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Use 3D Mouse in Remote Desktop: 100% Working Guide
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Olga Weis Olga Weis Last updated Jul 3, 2024

Use 3D Mouse in Remote Desktop: 100% Working Guide

Up until this day, it is undoubtedly a real challenge to connect a 3D mouse to a remote desktop and use all of its functionality over RDP. However, it is still possible when relying on some dedicated third-party software. With a handy app called FlexiHub, you can get full access to the basic and advanced features of your 3D mouse (buttons, macros, movements) or any other USB device in an RDP session.

If you need to use a 3D mouse without an internet connection, such as on a LAN network, you will need USB Network Gate. This will be the second method discussed in the article.

The problem of redirecting a 3D mouse to a remote desktop

There are hundreds of CAD designers and 3D modelers that are not able to utilize their 3D mice on the remote machine over the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol. E.g. a common complaint is that the only functionality of a SpaceNavigator 3D mouse that is accessible inside the RDP session is the ability to zoom.

That is because not all features of such complex USB devices as 3D mice (Webcam, Scanner) can be redirected to a remote desktop by means of the Microsoft RDP protocol.

However, you can still rely on the FlexiHub software that will forward USB devices to your remote PC, serving as a workaround for the Remote Desktop Protocol limitations.

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How to redirect a 3D mouse to a remote desktop

With the help of FlexiHub, you can connect a SpaceMouse or another 3Dconnexion mouses to a remote desktop with no hassle.

The software is powered by advanced USB pass-through technology that allows forwarding USB devices to any remote computer over the Internet.

In order to make your 3D mouse accessible to a remote desktop, you should first share the device on the PC to which it is attached physically and then connect to the shared device from your remote computer. Thanks to the outstanding FlexiHub's capabilities and intuitive user interface, this can be done with just a couple of clicks.

  • 1.
    Visit the FlexiHub official website and create your account.
    flexihub account registration
  • 2.
    On any and all computers participating in the RDP connection, Download and install the FlexiHub desktop application (this includes the computer that is physically connected to the USB device, as well).
    download FlexiHub
  • 3.
    Double-click the FlexiHub icon to start FlexiHub, and enter your login info. Once you've logged in, you'll see a list of all remotely-accessible devices.
    log in to your account
  • 4.
    On the Client machine, launch Remote Desktop, and create a virtual desktop connection.
    launch Remote Desktop
  • 5.
    Run FlexiHub on the virtual desktop, and login. blank
  • 6.
    From the interface, you'll see a list of all remotely-accessible devices. Simply locate the device you need from the list, and click the Connect button beside the device's name.
    locate the device you need and click connect

That's it! Now the mouse will appear in the Device Manager on the remote desktop like it was plugged into that PC.

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To learn how to forward a 3D mouse to a remote desktop session, you can as well watch this video user guide:

Once the connection is successful, you will be able to access and use the 3Dconnexion mouse on the remote desktop as if it was a locally-attached peripheral.

Connecting 3D mouse on a LAN without internet access

USB Network Gate offers an efficient solution for connecting a 3D mouse to a virtual machine in a LAN without internet access. This software solution lets you share any USB device with computers connected to the same network.

There is no need for an internet connection to share USB devices such as a 3D mouse. You can forward data from a USB device connected to a physical machine with a guest VM running on that host. USB Network Gate supports all functionality of the connected USB devices and provides reliable and consistent connectivity to the virtual machines.



Follow these simple steps to implement USB Network Gate:

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Connect the 3D mouse to the host using its USB port.
  • 3.
    Use USB Network Gate’s user interface to share the 3D mouse.
    ung usb connect
  • 4.
    Install USB Network Gate on the virtual machine which will share the 3D mouse.
  • 5.
    Launch USB Network Gate on the VM and use its interface to connect to the shared 3D mouse.
    ung share usb

USB Network Gate enables a 3D mouse to be shared without internet access in an offline local network.



What is a 3D mouse?

Similar to a traditional computer mouse, a 3D mouse is a handheld pointing device but it gives the user access to an additional virtual plane. This allows them to efficiently access and control the object in a virtual 3D environment. With multi-axis sensors, accelerometers, infrared lights sensors – the operator can experience a more realistic and immersive three-dimensional work environment.

One very popular tool in this arena is the 3DConnexion SpaceNavigator. A firm favorite amongst professionals in architecture, CAD, 3D design, and modeling; it features a controller cap, which allows the user to intuitively move the object or camera angle around.

Use 3D mouse with remote desktop
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The main advantage over a regular keyboard and mouse is the ability to rotate, pan, and zoom a 3d model at the same time without being distracted by the inconvenient keyboard shortcuts or software interface.

Other models of the 3D mouse are also available from 3DConnexion like SpaceExplorer, SpacePilot, and SpaceMouse Pro. Which you choose depends on how much functionality you want or need.

What are the advantages of using a 3D mouse?

Working with a traditional mouse over long hours is very taxing on the hand. Having to scroll, click, and hold down buttons, often results in repetitive stress injuries or RSI. A 3D mouse helps to eliminate this by allowing the operator to use both hands to manipulate and edit the objects on the screen. Zooming and panning are isolated from the point and click functions of a regular mouse.

The 3D mouse also streamlines the operator's work by having customizable mouse buttons and programmable shortcuts. This eliminates the need to use a keyboard as well.

A 3D mouse gives the operator a more realistic 3D experience, where they can move the object around as if they are holding it in their hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's known that gamers usually use a standard mouse and a keyboard to play video games. However, with the help of 3DxWare 10, it's possible to rely on a 3D mouse when playing, for example, The Sims™3. Also, a 3D mouse is a great solution if you need a gamepad for 3D games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Wings of Prey, and Need for Speed.
A 3D Connexion mouse has been created to offer intuitive and accurate 3D navigation in CAD software. It serves as a powerful tool for convenient reviewing and exploring of 3D designs and spaces.
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Use 3D mouse with remote desktop
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