USB Ports Troubleshooting Tips: work is so busy, and we hate sitting on hold or replace hardware when simple Microsoft Windows troubleshooting can fix the problem. This guide provides a quick, step-by-step process to troubleshoot repairable issues on your USB ports on a Windows 10 laptop in minutes.

USE CASE: USB Ports Troubleshooting Tips

Windows 10 Laptop connected to a Multi-laptop KVM to a HDMI Monitor, with shared Mice, and Keyboard switch stopped displaying the monitor. The Mice and Keyboard on another USB was working. The HDMI Monitor connected to the laptop using an HDMI Cable to an HDMI via USB C Adapter.

Problem could be with:

• Original Windows System
• Original HDMI Adapter Cable
• Original Laptop HDMI-USB-C Adapter

Whenever you can check out the Windows Troubleshooter Windows 10. Sometimes however, we need to check manually, and to that effort, we dedicate this knowledge article.

1. Restart Your Computer

Start by restarting your laptop. Often, a quick reboot can resolve many system or device issues on Windows. If the restart works, great! You’ve fixed the problem with a simple reboot. If not, move on to the next step.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: None needed if resolved

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2. Check HDMI Cable Connectivity

Try swapping the HDMI cable from your laptop with a working laptop’s cable. If the other laptop works with the HDMI connection but your original laptop doesn’t, the issue may be with your HDMI port or adapter. If you have an HDMI-to-USB-C adapter, test it with the known working cable to eliminate adapter failure. Consider a replacement if needed.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Replace faulty HDMI cable, adapter, or KVM switch

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3. Inspect the USB Port and Device Connection

Look closely at the USB port for any dust or physical damage. Use compressed air to clear debris, and clean the port gently with an alcohol-soaked Q-tip. If the device works in another port but not the original, the problem could be with that specific port or the USB drivers.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Replace faulty port (hardware issue) or update drivers

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4. Update or Reinstall USB Drivers

Search for Device Manager from the taskbar. Once opened, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, then right-click each controller to update the driver. If updating doesn’t help, uninstall the driver and restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Software solution—update or reinstall drivers

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5. Adjust Windows Power Settings

Navigate to Control Panel > Power Options. Select Change plan settings, then disable USB selective suspend under the USB settings. This prevents your USB ports from powering down unexpectedly.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Software solution—power settings adjustment

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6. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Head to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select Hardware and Devices to let Windows identify and possibly fix the issue.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Software solution—troubleshoot with Windows

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7. Check for Windows Updates

In Settings, navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for updates to ensure your system is up to date with the latest fixes and patches.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Software solution—install Windows updates

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8. Reset BIOS Settings

Restart your laptop, and during startup press F2 or Delete to enter the BIOS. Restore the default settings and save changes. This can sometimes correct USB and HDMI issues.

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Solution: Software solution—reset BIOS

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9. Use System Restore

If none of the above steps work, try System Restore. Search for it in the Start menu, select a restore point, and follow the instructions to revert your system to an earlier state when the USB ports were functioning correctly.

• Skill level: Do-it-yourself
• Solution: Software solution—use System Restore

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When to Seek Help

In IT Support: If the steps above don’t fix the issue, or if you’re not comfortable performing the troubleshooting, it may be time to seek technical support. If you suspect a hardware issue (like a faulty USB port, HDMI cable, or KVM switch), you may need to replace parts or get professional assistance.

How a Beginner gets Started in IT Support Services

Free Training Resources:

Resource	Overview	Why It’s Great	Link
Google IT Support (Coursera)	Start with basic IT skills like networking and troubleshooting.	No experience needed, hands-on labs included.	Google IT Support
Microsoft Learn	Explore Microsoft technologies, from Azure to networking.	Self-paced, beginner-friendly, covers a wide range of IT roles.	Microsoft Learn
Cisco Networking Academy	Learn networking, cybersecurity, and IoT.	Beginner-focused with structured learning paths, especially for networking enthusiasts.	Cisco Academy
CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)	Get introduced to basic IT concepts like hardware and software.	Industry-recognized, and free resources available online.	CompTIA ITF+
edX – Intro to Computer Science	Learn programming and IT essentials, starting from scratch.	Taught by Harvard, provides a solid foundation in programming.	edX CS50
Udemy Free IT Courses	Access various beginner IT courses, from Linux to networking.	Easily accessible, covers multiple IT topics at no cost.	Udemy Free IT
LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial)	Explore IT fundamentals and career paths with a free month trial.	In-depth training with tailored learning paths for beginners.	LinkedIn Learning
FreeCodeCamp	Learn coding, including Python and web design for IT beginners.	100% free, project-based learning.	FreeCodeCamp

Other USB Ports Troubleshooting Tips:

• App Service Troubleshooting using Microsoft Copilot in Azure | Microsoft Learn
• Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn
• Career Essentials in System Administration by Microsoft and LinkedIn
• CoPilot Powered Productivity Tips
• How To Fix USB Device Not Recognized | HP® Tech Takes
• ITPro – YouTube
• Linksys Router HotSpot Troubleshooting
• Microsoft Copilot for Productivity by Microsoft and LinkedIn
• Tips for Using Your Surface Pro – Microsoft Surface
• Troubleshooting Common Issues in Microsoft Copilot | HP® Tech Takes
• Unlock a New Era of AI with Copilot+ Surface Laptops and 2-in-1s | Microsoft Surface
• Windows 10: Supporting Users Essential Training taught by Brien Posey

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