All USB ports stopped working
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USB ports have made transferring files and connecting all kinds of devices to our computers pretty efficient. The connection is usually a hassle-free process, but the USB ports can sometimes start acting up and stop working correctly. You’ll notice that the system can’t detect the device you’re connecting to the ports, or Windows might give you an error message concerning the device. If you’re wondering why that’s happening suddenly and how to troubleshoot the issue, read on. Why Aren’t Front USB Ports Working?Issues that can cause USB ports not to work can be categorized into two groups: hardware defects or software issues. Software issues include outdated OS, BIOS, or drivers, USB Host Controller problems, wrong power management settings, troublesome hidden USB devices, incorrect registry settings, fast startup features, and so on. Hardware defects include a dirty or damaged USB port, loose internal connections, a faulty power supply or battery of a laptop, and so on. Let’s start troubleshooting the causes and find a solution that works for you. How To Fix A Front USB Port Not Working1. Restart Your PCWhenever someone experiences a problem like this, the first thing they hear is, “Restart your computer.” Although this method might seem old and unnecessary, it works for so many cases, so it is worth a try. Plug the USB device you’re trying to use into the faulty USB port and restart your PC normally. Check if the issue continues. Your next solution would be to hard reset the computer. You’ll have to turn the system off and hold the power button for about 30 seconds. This way, you’ll discharge the capacitors and empty the system from any electricity. Turn on your device normally afterward and try the USB port again. 2. Clean The PortDust and debris might have built up in the port and became embedded, preventing a proper connection between the computer and the plug. Look closely inside the ports, preferably with a flashlight. If you see anything blocking the area, clean it out with a small brush. Using condensed air can also work, but remember not to stick the spray nozzle directly into the port because the built-up condensed material can be damaging. Hopefully, the USB ports will start working again. 3. Install The Latest System UpdatesAn outdated Operating System may be causing the problem, so check for any new updates with the following steps:
4. Scan For Hardware ChangesAllowing the system to scan for hardware changes might help it detect the USB device you’re trying to connect to the port and solve the issue.
You might also get the USB ports working and get rid of the error by simply running the system troubleshooter.
5. Re-Enable The USB Host ControllersDisabling and re-enabling the USB Controllers will allow them to recover the unresponsive USB ports and make them work again.
Once Windows reboots, it’ll automatically install the USB Controllers again by itself.
6. Update The DriversOutdated drivers might be causing the USB port not to work. The previous steps might solve the issue with the drivers, but you could try using an automatic driver updater tool if you didn’t have any luck with them. An app like Driver Easy will recognize your system, detect its faulty, outdated, or corrupted drivers, and update them automatically to their latest versions:
Click on the Update button next to each for the automatic installation to start.
7. Check The Power SettingsThe USB Selective Suspend is a power settings feature that allows the system to cut the power to the USB ports to save the battery. It’ll look like the USB ports aren’t working, but actually, Windows has put them to sleep. To get rid of the issue, you’ll have to disable the feature:
8. Uninstall Hidden USB DevicesDevice Manager doesn’t show all the devices installed on your system by default, especially those that aren’t currently connected to your computer. The devices installed earlier will be hidden in the list, and they can cause issues and conflicts with the currently installed devices, causing USB port errors. Removing these devices will make way for the newer ones to work properly and solve the issue.
9. Update The BIOS And Check Its SettingsMany times, the motherboard is responsible for software-related issues that can happen for the USB ports. Updating the BIOS to its latest version might solve the problem that the motherboard is causing. There are different ways you can try updating the BIOS, but beforehand, let’s check if you already have the latest version installed:
Compare the date listed to the one you found on the manufacturer’s website and if it’s not the same, proceed to update your BIOS: A. Update The BIOS manually
B. Update The BIOS Using Update ApplicationsMost motherboard brands have their own dedicated applications for updating their BIOS version. Search for yours and download it from their official website and allow them to do the job. You may find yours in the following list: 10. Check The Power Supply Of Your LaptopIf you’re experiencing issues with your laptop’s ports, the culprit might be its power supply. The power supply should deliver power to the USB ports continuously, and if it fails to do so, they will stop working.
11. Remove The Laptop’s BatteryAgain, if the previous method didn’t work for the laptop users, you might have to remove the laptop’s battery to get rid of the “USB device not detected” error.
12. Turn Off Fast StartupIf you have Windows 10 installed, you might have noticed that it boots up pretty fast. That is because of the new fast startup feature. There’s a downside to the speed. Windows can’t detect some devices and ports because of the lack of time. Turn off the fast startup option and see if the problem persists:
13. Adjust The Registry SettingsYou might be able to solve the issue like many other users by changing the registry settings. But before doing anything around the registry editor, perform a backup.
14. Ensure The Internal Cables Are ConnectedIf you have a PC, its front USB ports might not be correctly connected to the motherboard via the dedicated cables. They might have gotten loose or damaged over time. Turn off the system and unplug the PC from the wall outlet. Open up the case and access the motherboard. Find the cables that connect the ports to the motherboard and check if they’re plugged in properly. 15. Check If The Port Is DamagedIf none of the mentioned methods has helped reactivate the USB ports and gotten them working again, there might be a chance that it’s permanently broken. One way to tell if this is true is by plugging a USB cable or flash drive into the port and wiggling it around. The USB port might have gotten unattached or damaged if the device can move freely and feels loose. You’ll have to take your computer to a repair shop and have an experienced technician look at it and possibly fix the issue. |