on your office network.
Here is how to set up and use the software for your remote work routine: The Architecture The software is split into two distinct parts:
Workstation Part: Installed on your local machine (e.g., your home laptop or PC) where the USB devices are physically plugged in.
Server Part: Installed on the remote computer (e.g., your work VM, cloud instance, or terminal server) that acts as the RDP host. Step-by-Step Configuration Guide 1. Setup on your Local Machine (Home)
Download and install the Workstation part of the program from Incentives Pro. Plug your USB device into your local PC. Open the USB Redirector RDP Edition Workstation app.
Select your connected USB device from the list and click Share.
Note: Once shared, the device cannot be used locally by your home computer because its data is reserved for the remote session. 2. Setup on the Remote Machine (Work)
Connect to your remote work environment using standard Windows Remote Desktop Connection (RDP).
Inside that remote desktop session, download and install the Server part of the software.
The Server part runs seamlessly as a background Windows system service, meaning you do not need to keep an app window open. 3. Establishing the Remote Link
With the device shared at home and the server software ready at work, simply launch your Remote Desktop Client. Log into your remote work machine as you normally would.
The shared USB device will automatically redirect into your remote session upon login.
Open your work applications; they will recognize the USB device exactly as if you had flown to the office and plugged it directly into that computer. Best Practices for Remote Work
Automatic Reconnections: Keep the Workstation app configured to “auto-share” specific USB ports so that anytime you plug a device into that physical slot, it instantly maps to your remote work session.
Reclaiming Local Control: When you finish your workday, remember to highlight the device in your local Workstation app and click Unshare so your home computer can use it again.
Security Integration: Because the software builds virtual channels directly inside the native RDP connection, your USB data inherits the exact same encryption and security protocols managed by your company’s IT network.
If you plan on configuring this, let me know what specific USB hardware you need to redirect or what operating system your home machine uses so I can provide any specific troubleshooting steps for that hardware class! USB Redirector RDP Edition – USB over Remote Desktop
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