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Fix a Windows that has USB that will not work

We'll fix USB drivers, power management, and port issues.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–20 min
Step 1 of 3

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Steps

Goal: Fix USB so devices are recognized.

  • Try a different port and cable. Disable USB power saving.
  • Good: USB works. Bad: Update driver; reinstall device.

Try different port

Goal: Rule out port or cable fault.

  • Plug into another USB port. Try a different cable.
  • Good: Device works. Bad: Check Device Manager.

Disable USB power saving

Goal: Stop Windows from turning off USB.

  • Power Options > USB selective suspend > Disabled. Device Manager > USB Root Hub > disable power saving.
  • Good: USB stays on. Bad: Update driver.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • All USB ports fail after driver and power fixes.
  • Motherboard USB controller may need service.

Verification

  • Device is recognized in Device Manager.
  • No yellow warning icons on USB controllers.
  • USB works in multiple ports.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Port and cable Try different USB port and cable.
  2. Power saving Disable USB selective suspend; disable hub power saving.
  3. Driver Update chipset; reinstall device.
  4. Call a pro All ports fail; motherboard may need service.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Device: model, which port tried?
  • Device Manager: any yellow icons?
  • USB selective suspend: enabled or disabled?
  • Steps already tried

Does another USB port or cable work?

Port or cable fault is common.

Try different USB port. Try different cable. Good: device works—use that port/cable. Bad: check Device Manager.
Question

Port or cable OK?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Check Device Manager and power saving

Device Manager > USB. No yellow icons? Disable USB selective suspend. Disable USB Root Hub power saving. Restart.

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Update driver or reinstall device

Update chipset driver. Uninstall device in Device Manager. Restart. Plug in again. If all ports fail, call a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would USB not work?
Bad port, faulty cable, driver issue, or USB selective suspend. Try different port; update driver; disable USB power saving.
Can I fix USB myself?
Yes. Try different port and cable. Update USB drivers. Disable USB selective suspend. Reinstall device in Device Manager.
When should I call a technician for USB?
If all USB ports fail after driver and power fixes—motherboard USB controller may need service.

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