> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pd-ag/parallels-desktop-business-administrators-guide/parallels-desktop-for-mac-business-edition-features/enforcing-usb-device-policies.md).

# Enforcing USB Device Policies

When configuring USB device settings for a virtual machine, you can enforce what types of USB devices are allowed to be connected. For example, if storage devices (in general) are not allowed, the Mac user will not be able to connect an external hard disk or thumb drive to the virtual machine. This functionality is available in Parallels Desktop Business edition only and is absent in other editions.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: This functionality is not available for virtual machines running macOS on Apple silicon Macs.

If you would like to control this functionality centrally, you may benefit from the **Policies** functionality of [Enterprise Edition](https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/enterprise/).
{% endhint %}

To enforce USB device policies, open the virtual machine configuration window and select **Hardware** > **USB**.

<figure><img src="https://2371171723-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcBAgIlxVfUw3qQhf1ovR%2Fuploads%2FI4sWHfRGpNucaVaEgLEX%2FPDFM-120416_PDBE-AG-USB-Policies.png?alt=media&amp;token=8272d01d-381d-45ca-bfd5-c35fb061711f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the **Allow external devices** list:

* Clear the types of devices that you don't want Mac users to connect to the virtual machine.
* Select the types of devices that should be allowed.


---

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