Your Dell computer may be experiencing a USB-related issue if you notice one or more of the following symptoms.
CauseUSB-related issues can be caused due to incompatible device, outdated, incorrect, or corrupt drivers, damaged USB ports or cables, faulty USB port, and so on. ResolutionNOTE: Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure to disconnect the USB devices from the computer. Expand the sections below for more information and follow the troubleshooting steps in a sequence. NOTE:
WARNING: Some troubleshooting steps require you to restart the computer. Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure to bookmark open web pages, and save open documents, spreadsheets, or other unsaved work. CAUTION: USB devices must be turned off or safely ejected before they are disconnected from the computer. Most USB devices support the Windows Safely Remove Hardware feature. Dell Technologies recommends ensuring that the device drivers and BIOS are up to date using the SupportAssist application for optimal USB performance and to resolve common USB-related issues. To run the SupportAssist application, perform the following steps.
Optimize your System using SupportAssistDuration: 00:32 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers. Learn more about Dell BIOS Updates. NOTE: Dell Technologies recommends restarting the computer after installing the driver updates. Update your System Setup (BIOS)Duration: 02:06 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. If the issue persists, go to the next step. USB performance issues may occur if there is any type of damage that is caused to the USB cable or the USB ports on the computer. You may experience symptoms such as USB device stops working, works intermittently, or the USB cable wiggles when you plug it in to the computer. USB cables and ports are exposed to elements that may cause a build-up of dust or even physical damage. If you notice that the port or connector has dust or other contaminants, use a can of compressed air to clean the ports and connectors. WARNING: Do not use any type of cleaning solution, water, or even a damp cloth. Disconnect the USB device and the cable before using the can of compressed air to clean the ports and connectors. If you notice a physical damage, contact Dell Technical Support to learn more about repair options that are available in your region. If there is no damage, go to the next step. Sometimes, outdated or incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings cause USB issues. It is recommended that you reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory defaults. To access the BIOS or UEFI, also called System Setup on your Dell computer:
If the issue persists, go to the next step. Running a hardware diagnostic test can help you identify hardware-related problems and provide you with troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue. To determine if your Dell computer is experiencing a hardware problem, it is recommended that you first run a hardware diagnostic test. Dell offers both integrated and online diagnostics. Running a hardware diagnostic test using Dell SupportAssistIf the computer can boot into Windows and has an active Internet connection, run a USB test on the Dell computer using Dell SupportAssist. Running Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Assessment or enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (Dell PSA or ePSA)
Diagnose Hardware Issues on Your Dell Laptop or Desktop using Dell ePSA Diagnostic TestDuration: 01:34 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. To verify if the USB device is faulty, unplug the USB device from the computer and plug it into another computer. If the device is not detected and is not working on another known-good computer too, the USB device is faulty. Contact the device manufacturer to check the warranty status and find out repair options for the USB device. If the USB device is working correctly on another computer, go to the next step. Windows Device Manager can help you identify and troubleshoot any device driver-related issues with the USB device. To view the USB devices in Windows Device Manager:
If the issue persists, go to the next step. Microsoft Windows includes various troubleshooters that are designed to quickly diagnose and automatically resolve many personal computer problems. Although Windows Troubleshooter cannot fix hardware problems, they are a great place to start if you encounter a problem with the computer. Windows Troubleshooters are built into the Control Panel in Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8 or 8.1. How to run the Windows hardware troubleshooter in Windows 11?
How to run the Windows hardware troubleshooter in Microsoft Windows 10?
How to run the Windows hardware troubleshooter in Microsoft Windows 8 or 8.1?
If the issue persists, go to the next step. Windows updates can support your Windows operating system in many ways. Windows updates can solve specific problems, provide protection from malicious attacks, or even add new features to the operating system. How to install Windows Updates on Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 8 or 8.1?
If the issue persists, go to the next step. If the problem persists, uninstalling the USB Host Controller and USB Root Hubs force the computer to reinstall the USB root hub during restart. NOTE: After uninstalling the USB Root Hub or USB Host Controller, your USB keyboard and mouse will stop responding. Manually force a shutdown by pressing and holding the power button for 20 seconds.
To refresh the USB root hub on the computer:
NOTE: You may be required to install the USB device drivers and application. Follow the device manufacturer's instructions to install the USB device. If the issue persists, go to the next step. Windows Safe Mode allows us to identify if the issue is related to the operating system, device drivers, or a third-party software. To learn more about how to boot your Dell computer into Safe Mode, see the Dell knowledge-base article below based on the operating system that is installed on the computer:
How to boot into Safe Mode with NetworkingDuration: 0:50 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. After the computer is booted into the Safe Mode, . If the issue persists, go to the next step. System Restore is an integrated Windows tool that is designed to protect and repair the operating system. When something goes wrong with the computer, System Restore must be used before restoring the computer to factory defaults or reinstalling the operating system. Select the operating system that is installed on the computer to find more information about how to perform System Restore:
If the issue persists, go to the next step. If the diagnostic tests on the USB ports passed, it is most definitely an issue that is related to software installed on the computer. If the above troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue, you can try to restore the computer to factory defaults as a last resort. Dell computers are built with a small amount of hard disk space that is reserved for reinstalling your operating system. This method is the easiest way to restore the computer to factory condition. The restoration process deletes all user data from the computer, so be sure to back up all your files prior to starting this process. WARNING: Restoring the computer to factory defaults or reinstalling the operating system using any recovery media erase all data on the computer. Ensure to back up all important data like documents, spreadsheets, images, and videos before restoring or reinstalling the operating system. Select the Operating System installed on the computer to find more information about how to restore the computer to factory defaults:
NOTE: After restoring or reinstalling the operating system, it is recommended that you download and install the latest device drivers from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website. Perform a Reset in Windows 10Duration: 01:36 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. Additional InformationRecommended ArticlesHere are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.
Helpful videosUSB Devices Not Working in WindowsWatch this video to learn how to troubleshoot and fix USB devices not working in Windows 10. The same instructions apply to Windows 11. Duration: 04:28 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. Dell Guide to USB-C and ThunderboltWatch this video to learn about USB-C and Thunderbolt. Find instructions about how to troubleshoot and fix issues with USB-C and Thunderbolt. Duration: 04:36 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. USB ExplainedWatch this video to learn about USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 ports on a Dell computer. Duration: 02:50 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player. NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China personal computer customers. Server and Storage are not applicable. Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations , Dell USB-C to HDMI 2.0 / USB-A 3.0 Adapter, Dell Adapter - USB-C to HDMI 2.1 - SA124, Dell Adapter USB-C to 2.5G Ethernet - SA224 |