[Fixed] USB Port Not Working – Full Repair Guide

June 26, 2023 / Andrew Holdeman

When using your PC operating device frequently, you will eventually use controllers and plugin mouses through your USB ports. A USB (Universal serial bus) is an external plug-and-play storage device, and your device holds several port options for USB plugins.

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These are used for several purposes, such as;

Plugins for mouse devices
Game controllers
USB drives for information and data

These bullet points above require a USB port on your operating devices. Sometimes though, these access points for USB cables can easily be tarnished or be affected by the hardware features on your current device.

This Article will present high-percentage solutions for problems that you currently face with USB ports not working on your current device.

Restart and Update Your USB Device

If the USB port is not working due to technical or physical damage, USB won’t be detected as a connected device, and you cannot access it via your device.

You will get an error pop-up, i.e., ‘USB port not working.’ The easiest way to fix this error is to restart the USB or update the drivers. Outdated drivers may also restrict normal functioning. Here are the steps to renew and update to fix the error.

Step 1: For restarting, head toward the windows icon in the main menu and click on the power icon. Select the option of ‘restart’ and let your device restart. Once restarted, internal errors in the USB could be resolved.

Step 2: Launch ‘settings’ from the main menu for driver update. Click the windows icon and select the option of ‘settings’ from the list. Double-click the option to launch it.

Step 3: In the settings menu, select the option of ‘update and security.’

Step 4: In the windows and security options window, select ‘windows security’ from the left pane. Check for windows updates and click ‘download and install’ to perform updates.

Uninstall & Reinstall Universal BUS Controllers Drivers

Like other external devices, USB requires updated and functional drivers to communicate with the operating system to functionalize your device. If a USB port not working error pops up on the screen, try to uninstall and reinstall the USB controller driver on the device, which will resolve the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch’ device manager’ via windows key+X from the keyboard.

Step 2: In the ‘device manager’ menu, select the ‘universal serial BUS controllers’ option and expand the option.

Step 3: In the list, select ‘USB root Hub.’ it will appear with a yellow exclamation mark.

Step 4: By right-clicking on the option, select ‘uninstall’ from the drop-down menu and click ‘ok’ to continue. Once uninstalled, restart your device.

Step 5: As the device boots, launch ‘device manager’ again. Select the ‘action’ tab in the header menu.

Step 6: Now click on ‘Scan for hardware changes.’ Once the changes are made, reconnect your USB and check if the error persists.

Update USB Device Drivers to Fix USB Port

Updating these drivers can help improve system performance and stability, allowing your computer to run more smoothly and efficiently. Ensuring that your USB drivers are at their latest versions can help resolve issues with device compatibility, ensuring that all of your peripherals can work correctly with your computer.

Keeping your USB drivers up-to-date can help protect against security vulnerabilities and malware threats, helping to ensure your system’s overall safety and security. Here are the steps to follow to update your USB driver software:

Step 1: Launch the ‘Run’ command box via windows key+R, and in the box, type ‘devmgmt.msc’. Click ‘ok’ to continue. It will launch ‘device manager.’

Step 2: Select the device in the ‘device manager’ menu. Right-click the USB device and select the option of ‘update driver’ from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Complete the wizard and select the option of ‘Search automatically for drivers.’ Restart your device and check if the error shows up again.

Disable USB Selective Suspend Feature

USB selective suspend is the feature that works to suspend the functioning of a particular hub port without affecting the functionality of others. So disabling USB selective stop can sometimes resolve the USB port not working error. It could be possible that the USB port you are using is already suspended. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: In the main menu, click on the windows icon followed by clicking the ‘power icon.’

Step 2: In the next step, select the option of ‘additional power settings’ followed by selecting ‘change plan settings.’

Step 3: Click on ‘change advanced power settings’ in the edit plan settings window.

Step 4: In the next window, expand the option of ‘USB settings’ followed by selecting ‘USB selective suspend settings.’

Step 5: Disable the feature in both power settings and select ‘apply.’ Click ‘ok’ to complete the action. Reconnect the USB and check if the error is resolved.

Check Power Settings Stopped USB Ports Working With Control Panel

As USB controllers consume power through USB ports, your device automatically switches them off to conserve the battery. The controllers turn on when the USB cable is inserted into the port. But sometimes you find USB ports not working.

Then, Windows will fail to turn on the controllers, which leads to the USB port not working error. Hence, checking power settings via the control panel can resolve the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch’ device manager’ via windows key+X. Else you can type ‘device manager’ in the taskbar search box and double-click the option to launch.

Step 2: Click on the ‘universal serial BUS controllers’ option in the device manager window to expand it.

