1. Check the Connections:
The first step in fixing an issue with USB connections is to make sure that the cords are properly and securely connected. Check that the USB cable is plugged into both the computer and the device correctly on each end. Also, be sure to check that no dirt or debris is obstructing the connection.
2. Try One of the USB Ports:
If possible, try plugging the USB device into another USB port on the computer. It may be possible that the ports are not working correctly.
3. Restart the Device:
If the device itself is not functioning correctly, try restarting it. This can often help to reboot the device and reset any potential conflicts or issues.
4. Update Drivers:
Outdated drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Make sure that all of the drivers on the computer are up-to-date by checking for updates directly from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Troubleshoot Hardware and Devices:
Windows has a built-in Hardware and Devices troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common USB device issues. On Windows 10, this feature can be accessed through the “Settings” app > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot”.
6. Reinstall USB Controllers:
Sometimes outdated or corrupted USB controllers can cause USB issues. To resolve this, you can use the Device Manager to reinstall USB controllers. To do this on Windows 10, right-click “This PC” in File Explorer and select “Manage”. In Computer Management, select “Device Manager” and then expand “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”. Right-click each USB controller and select “Uninstall Device”. When complete, reboot the computer and the controllers will automatically be reinstalled.
7. Use the Windows System File Checker:
If the issue is related to missing or corrupt system files, the Windows System File Checker (sfc /scannow) can help. This command-line utility scans for any missing or corrupted system files, and replaces them with the correct versions. To run the System File Checker on Windows 10, open an elevated Command Prompt window by right-clicking Start and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”. Enter sfc /scannow and press Enter.
8. Disable Power Saving Settings:
Some power saving settings can cause issues with USB devices. To disable these, open the Power Options menu in Control Panel (or Settings app on Windows 10). Select “Change plan settings” and then select “Change advanced power settings”. Expand “USB settings” and then set both “USB selective suspend setting” options to “Disabled”.
9. Check USB Power Settings:
Some USB devices require more power than others. If the USB device is not working properly, check the power settings in the device manager. To do this, open Device Manager and expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”. Right-click each USB controller, select “Properties”, and switch to the “Power Management” tab. Make sure that “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is unchecked for all USB controllers.
10. Enable USB Legacy Support:
By default, USB legacy support is disabled in many computers. Unfortunately, this can cause issues with some USB devices. To enable legacy support, open the BIOS setup menu by pressing the appropriate key during startup. Look for a setting called “USB legacy support” and set it to “Enabled”. Save the changes and reboot the computer.
11. Reset the Host Controller:
If the issue persists after trying all of the above steps, you may need to reset the USB host controller. To do this, open Device Manager and expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”. Right-click each USB host controller, select “Uninstall Device”, and then reboot the computer. The controllers will automatically be reinstalled when you restart the computer.
12. Replace Damaged Parts:
If the issue is related to a broken or damaged part, you may need to replace the part before the issue can be resolved. If the issue is related to a damaged USB port, consult the manual for your computer (or contact the manufacturer) to find out how to replace the port. Alternatively, if the issue is related to a damaged USB cable, try replacing it with a new one.