How to fix USB ports not working in Windows 10?

Some users who recently upgraded to Windows 10 reported that they were having issues with their USB devices. If you’re experiencing the same problem and you desperately need to use your external keyboard, USB mouse, printer, or pen driver, you should know what to do when your USB ports aren’t working. Well, panic no more because we’ve put together this article to guide you through the steps in fixing the issue.

How do I fix my USB ports not working on Windows 10?

In general, users who successfully discovered how to fix Windows 10 not recognizing USB ports issue tried the following solutions:

• Checking the power supply
• Checking if there is something wrong with the USB device itself
• Checking the power management settings
• Updating the USB device drivers
• Checking the USB ports

We will elaborate on these methods, so make sure you read through the article until you find the one that works best for you.

Solution 1: Checking the Power Supply

Keep in mind that this solution only applies to laptop users. So, if you’re using a desktop computer, proceed to the next method. It is worth noting that your USB ports will function properly if they get the right power supply. So, we recommend performing the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Unplug your laptop from the power supply.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Try plugging your USB device to your laptop.
4. Connect your PC to the power supply again.

Solution 2: Checking if There is Something Wrong with the USB Device Itself

It is unlikely for the USB device to be faulty when it had been working fine before you upgraded to Windows 10. However, it is still possible that it started malfunctioning at the same moment you modified your operating system. So, before you proceed to more complex troubleshooting, we suggest ruling out that possibility first.

If you want to check if you have a faulty USB device, you simply need to unplug it. Remember to safely remove USB storage devices. Try plugging it to a different computer. If it is functioning properly, then there is nothing wrong with it. On the other hand, if it is still faulty, then you’ve isolated the problem. Now, what you will have to do is replace the USB device.

Solution 3: Checking the Power Management Settings

By default, your system switches the USB controllers off when they are not in use. Windows does this to save power, but it automatically switches them back on when you need them. However, there are some technical glitches that prevent your system from performing this task properly. So, you need to stop your system from ‘managing’ the power settings for your USB devices and controllers. To do that, follow the steps below:

1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+X.
2. Select Device Manager from the list.
3. Look for Universal Serial Bus Controllers, then expand its contents.
4. On the list, double-click the first USB Root Hub device.
5. Go to the Power Management tab.
6. Deselect the ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ option.
7. Click OK to save the changes.
8. If there are multiple USB Root Hub devices under the Universal Serial Bus Controllers list, you have to repeat steps 3 to 5 for every device.

Solution 4: Updating the USB Device Drivers

It is possible that you have outdated, missing, or damaged drivers on your computer. So, if you’ve tried the previous solutions but the problem persists, we suggest updating your drivers. You can do this manually or you can use a tool that will automatically perform the task. Keep in mind that if you choose to update your drivers yourself, the process can be tedious, time-consuming, and even risky. You would have to go to the manufacturer’s website and look for the drivers that are compatible with your system. If you download and install the wrong version, your computer might suffer from system instability issues.

Why risk it when there is an easier and more reliable option? When you use Auslogics Driver Updater, you won’t have to go through the trouble of finding the right drivers for your PC. You just need to activate the program, and it will automatically recognize your system version. With one click of a button, Auslogics Driver Updater will find the latest manufacturer-recommended drivers for your computer.

Solution 5: Checking the USB Ports

If you’ve tried the solutions above and you are still unable to fix the issue, then it is likely that your USB ports are already damaged. In this case, you need to bring your computer to an expert technician and ask them to check. Don’t worry because USB ports are fairly easy and affordable to replace.

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