USB Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing a USB port malfunction on Windows 11 can be incredibly frustrating. This comprehensive guide offers a systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving the issue, ensuring your USB devices are functioning correctly again.

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, perform these basic checks:

  • Restart your computer: This simple step often resolves temporary glitches.
  • Try a different USB port: Rule out a faulty port by testing with other available ports.
  • Test the USB device on another computer: Determine if the problem lies with the device itself or your Windows 11 system.
  • Check the USB cable: Ensure the cable is not damaged and is securely connected.

Hardware Troubleshooting

If the preliminary checks don’t solve the issue, focus on potential hardware problems.

1. Inspect USB Ports for Physical Damage

Examine the USB ports on your computer for any visible damage, such as bent pins or debris. If you find any damage, the port may need to be repaired or replaced.

2. Check Power Supply

Insufficient power can sometimes cause USB devices to malfunction. If you’re using a USB hub, ensure it’s powered. For desktop computers, a failing power supply unit (PSU) could be the root cause, especially if multiple USB devices are affected simultaneously.

3. Check Device Manager for Hardware Conflicts

The Device Manager displays all hardware connected to your computer and indicates any conflicts.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark or red cross. These indicate problems.
  3. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  4. If you see any unknown devices or errors, right-click and select Properties to view details and troubleshoot.

Software Troubleshooting

If the hardware seems fine, the problem likely resides in the software.

1. Update USB Drivers

Outdated or corrupted USB drivers are a common cause of USB issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager (as described above).
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Right-click on the problematic USB device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest drivers.
  5. If Windows can’t find a driver, visit the device manufacturer’s website to download and install the driver manually.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers

Sometimes, simply reinstalling the drivers can fix the problem.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Right-click on the problematic USB device and select Uninstall device.
  4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers upon restart.

3. Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

This setting can sometimes cause USB devices to disconnect intermittently.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter to open Power Options.
  2. Click Change plan settings next to your current power plan.
  3. Click Change advanced power settings.
  4. Expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend setting.
  5. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

4. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix hardware problems.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on System and then Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Hardware and Devices and click Run.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Update Windows 11

Ensure your Windows 11 installation is up to date, as updates often include bug fixes and driver updates that can resolve USB issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

6. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

In rare cases, USB ports might be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Consult your motherboard manual for instructions on how to access and configure these settings. Make sure USB ports are enabled.

7. Troubleshoot Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with USB device detection. Disable it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Click Save changes.

Advanced Solutions

If none of the above solutions work, consider these advanced steps:

  • System Restore: Restore your system to a previous point when USB devices were working correctly.
  • Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to eliminate software conflicts.
  • Reinstall Windows 11: As a last resort, reinstalling Windows 11 can resolve deeply rooted software issues.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the USB not working issue on your Windows 11 computer. Remember to proceed methodically and test after each step to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.