What to do if the USB port stops working

USB port not working? Given the widespread use of doors of this type, the problem can cause serious problems. USB port stops working? Don’t Panic and Take Action

In fact, nowadays all external computer peripherals work through this type of port: from the mouse to the keyboard. Whether it’s wired or wireless devices, in fact, a USB port malfunction can greatly simplify the use of the device, as well as lead to a lot of problems and wasted time.

Despite the advancement in technology, USB connectors remain quite fragile both on the hardware and software side, so this type of failure is far from rare.

In this guide, we will delve into this problem, trying to understand what can actually be done to solve it.

Even though computers have multiple USB sockets, even if only one gets compromised, there can be “overload” issues with some useful peripherals that can’t be connected properly.

For a simple solution to this condition, you can use a USB hub to increase the number of available connectors. However, in addition to this decision, it is necessary to carefully investigate the reasons that blocked the intruder door.

Rule out some causes

First, plug your device into a different USB port if your computer has more than one to see if the issue is with one port. You can also try a different cable with your peripheral attached; make sure the existing one is not torn, melted or otherwise damaged.

Another option is to switch devices. If the mouse is not working on a particular port, try using your keyboard or printer instead to see if there is a problem with the device itself. Or connect the device to another computer if you have one.

Is this the right door?

Want to charge your laptop with a USB Type-C port? Some manufacturers designate certain ports as data only, meaning that they can transfer data but not power.

Check your USB ports to see how they are labeled. Some may have a charger plug icon or something similar to indicate that it is for charging. If you want to charge through a data-only port, switching to a charging port should fix the problem.

clear the door

Take a closer look at your non-functioning USB ports – debris or dirt can block them and prevent a proper connection between your computer and connected peripherals. If the cable does not connect, dust or something else may have accumulated inside.

If you plug in the device and manage to connect briefly by moving it slightly, it’s most likely a physical issue. At this point, you may need to open the computer case to see if you can fix the port yourself or call a professional.

Reload and update

Perhaps all you need for a USB port is a quick reboot. Sometimes there is a software error that can prevent the components from working properly, and after restarting the computer, it fixes the problem on its own. In Windows, click Start Menu – Power Button – Restart. On a Mac, click Apple – Restart.

The issue you are experiencing can also be resolved by updating your computer. Drivers used to operate USB connectors can cause problems and require updates over time. Driver updates are usually included with regular system updates, so it’s worth a try.

On Windows, go to Settings – Update & Security – Windows Update and click the Check for Updates button. Click the Download and Install button if an update is available. Mac users can open System Preferences – Software Updates to check for available updates.

USB controller management

If the USB port stops working and the previous troubleshooting methods were unsuccessful, you should still focus on the drivers.

Your USB ports are controlled by their own drivers. If something is wrong with these drivers, it all shows up with unused USB ports. Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager from the list. Scroll down to “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” and expand the list. Look for the option that has USB Host Controller in its name.

Right-click the entry and select Remove device. If there are multiple ads with similar titles, do the same for everyone. Wait for the drivers to uninstall and then restart your computer. The USB host controllers will be reinstalled automatically on reboot and hopefully this fix will fix any issues.

On a Mac, things work a little differently. The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for many of the hardware functions on a Mac. So if you can’t get the USB port to work, you can reset the SMC. The method depends on whether it’s an Intel-based Mac, has a removable battery, or includes a T2 security chip.

In this sense, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the directives that apply to each individual computer model.

Disable USB selective suspend

The power management settings on your computer may interfere with USB ports. Selective Suspend can disable the USB port when not in use to save battery, but can also sometimes disable the port when you try to use it. When this happens, you can go to Power Options and disable this setting.

Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and select the appropriate item. Go to Power Options – Change plan settings – Change advanced power settings. Find USB Settings, then select the USB Selective Suspend setting. Turn off the options next to the On Battery and Connected fields, then click Apply. You then need to restart your computer to see if specific results can be achieved.

If nothing seems to be working…

USB ports tend to be fragile, and if you’re not tactful when plugging and unplugging connectors, they can get damaged. So, if none of the previous methods were successful, it’s possible that the damage is physical and therefore all you have to do is see a professional or use one of the ports left on your PC and add a USB hub.

After that, you should replace the hardware socket and install another one that is fully functional.