How to fix common USB connection problems in Windows

⚡ Fast fix

• USB device not showing up? Try a different port first—some ports stop supplying power properly.
• Using a dock or hub? Disconnect adapters temporarily to rule out connection conflicts.
• Windows update pending? Outdated USB drivers can trigger random disconnects or detection failures.
• Still hearing disconnect sounds? Restarting Windows can reset stuck USB controller services.

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You plug in your USB device—no sound, no pop-up, nothing. Whether you're using a flash drive, keyboard, or mouse, it's a common issue that can interrupt what you're trying to do. The good news? There are a few quick fixes that can usually get things working again.

At Asurion, we're the tech experts you can trust—each year, more than 30 million people rely on us to keep their tech running as it should. We have the know-how to tackle everything from phones and computers to the latest smart home gadgets. If your USB ports aren’t responding, here are some simple ways to get things working again.

Try a different USB port

Sometimes the issue is as simple as a faulty USB port.

• Disconnect the USB device.
• Plug it into another USB port on your computer.
• Test the connection again.

If you’re using a desktop PC, ports directly on the motherboard are often more reliable than front-panel ports.

USB hubs and docking stations can also interrupt communication between Windows and connected devices, so try connecting the device directly to your computer.

Restart your computer

Restarting Windows can clear temporary software glitches affecting USB devices and system services.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select Power > Restart.
3. Test the USB device again after rebooting.

Restarting also reloads USB controller services that may have frozen in the background.

Check Device Manager

Device Manager can help identify USB driver or hardware issues.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
4. Look for warning icons or disabled devices.

If you see a problem device:

• Right-click it and select Update driver.
• If updating doesn’t help, select Uninstall device and restart your computer so Windows can reinstall the driver automatically.

Update Windows

Outdated Windows software can sometimes cause USB compatibility problems.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates.

Windows updates often include USB controller and hardware compatibility fixes.

Disable USB selective suspend

USB selective suspend is a Windows power-saving feature that disables inactive USB ports to save power. It can sometimes cause issues and is safe to disable.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Select Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
5. Set it to Disabled.

Check for physical damage

Inspect the USB cable, connector, and port for visible damage.

• Look for bent pins or loose connections.
• Test the device with another computer if possible.
• Try another cable if the device supports removable cables.

If the device works elsewhere, the issue is likely related to your computer’s USB hardware or software configuration.

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FAQ

Why won’t my USB device show up in Windows?

It could be a faulty port, outdated drivers, power settings, or a physical issue. Try a different port and check Device Manager for errors.

How do I reset USB ports in Windows?

Restart your computer. You can also uninstall USB controllers in Device Manager, then reboot to reinstall them automatically.

Will updating Windows fix USB problems?

It might. Software updates often include new drivers or bug fixes that can resolve connectivity issues.

What if none of these steps work?

If your USB ports still don’t respond, it may be a hardware issue. Our experts can help—check out our computer repair services for support.