If you’re experiencing USB ports not working on your Windows 11 PC, you’re not alone. USB connectivity issues can interrupt your workflow, making it hard to connect essential devices like external drives, keyboards, or printers. Fortunately, these problems are often fixable without needing expert help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple yet effective steps to troubleshoot and fix USB ports not working on Windows 11.
Why Are My USB Ports Not Working on Windows 11?
USB ports may stop working for several reasons, including outdated or corrupted drivers, power management settings disabling USB hubs, hardware conflicts, or even physical damage. Understanding the cause helps tailor the fix correctly.
Step-by-Step Fix for Windows 11 USB Ports Not Working
1. Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple reboot can reset USB drivers and clear temporary glitches.
- Click Start > Power > Restart.
- After rebooting, test your USB devices again.
2. Check USB Devices on Another Computer
Before troubleshooting, confirm the USB device itself isn’t faulty.
- Plug your USB device into another PC or laptop.
- If it works, your Windows 11 USB ports are likely okay but need software fixes.
3. Run Windows USB Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a helpful troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common USB issues.
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find USB, then click Run.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.
4. Update or Reinstall USB Drivers
Outdated or corrupted USB drivers are common culprits.
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Scroll down to Universal Serial Bus controllers and expand.
- Right-click each USB Root Hub and select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for drivers.
- If updates are unavailable or don’t work, right-click the USB hub and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your computer to reinstall drivers automatically.
5. Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
Windows power management might be disabling USB ports to save power.
- Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Click on Additional power settings under Related settings.
- Select your active power plan, then click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
- Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
- Set it to Disabled, then click Apply and OK.
6. Check Power Management Settings for USB Root Hub
Disabling power-saving for USB hubs can help.
- Open Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click a USB Root Hub > Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Repeat for each USB Root Hub and restart.
7. Perform Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter via Command Prompt
While it’s hidden in Windows 11, you can still access it.
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Press Win + X, select Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Type the command below and press Enter:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
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Follow the wizard to let Windows detect hardware issues and apply fixes.
8. Check for Windows 11 Updates
Microsoft regularly releases fixes for hardware-related problems.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and reboot.
9. Inspect Physical Hardware and USB Ports
- Examine the USB ports for debris, dust, or damage.
- Use compressed air to clean ports.
- Test devices on different USB ports.
10. Use System Restore (If All Else Fails)
If USB ports stopped working recently, you can roll back to a previous system state.
- Search Create a restore point and open it.
- Click System Restore > Next.
- Choose a restore point from before the issue started.
- Follow the prompts to restore your system.
Tips to Keep USB Ports Working Smoothly
- Safely eject USB devices before unplugging.
- Keep Windows and drivers up to date.
- Avoid forcing devices into USB slots.
- Regularly clean dust from ports with appropriate tools.
Final Thoughts
USB problems on Windows 11 can feel frustrating but are often solvable with these straightforward troubleshooting steps. If you suspect hardware failure after all software fixes, consider consulting a professional technician.
Getting your USB ports back to working order means uninterrupted access to your favorite gadgets and peripherals—so you can get back to being productive and connected.
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