Unable to forward the USB 3.0 drive to the Windows virtual machine

Symptoms

• If USB 3.0 drive is connected to Windows Virtual Machine, it will disappear from both Mac and Windows sides.

• Windows cannot detect USB 3.0 external drive.

• USB 3.0 drive does not work properly on the Windows side.

Cause

• USB 3.0 drivers are not installed.

Resolution

1. Make sure USB 3.0 support is enabled:
   • Open virtual machine configuration
   • Go to Hardware tab > USB & Bluetooth
   • Check USB 3.0 support
2. Download and install USB 3.0 drivers from here on the Windows side.
   Note: End Of Life - This download, USB 3.0 Driver: Intel® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver for Intel® 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family 1.0.10.255, will no longer be available after October, 29, 2019 and will not be supported with any additional functional, security, or other updates. All versions are provided as is. Intel recommends that users of USB 3.0 Driver: Intel® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver for Intel® 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family 1.0.10.255 uninstall and discontinue use as soon as possible.

Check the issue. If it still persists:

1.  Make sure, Parallels Desktop is shut down.

2. Open Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and execute the following command:

   sudo chmod -R 777 /Library/Preferences/Parallels
   

   Enter your password (you will not be able to see the symbols you type) and hit Enter (return).

3. Open the required file executing:

   open -e /Library/Preferences/Parallels/dispatcher.desktop.xml

4. Once file is open, hit CMD+F on the keyboard to open Search box and enter UsbVirtualDisks to locate corresponding section:
   
   

5. Change <Usb>0</Usb> string to <Usb>1</Usb>:
   
    <UsbVirtualDisks dyn_lists="">
     <FireWire>1</FireWire>
     <Usb>1</Usb>
     <Thunderbolt>1</Thunderbolt>
     <Removable>1</Removable>
 </UsbVirtualDisks>
    
6. Save file (in Finder menu bar > Files > Save) and close TextEdit.

7. Get back to the Terminal and execute the following command:

   sudo chmod -R 755 /Library/Preferences/Parallels
   

   Enter your password (you will not be able to see the symbols you type) and hit Enter (return).

Note: Currently, external disks speed is equivalent to USB 2.0 speed as external USB devices are connected to the USB 2.0 bus in the Guest.