How to Fix USB Port Issues on Your Dell Computer

Is a USB device not connecting to your Dell computer? Whether it's a flash drive, mouse, keyboard, printer, or external hard drive, this guide walks you through everything you can do to get it working again.

Start with the quick fixes on the Dell Support Library page for USB issues. If those steps didn't help, continue here for more advanced troubleshooting.

Before You Begin

A few things to take care of before you start:

• Disconnect all USB devices from your computer.
• Save any open files and bookmark open web pages. Some steps require a restart.
• Make sure your USB device is safely ejected before unplugging it. Use the Safely Remove Hardware option in the taskbar when available.

Signs Your USB Port May Have an Issue

You might have a USB port issue if you notice any of the following:

• A USB device is not detected or recognized when you plug it in.
• The USB device connects and disconnects on its own.
• You see an error message related to a USB driver.
• Data transfers from a USB device are much slower than usual.
• Common error messages include: "USB Device Not Recognized," "Power Surge on the USB Port," "Device Descriptor Request Failed," and "This device cannot start (Code 10)."

Quick Recap: Steps from the USB Troubleshooting Guide

Before moving on, make sure you've already tried these steps from the USB Troubleshooting Guide:

• Inspecting the USB port and cable for dust, debris, or physical damage.
• Restarting your computer.
• Trying a different USB port on your computer.
• Checking that USB ports are enabled in your BIOS settings.
• Updating your drivers and BIOS using SupportAssist.
• Adjusting power management settings to prevent Windows from turning off USB ports.
• Disabling the USB Selective Suspend setting in your power plan.
• Uninstalling and reinstalling USB controllers in Device Manager.
• Testing your USB device on another computer to see if it works.
• Running Dell hardware diagnostics for USB ports.

If you haven't tried those steps yet, visit the USB Troubleshooting Guide first.

Still having issues? The steps below pick up where the troubleshooting leaves off.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Optimize Your System with SupportAssist

SupportAssist is Dell's automated tool that checks your computer for driver and firmware updates. Keeping these up to date is one of the most effective ways to fix USB issues.

To run SupportAssist:

1. Press the Windows key and type SupportAssist in the search box.
2. Select SupportAssist from the list of results.
3. On the Home tab, select Update software.
4. Select Start to scan for driver and BIOS updates.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the updates. Restart your computer when prompted.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

Step 2: Check for Physical Damage

Physical damage to a USB port or cable can cause all kinds of connection issues, from a device not being recognized to unreliable connections.

To check for physical damage:

1. Inspect the USB port and cable connector for visible damage, such as bent or broken pins.
2. If you see dust or debris inside the port, use a can of compressed air to clean it. Hold the can upright and use short bursts.
3. Check if the cable feels loose or wiggles when plugged in. Try a different cable if you have one.
4. Plug the USB device into another computer to confirm whether the device itself is working correctly.

If you notice physical damage to the port, contact Dell Technical Support to learn about repair options in your location. If there's no visible damage, go to the next step.

Step 3: Reset BIOS to Default Settings

Your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) controls how hardware components work, including USB ports. Incorrect or misconfigured BIOS settings can sometimes interfere with USB ports. Resetting the BIOS to its default settings can help.

To reset the BIOS to default settings:

1. Restart your computer.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press the F2 key several times to enter the BIOS settings.
3. In the BIOS settings, press F9 or look for an option called Load Defaults or Restore Default Settings.
4. Save changes and exit.
5. Your computer restarts automatically. Check if the USB device works now.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

Step 4: Check Device Manager for Errors

Windows Device Manager shows you whether your USB devices have driver or configuration issues. Here's how to check it.

To open Device Manager:

1. Press Windows + R on the keyboard.
2. Type devmgmt.msc in the box and press Enter.
3. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers to see your USB devices.

Look for any devices with a warning symbol next to them. Here's what each symbol means and what to do:

If the issue continues after following the steps in the table, go to the next step.

Step 5: Run the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common hardware issues.

Method A: Use Windows Settings (Recommended for Windows 11)

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Hardware and Devices in the list and select Run.
3. Select Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Method B: Run the Troubleshooter from Terminal

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
3. When the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter opens, select Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

Step 6: Install Windows 11 Updates

Windows updates can fix known bugs, improve hardware compatibility, and resolve driver-related issues. Make sure your computer is fully up to date.

