The problem of USB ports not working on a Windows computer could be due to drivers for the USB ports not being loaded during the startup process of the computer.
While this can happen due to a temporary glitch, it is more likely to happen if “Fast Startup” feature has been enabled on the computer.
Apart from this, USB Ports can stop responding or working due to outdated or corrupted device drivers and power supply to USB ports being automatically switched off by the computer.
USB Ports Not Working in Windows 11/10
Before going ahead with the troubleshooting steps, it is a good idea to make sure that the problem lies with the USB Port and not with the USB Device that is plugged-in to the USB port.
You can check this by plugging the USB Device to another USB Port and then to another computer. Another way of checking this is to plug another USB Device (which is working) to the USB port of your computer.
If the USB Device appears to be faulty, you can refer to this guide: Fix: USB Device Not Working in Windows 11/10.
1. Restart the Computer
The problem could be due to a minor glitch preventing the USB Port from functioning properly. In most cases, this can be fixed by restarting the computer.
1. Shut Down the computer
2. Wait for the computer to be completely powered off.
3. Wait for 60 seconds > Restart the computer.
You may be surprised to see the USB Port working properly on your computer.
2. Scan USB Controllers for Hardware Changes
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On the next screen, right-click on USB Serial Bus Controllers and click on Scan for hardware changes option.
This should result in missing device drivers (if any) to be installed for the USB ports on your computer.
3. Update USB Drivers
Manually update drivers for all the USB items listed under Universal Serial Bus Controllers entry.
1. Open the Device Manager on your computer.
2. On Device Manager screen, open Universal Serial Bus Controllers entry > right-click on the dirst listed USB Device and select Update Driver option.
3. Repeat the above steps for other USB related entries under “Universal Serial Bus Controller” section.
4. Change Power Management Setting for USB Root Hub
Windows computers have a default tendency to turn-off power supply to unused USB ports and this can lead to the problem of USB Ports not working.
1. Open the Device Manager on your computer.
2. On the Device Manager Screen, expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers entry > right-click on USB Root Hub and click on Properties.
3. On USB Root HUB Properties screen, switch to Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option and click on OK.
If there are multiple USB Root Hubs, you need to repeat the above steps for them as well.
5. Check for Updates
If an update is available, Windows will also install the latest available drivers for USB Ports on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > Windows Update (left-pane) > Click on Check for Updates button in the right-pane.
2. Wait for Windows to check for updates > Follow the instructions to download and Install Updates (If available).
6. Disable Fast Startup
The Fast Startup feature in Windows can sometimes lead to USB drivers not being properly loaded or skipped during the startup process.
You can learn more about this feature and disable Fast Startup by using steps as provided in this guide: How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11/10.
7. Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
If above steps did not help, disabling the Selective Suspend feature might help in fixing the problem.
1. Type Control Panel in the Search bar and click on Control Panel in the Search results.
2. On the Control Panel screen, click on Power Options.
3. On the next screen, click on Change Plan Settings link located next to the current power plan on your computer.
4. On the next screen, click on Change Advanced Power Settings link.
5. On Power Options screen, expand USB Settings > USB selective suspend setting and select the disabled option, both for Plugged In and On Battery.
6. Click on OK to save these changes on your computer.