How to Use Smartcard Reader on Azure Remote Desktop

azuresmartcardusbwindows-server-2016

What I want to achieve:

  1. Plug a Smartcard Reader on my Laptop
  2. Connect to my private Azure VPN
  3. Use Remote Desktop to access a Server using User and Password, with Intelligent Card option and USBs checked.
  4. My Smartcard Reader appears on my device so I can sign a document in a specific application

What actually happens: Smartcard Reader never appears on my Remote Machine.

What I did try (no specific order):

  • On Remote Desktop window, checking all devices options
  • Adding a new Device through Devices and Printers' window
  • Checking Windows' Device Manager
  • Plugging the Card Reader before and after authentication

Is there something I'm missing here? Maybe some option on Azure Firewall, or something else I must install on my server?

Thank you very much!

Best Answer

You need to install the smartcard drivers on the remote computer, same driver as the local computer if they are not discovered on connection.

Make sure the ScDeviceEnum service (Smart Card Device Enumeration Service) is not disabled.

Edit 1: If your remote endpoint is an Azure VM, the option to have remote USB device supported is not supported yet.. See that feedback.

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