First, check if the USB port is faulty by testing with a different device, trying another port, and inspecting for physical damage. 2. Update or reinstall USB drivers via Device Manager by uninstalling them and scanning for hardware changes. 3. Disable USB Selective Suspend in Power Options to prevent Windows from powering down USB ports. 4. Install pending Windows updates and check the manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates to resolve compatibility issues. 5. Reset the system by disconnecting power and holding the power button to clear electrical residue. 6. If problems persist, test USB functionality in Linux or after a clean Windows install; if ports still fail, especially in BIOS, hardware repair may be necessary. Most USB port issues are software-related and can be resolved without replacing hardware by following these steps systematically.

If your USB port isn’t working in Windows, it can be frustrating—especially if you rely on it for peripherals, charging, or data transfer. The good news is that most USB port issues can be fixed without replacing hardware. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and fix a non-working USB port.

1. Check the Basics First

Before diving into software settings, rule out simple causes:

• Try a different USB device – Plug in a known-working device (like a mouse or flash drive) to see if the issue is with the port or the original device.
• Test the device on another computer – This confirms whether the USB device itself is faulty.
• Use a different USB port – See if other ports on your computer work.
• Inspect the port physically – Look for bent pins, dust, or debris. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean it gently.
• Avoid using USB hubs or extension cables – Connect devices directly to the PC.

If another port works, the original port may be damaged. If no ports work, the issue is likely software or driver-related.

2. Restart and Update USB Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of USB port failure.

Here’s how to update or reinstall USB drivers:

1. Press Win X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
3. Right-click each USB-related entry (especially those with a yellow exclamation mark) and choose Uninstall device.
4. After uninstalling, click Action > Scan for hardware changes at the top of Device Manager.
   • Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.
5. Restart your computer.

? Tip: You don’t need to manually download drivers for standard USB controllers—Windows handles them. But if you have a motherboard-specific USB driver (e.g., Intel or AMD chipset), check your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website for updates.

3. Disable USB Selective Suspend (Power Saving)

Windows sometimes turns off USB ports to save power, which can cause them to stop working.

To disable this:

1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
2. Click Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.
3. Click Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
5. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
6. Click Apply > OK and restart your PC.

This prevents Windows from powering down USB ports unexpectedly.

4. Check for Windows and BIOS Updates

• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Microsoft often releases fixes for hardware compatibility.
• Update BIOS/UEFI: Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website and check for BIOS updates. A BIOS update can resolve USB compatibility issues—especially on newer systems with USB-C or USB 3.x ports.
  • ?? Be cautious: Follow instructions carefully when updating BIOS, as improper updates can brick your system.

5. Reset Power Management and Hardware

Sometimes, simply resetting the system helps:

• Unplug the PC (if desktop) and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain residual power.
• For laptops, shut down, unplug the charger, and if possible, remove the battery for a minute.
• Plug back in and restart.

This can reset USB controllers and fix temporary glitches.

6. Check for Hardware Failure

If none of the above works:

• Test with a live Linux USB – Boot from a Linux USB stick. If USB ports work there, the issue is Windows-specific.
• Try the port after a clean Windows install – This confirms if software corruption is the root cause.
• Consider hardware repair – If a specific port is loose, damaged, or not recognized even in BIOS, it may need soldering or replacement—especially on laptops.

In most cases, the problem isn’t the port itself but drivers, power settings, or system glitches. Start with the software fixes, and only consider hardware repair if all else fails.

Basically, it’s not complicated—just methodical.

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