Quick answer
First check whether the problem is the device or the port itself: try another USB device and another port, then restart the computer. If the ports still do not work, check Device Manager in Windows, the power settings of the USB controllers and the fast startup settings, and on a laptop also the physical condition of the connector.
How to recognize the problem
- Mouse, keyboard or flash drive is not recognized when plugged in
- USB device appears then disappears, or works only intermittently
- Port charges the phone but does not transfer data
- Windows shows a message about an unknown USB device
- No port responds, but the device works on another computer
Most common causes
Faulty device or cable
The most common culprit is not the port but the device itself, the cable or a physically damaged connector. That is why the device should be ruled out as the cause first.
USB controller driver problem
Windows can lose or damage the USB controller driver, especially after a major update. The ports then stop responding even though the hardware is fine.
Power saving on USB ports
Power settings can turn off the USB controller to save power, so the device occasionally disappears or does not wake up at all.
Fast startup and leftover previous state
The fast startup option in Windows does not shut down the system completely, so a USB driver error carries over from session to session.
Physical damage to the port or motherboard
A broken or loose connector, dust or a damaged controller on the motherboard require service, not just a software solution.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check the device and the port
Plug the same device into another USB port, then try another device in the port that is not working. If the device works in another port, the problem is the port; if it does not work in any port, the problem is the device or cable. Also try another cable if it is a phone or external drive.
- 2
Restart the computer
Do a restart, not just closing the laptop lid. A restart is the first step that solves a large number of cases.
- 3
Check Device Manager
Open
Device Managervia the Start menu search and expandUniversal Serial Bus controllers. If a controller has a yellow exclamation mark, right-click it and selectUpdate driverthenSearch automatically for drivers. If that does not help, selectUninstall deviceand restart the computer so Windows reinstalls the driver. If you use a USB mouse and keyboard, they may temporarily stop working until the restart. - 4
Turn off power saving on USB controllers
In
Device Manager, open the properties of the USB controller and on thePower Managementtab turn offAllow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Repeat for all items underUniversal Serial Bus controllerswhere that tab is available and restart the computer. - 5
Check the power plan
Open
Control Panel > Power Optionsand select theBalancedplan or, if available,High performance. In the advanced plan settings, findUSB settings > USB selective suspendand set it toDisabled, then test the device. - 6
Turn off fast startup
Open
Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons doand clickChange settings that are currently unavailable. Turn offTurn on fast startup, save the changes and do a full shutdown and then power on the computer. - 7
Check Windows Update and chipset drivers
Open
Settings > Windows Updateand install all available patches. Then download the latest chipset driver from the motherboard or laptop manufacturer's website and install it, because it also contains the part for USB controllers. - 8
Test in another environment
If possible, boot the computer from a USB flash drive with a Linux distribution or enter the BIOS and check whether the mouse and keyboard work there. If the ports work in the BIOS but not in Windows, the problem is software; if they do not work in the BIOS either, it is probably hardware.
If nothing helped
When the ports do not work in the BIOS either, nor after reinstalling the drivers, the USB controller or the connector itself is probably damaged. On a desktop computer you can temporarily solve the problem by adding a PCIe card with USB ports or a USB hub with its own power supply, but that is a workaround. On a laptop, repairing the port is demanding because often the whole motherboard is replaced or precision soldering is done. Before service, back up your data and write down the exact computer model. If it is a business computer with important data, do not take it apart yourself, as you may lose the warranty.
How to prevent it
- Pull out the USB device straight, without pulling the cable to the side
- Do not keep the flash drive permanently plugged in while transporting the laptop
- Regularly install Windows Update and chipset drivers
- Occasionally clean the ports of dust with compressed air
When to call a professional
If the ports do not work in the BIOS either, if the connector is physically damaged or it is a business laptop under warranty, it is better to leave the repair to a service center or IT support than to take the device apart yourself.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does my USB port charge the phone but not recognize data?
This usually means the cable is for charging only or the data line in the cable is damaged. Try another cable and another port, and on the phone check whether a data transfer mode is selected, not just charging.
Is it safe to uninstall USB controllers in Device Manager?
Yes, because Windows reinstalls the drivers on the next startup. Uninstall the controllers one by one and finally restart the computer, and connect the mouse and keyboard via PS/2 or another port if possible.
Can I use a USB hub if the ports do not work?
You can, but a hub with its own power supply is more reliable than a cheap passive hub. Keep in mind that the hub does not repair the port but bypasses it, so the real solution is still service or controller replacement.