Step 3: Nextly, select the option of ‘USB root hub.’ Double-click the option.

Step 4: In the next window, proceed to the ‘power management’ tab. Uncheck the option of ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.’ Click ‘ok’ to continue.

allow computer to turn off device usb root hub

Step 5: Repeat the steps for all USB root hubs on the device.

Restart the Computer to Fix the Connected USB Devices

Another quick-fix option for a USB port not working is restarting your computer. Restarting your operating system will reboot any previous or new connections available to the USB host controllers and ports.

Frequently Asked Questions About When a USB Port is Not Working

What is a USB Host Controller?

A USB host controller is a hardware device that manages and controls the different types of USB devices connected to a computer system. It manages communication between the USB devices and the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), enabling data exchange between these components.

Some standard features of a USB host controller include controlling power consumption, detecting and reporting errors, allowing multiple devices to be connected at once, and monitoring bus speed for optimal performance. Generally, a USB host controller is necessary for the proper functioning of any external USB device on a system.

How do I Fix a Faulty USB Port?

Several possible causes for a faulty USB port, including hardware and software issues. If you suspect your USB port is not working correctly, it may be helpful to try some troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the underlying problem.

A common cause of USB port issues is malware or computer viruses. To check for and eliminate these threats, you may need to run a virus scan and perform other standard maintenance tasks on your computer.

Another potential issue that can cause problems with USB ports is driver conflicts or outdated drivers. To check for these issues, use software tools or visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install any available updates for your system’s drivers.

Why is My USB Mouse Not Working?

One possible reason for your USB mouse not working could be something wrong with the hardware itself, possibly due to a malfunctioning or defective mouse or a broken USB connection. If you have recently upgraded your computer’s operating system, it may be different from your current USB mouse driver.

Another potential cause of the problem could be issues with the software side, including outdated or corrupted mouse drivers or issues with your computer’s settings or configuration. To get your USB mouse working again, try reinstalling or updating the drivers if they are outdated.

In addition to these possible causes, other factors may also play a role in why your USB mouse is not working as it should. These can include interference from other devices, such as Bluetooth speakers or headphones, poor connection quality due to physical obstructions like dust and debris, and problems arising from malware on your computer. To address these issues, you should check for spyware or viruses on your system and ensure that all cables and connections are secure and clean.

Why do I Need to Update My USB Devices?

Updating your devices can help improve their performance and increase their overall reliability. This is particularly important if you use your USB devices for high-intensity tasks, like transferring large files, running complex programs, or playing resource-intensive games.

USB devices can also help protect them against security vulnerabilities and other threats. Regularly installing the latest software updates ensures that your devices are always equipped with the latest security features and protections against viruses, malware, and other malicious code.

As new technologies emerge and older ones become obsolete, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest operating systems to ensure that your devices will work seamlessly with all your computing hardware.

How do I Use Power Management Settings?

Power management settings are designed to help you save energy and prolong the life of your computer by turning off some of its components when they are not needed.

To use power management settings on your computer, start by accessing the Settings or Control Panel app on your device. From there, look for an option to adjust power settings or plans and make necessary changes to optimize your computer’s performance while minimizing energy usage.

Check the documentation or online support resources provided by your computer’s manufacturer for more detailed instructions on using power management settings on your specific device model.

What is Wrong with My USB Connector?

Possible issues with your USB connector include loose connections or damage to the cable or the connector itself. If your USB device is not getting power, this could also be a sign of a faulty connector.

One potential solution to fix a faulty USB connector is to try using a different cable or adapter, as these may be damaged or worn out. Try cleaning the contacts on the device and the connector, as dirt and debris can interfere with proper connectivity.

Why do USB Ports Stop Working?

There can be several reasons your USB ports might stop working, including hardware issues or driver errors. Some possible hardware issues might include faulty or damaged cables, problems with the system management controller (SMC), or damage to the motherboard.

If you are experiencing driver-related issues, try reinstalling the drivers for your USB devices or updating them to the latest version if they are outdated. You should also check the settings on your computer to ensure that USB ports are enabled and that your computer is not set to “sleep” when idle. It is crucial to ensure that any other software on your computer that uses USB ports is up to date.

What is Wrong with My USB Controller?

There may be several issues with your USB controller, including corrupted drivers or faulty hardware components. One possible cause is that the ports on your computer are not functioning correctly, which can be caused by several factors, such as physical damage or software conflicts.

Another possibility is that the controller is damaged or defective, requiring you to replace it entirely or contact the manufacturer for technical support. If you are experiencing issues with your USB controller, it is vital to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem to restore proper functionality and prevent further errors from occurring.