how to share usb drives parallels

3 min read 07-02-2025

Sharing USB devices between your macOS host and a Windows virtual machine (VM) running in Parallels Desktop is a common need. This guide will walk you through various methods, troubleshooting common issues, and offering tips for a smoother experience. Whether you need to access files, a printer, or other peripherals, this guide will help you master USB sharing in Parallels.

Accessing USB Drives in Parallels: Different Approaches

Parallels Desktop offers several ways to share USB devices with your virtual machine. The best method depends on your Parallels version and the specific USB device.

Method 1: Using the Parallels Control Center

This is generally the easiest and most recommended approach.

Connect your USB drive: Plug your USB drive into your Mac.
Open Parallels Control Center: It usually resides in your Applications folder or can be accessed via the menu bar.
Navigate to Devices: Locate the section dedicated to USB devices.
Select your USB drive: Find your drive in the list.
Assign to VM: Click the dropdown menu next to your USB drive and select your Parallels Windows VM.

The USB drive should now be accessible within your Windows VM.

Method 2: Using the Parallels Menu (Older Versions)

If you're using an older version of Parallels, you might need to use the menu within the VM window itself.

Connect your USB drive: Plug your USB drive into your Mac.
Open your Parallels VM: Launch your Windows VM in Parallels.
Access the Parallels Menu: Click on the Parallels icon in the menu bar.
Select Devices: Choose "USB" and select your drive from the listed options.

Parallels will then connect the USB drive to your virtual machine.

Method 3: Manually Configuring USB Sharing (Advanced Users)

This method involves modifying Parallels settings and might be necessary for advanced setups or troubleshooting purposes. You'll typically find USB device options within Parallels' configuration settings for your VM. Consult Parallels Desktop's documentation for your specific version for detailed instructions.

Troubleshooting Common USB Sharing Problems in Parallels

Sometimes, USB sharing might not work as expected. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Problem: USB drive not showing up in Parallels.

Solution:

Check the connection: Ensure the USB drive is securely connected to your Mac.
Restart Parallels: Restart both your Mac and your Parallels VM.
Check Parallels settings: Make sure USB sharing is enabled in the Parallels settings for your VM.
Update Parallels: Update your Parallels Desktop to the latest version. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements to USB device compatibility.
Try a different USB port: Test with different USB ports on your Mac to rule out hardware issues.
Check for driver issues (Windows VM): In your Windows VM, check Device Manager for any errors related to USB devices.

Problem: The USB drive is connected, but files are not accessible.

Solution:

File system compatibility: Ensure your Windows VM supports the file system used by your USB drive (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, exFAT).
Permissions: Check file and folder permissions on the USB drive within the Windows VM.
Antivirus: Temporarily disable your antivirus software in the VM to check if it's interfering.

Tips for Optimal USB Sharing Performance

Use the latest Parallels version: Newer versions often provide improved USB support and stability.
Close unnecessary programs: Running many programs simultaneously might cause resource conflicts.
Sufficient VM resources: Allocate adequate resources (RAM, CPU cores) to your VM to handle the USB drive without performance issues.

Conclusion: Mastering USB Sharing in Parallels

Sharing USB drives between your macOS host and your Parallels Windows VM is a valuable feature. By following these methods and troubleshooting steps, you can seamlessly transfer files and utilize peripherals between operating systems. Remember to keep your Parallels Desktop software up to date for optimal performance and compatibility. If problems persist, consulting Parallels' official support documentation is always a good next step.