1. Select Start, then go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. Download and install any available updates, then restart your computer when prompted.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

Step 7: Refresh USB Controllers in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows 11 with only the essential programs and drivers running. If refreshing the USB controllers works in Safe Mode but not normally, the problem is likely caused by a third-party app or driver conflict.

To boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11:

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
3. After your computer restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Advanced options, then select Startup Settings, then select Restart.
5. When the Startup Settings menu appears, press 5 or F5 to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking. (Press 4 or F4 for standard Safe Mode without network access.)
6. Once in Safe Mode, follow the steps in Step 8 to refresh the USB Host Controllers and USB Root Hubs.
7. Restart your computer normally to exit Safe Mode, then check if the USB device works.

For detailed Safe Mode guidance, see the Dell article: How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

Step 8: Use Windows System Restore

If the USB ports were working before and stopped after a recent change such as a software installation or a Windows update. System Restore can take your computer back to a point when everything was working correctly.

System Restore is turned off by default in Windows 11. You must enable it before you can use it. If you haven't enabled it previously, skip to Step 11.

Step A: Enable System Restore (if not already on)

1. Press the Windows key and type Create a restore point, then select the result.
2. In the System Properties window, select your main system drive (usually C:) under Protection Settings.
3. Select Configure, then select Turn on system protection.
4. Select Apply, then select OK.

Step B: Run System Restore

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
2. In the System Restore window, select Next.
3. Select the restore point you want to use from the list. Choose a point from before the USB issue started.
4. Select Scan for affected programs to see which apps will be removed (optional but helpful).
5. Select Next, then Finish to start the restore process.
6. Your computer restarts as part of the restore process. Check if the USB device works after it starts back up.

If System Restore didn't help or wasn't available, there's one more option you can try.

Step 9: Reset Your Computer to Factory Settings

If all other steps haven't resolved the issue and your hardware diagnostic tests passed, the problem may be related to Windows software or settings. As a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 to its original factory state.

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Under Recovery options, find Reset this PC and select Reset PC.
3. Choose Remove everything for the cleanest reset, or Keep my files if you want to keep your personal data but remove apps and settings.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

For detailed reset instructions, see the Dell article: Repair or Restore your Computer.

Still Need Help?

If you've tried all the steps in this guide and the USB port still isn't working, the issue may need a hardware repair. Our team is ready to help.

• Contact Dell Technical Support to discuss repair options based on your warranty status.
• Check your coverage at Dell Support Services.
• Join the Dell Community to get tips and advice from other Dell users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I fix a physically damaged USB port myself?

A: Minor issues like dust or debris can often be cleaned with a can of compressed air. For ports with bent pins or other physical damage, contact Dell Technical Support for a professional repair assessment.

Q:Why does my USB device work on another computer but not on mine?

A: This usually points to a driver issue or a port configuration problem on your computer. Follow the steps in this guide starting from Step 5 (Device Manager) to resolve driver-related issues.

Q:Do USB ports need special drivers?

A: Standard USB ports use plug-and-play technology, so Windows 11 installs the necessary drivers automatically. However, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt ports may need specific drivers. Use SupportAssist to keep all your drivers current.

Q:How do I know if my USB port is USB 2.0 or USB 3.0?

A: USB 3.0 ports typically have a blue plastic insert inside the port or a small "SS" (SuperSpeed) symbol printed next to them. You can also check your computer's specifications in your user manual on the Dell Manuals page.

Q:Why doesn't my Thunderbolt port work with my docking station?

A: Make sure the docking station is connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled port on your computer — these are identified by a lightning bolt symbol. Also make sure your Thunderbolt drivers are up to date. Use SupportAssist to check for and install any available updates.

Q:Can I use third-party tools to update my USB drivers?

A: Dell recommends using only Dell-provided tools such as SupportAssist or Dell Command | Update or downloading drivers directly from the Dell Drivers & Downloads page. This ensures you get verified, compatible drivers for your specific computer.

Q:What if System Restore isn't available on my computer?

A: System Restore is turned off by default in Windows 11. If you haven't enabled it before the issue started, there won't be any restore points available. In this case, try the factory reset option in Step 11, or contact Dell Technical Support for further help.