"Power Surge on the USB Port" Error in Windows

If you see a notification that says "Power surge on the USB port", this is a common Windows message that appears when a connected USB device is drawing more power than the port can provide.

The full message usually reads:

"Power surge on the USB port, A USB device has malfunctioned and exceeded the power limits of its hub port. You should disconnect the device."

This can happen for a few reasons: the USB device needs more power than the port can supply, the device or cable is faulty, your USB controller drivers need refreshing, or a power-saving setting has put the port to sleep at the wrong moment.

The steps below will help you sort this out quickly.

Before You Begin

• Make sure you have administrator access on your computer.
• Have your USB device and cable nearby.
• If you're using a USB hub, note whether it has its own power supply.

Step 1: Reset Your USB Connection

Start with the simplest fix first.

1. Disconnect all USB devices from your computer.
2. Select Reset on the error notification if it's still on screen.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Reconnect your USB device and check whether the error appears again.

If the error is gone, you're all set. If it comes back, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Try a Different Port or Cable

Before changing any settings, rule out the simplest hardware causes.

1. Try plugging your USB device into a different USB port on your computer.
2. If you have a spare cable, try a different cable too.
3. Check the USB port for any visible damage or debris.

If the device works on a different port, the original port may be faulty, contact Dell Support for further help. If the error follows the device to every port, continue to Step 3.

Step 3: Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can automatically find and fix common hardware issues.

1. Select the Start button, then select Settings.
2. Select System, then select Troubleshoot.
3. Select Other troubleshooters.
4. Scroll down to Hardware and Devices, and then select Run.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Get Help app to complete the troubleshooting process.
6. Restart your computer when the troubleshooter finishes, then reconnect your USB device.

If the error still shows up, continue to Step 4.

Step 4: Reinstall Your USB Controllers

Refreshing your USB controller drivers can clear up issues caused by outdated or corrupted software.

1. Disconnect your USB device from the computer.
2. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type devmgmt.msc and then select OK. Device Manager opens.
4. Select the arrow next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers to expand the section.
5. Right-click the first device listed under Universal Serial Bus Controllers, and then select Uninstall device.
6. Repeat step 5 for each device listed under Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
7. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the USB controller drivers.
8. Reconnect your USB device and check whether the error is resolved.

If the error continues, go to Step 5.

Step 5: Turn Off USB Selective Suspend

Windows has a power-saving feature called USB Selective Suspend that can occasionally put a USB port to sleep at the wrong moment and trigger this error. Turning it off keeps your USB ports consistently powered.

1. Select the Start button, type Control Panel in the search box, and then press Enter.
2. Select Hardware and Sound, then select Power Options.
3. Select Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
4. Select Change advanced power settings.
5. In the Power Options window, expand USB settings, then expand USB selective suspend setting.
6. Change the setting to Disabled for both On battery and Plugged in.
7. Select Apply, and then select OK.
8. Restart your computer and check whether the error is resolved.

Note: Disabling USB Selective Suspend may slightly increase power consumption on laptops. You can re-enable it at any time by following the same steps and setting it back to Enabled.

If the error persists, continue to Step 6.

Step 6: Update Your Dell BIOS

An outdated system firmware (BIOS) can sometimes cause your computer to misread the power needs of a USB device. Updating to the latest version can resolve this.

The easiest way to check for and install a BIOS update on your Dell computer is through Dell SupportAssist, which comes pre-installed on most Dell PCs.

1. Select the Start button, type SupportAssist in the search box, and then press Enter.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If a BIOS update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
4. Restart your computer when the update is complete, then reconnect your USB device.

If the error still appears, continue to Step 7.

Step 7: Use a Powered USB Hub

Some USB devices, like external hard drives, certain webcams, or charging accessories, need more power than a standard USB port on a laptop or desktop provides. In that case, a powered USB hub is the best solution.

A powered USB hub has its own power adapter, so it delivers the extra power your device needs without putting any extra demand on your computer's ports.

1. Purchase a powered USB hub, one that comes with its own AC power adapter.
2. Plug the USB hub into a wall outlet using its power adapter.
3. Connect the USB hub to your computer's USB port.
4. Connect your device to the powered USB hub instead of directly to your computer.

Check whether your device works normally with this setup.

Step 8: Run Dell's USB Diagnostics

If none of the steps above resolved the issue, Dell's diagnostics tool can help determine whether there's a hardware problem with your USB port.

1. Go to the Dell USB Diagnostics page.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan and test your USB ports.
3. Review the results and follow any recommended actions.

Still Need Help?

If you've worked through all the steps above and the error persists, your USB port may need a repair. Contact Dell Support for repairs options based on your device's warranty status.