Struggling with USB ports that won’t respond? Whether your mouse suddenly stops working or your external drive won’t connect, faulty USB ports can disrupt both productivity and gaming experiences. Fortunately, there are several ways to troubleshoot these issues before calling in tech support.
1. Test Different Ports and Devices
First, try plugging the device into another USB port. If it works, the issue is likely isolated. You should also swap cables or try a different device (e.g., keyboard or printer) to ensure the problem isn’t with the accessory itself.
2. Know Your Charging Ports
If your laptop is plugged in but not charging, especially via USB-C, check if the port is data-only. Manufacturers often label ports with icons—look for a charging symbol to find the correct port for power delivery.
3. Clean Out Dust and Debris
Sometimes the issue is physical. Use a flashlight to inspect inside the port. If you notice dust or food debris, turn off the device and gently remove it using a wooden toothpick or canned air—being careful not to insert the nozzle directly.
4. Look for Loose Connections
If the USB port feels loose or the device only connects when wiggled, there may be hardware damage. In this case, opening the chassis may be necessary—or you may need professional repair services.
5. Restart and Update Your System
Internal errors can cause USB failures. A simple restart may resolve the issue. Updating your operating system and USB drivers can also help. For Windows, head to Settings > Windows Update. On macOS, open System Settings or Preferences to find Software Update.
6. Manually Reinstall USB Drivers (Windows)
If updates fail, uninstall the USB Host Controllers in Device Manager and reboot your PC. This forces the system to reinstall fresh drivers and can often resolve the issue.
7. Reset SMC on Mac
For Mac users, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can help. Depending on your device model, the process varies. Visit Apple’s official site for step-by-step instructions.
8. Adjust Power Management Settings
Windows may suspend USB ports to save power. To fix this, type “Power Plan” in the search bar and go to Edit Power Plan > Advanced Settings > USB Settings. Disable USB selective suspend and restart your computer.