Reverse authentication can be performed in a VDI environment to enable an authentication device to gain access to a client without requiring that the authentication device's drivers be installed on the client. When an authentication device is connected to the client while the client is locked or not logged in, the authentication device can be redirected to a virtual appliance on which the authentication device's drivers are installed. The authentication device can then be used to authenticate the user via the virtual appliance. When authentication is successful, the virtual appliance can send the resulting authentication information back to the client to enable the user to be logged in to the client. Additionally, the virtual appliance can return the authentication device to the client. The client can then employ the authentication information to establish a remote session on a server and redirect the authentication device to the remote server.