USB Ports Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing USB ports not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This guide provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue and get your USB devices functioning correctly.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your USB ports might not be working. Common causes include:

  • Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers are a primary culprit.
  • Hardware Problems: The USB port itself might be physically damaged.
  • Power Management Settings: Windows power settings can sometimes disable USB ports to save energy.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: Incorrect BIOS settings can prevent USB ports from functioning.
  • Windows Updates: Occasionally, Windows updates can cause conflicts.

Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix your USB port issues:

1. Basic Checks

  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
  • Try a Different USB Port: Test all available USB ports to rule out a faulty port.
  • Test with Another USB Device: Try connecting a different USB device to identify if the problem is with the device or the port.
  • Check the USB Cable: If applicable, use a different USB cable to eliminate a faulty cable as the cause.

2. Update or Reinstall USB Drivers

  • Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  • Locate USB Controllers: Expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section.
  • Update Drivers: Right-click on each USB controller and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
  • Uninstall/Reinstall Drivers: If updating doesn’t work, right-click on each USB controller and select “Uninstall device.” Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

3. Check Power Management Settings

  • Open Device Manager: (as described above)
  • Locate USB Root Hub: Expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section.
  • Properties: Right-click on each “USB Root Hub” and select “Properties.”
  • Power Management Tab: Go to the “Power Management” tab.
  • Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”: Ensure this box is unchecked. Click “OK.”

4. Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

  • Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu.
  • Hardware and Sound: Click on “Hardware and Sound.”
  • Power Options: Click on “Power Options.”
  • Change Plan Settings: Click on “Change plan settings” next to your active power plan.
  • Change Advanced Power Settings: Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
  • USB Settings: Expand “USB settings” and then “USB selective suspend setting.”
  • Disable: Set both “On battery” and “Plugged in” to “Disabled.” Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

5. Update Chipset Drivers

  • Identify Your Motherboard: Determine the manufacturer and model of your motherboard.
  • Download Drivers: Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest chipset drivers for Windows 11.
  • Install Drivers: Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

6. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

  • Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  • USB Configuration: Look for USB configuration options (usually under “Advanced” or “Peripherals”).
  • Enable USB Ports: Ensure that all USB ports are enabled. If you see an option like “USB Legacy Support,” enable it.
  • Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart.

7. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

  • Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  • System: Click on “System” then “Troubleshoot.”
  • Other Troubleshooters: Click on “Other troubleshooters”.
  • Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter: Find “Hardware and Devices” and click “Run”.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will attempt to identify and fix any hardware-related issues.

8. Check for Windows Updates

  • Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  • Windows Update: Click on “Windows Update” on the left side.
  • Check for Updates: Click on “Check for updates”. Install any available updates.

9. System Restore

  • Search for System Restore: Type “Create a restore point” in the search box and click the top result.
  • System Restore: Click on the “System Restore…” button.
  • Choose a Restore Point: Select a restore point created before the USB ports stopped working.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions. This will revert your system to a previous state, potentially resolving the issue.

10. Reinstall Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If all other methods fail, reinstalling Windows 11 might be necessary. Back up your important data before proceeding.

Preventing Future Issues

  • Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly update your drivers, especially chipset and USB drivers.
  • Use Quality USB Cables: Invest in high-quality USB cables to ensure reliable connections.
  • Safely Remove USB Devices: Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media” option before disconnecting USB devices.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve USB port issues on your Windows 11 computer.