How to Reset USB Ports on Windows 10 (7 Fixes)

When a USB port stops recognizing your flash drive, mouse, phone, or printer, the port itself is rarely broken. More often, Windows 10 has put the port to sleep to save power, a driver has glitched, or the USB controller needs a fresh start. “Resetting” USB ports means making Windows reload those drivers and power settings. This guide walks through the fixes in order, from quickest to most thorough.

Quick Answer

Open Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click each USB Root Hub and Host Controller, and choose Uninstall device. Then restart your PC. Windows reinstalls the USB drivers automatically, which resets the ports.

Step 1: Rule Out the Simple Stuff

• Try the device in another USB port, and try a different device in the problem port.
• Plug directly into the PC rather than through a hub, dock, or extension cable.
• For desktops, use the ports on the back of the PC, which connect directly to the motherboard.
• Look inside the port for dust or bent pins, and gently clean with compressed air.

Step 2: Power Cycle the Computer

1. Shut down Windows fully: hold Shift while clicking Shut down (this skips Fast Startup).
2. Unplug the power cable (and remove the battery if it’s removable).
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain leftover power.
4. Reconnect power and turn the PC on.

This resets USB controllers at the hardware level and fixes many ports that stopped working after sleep.

Step 3: Scan for Hardware Changes

1. Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
2. Click Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Step 4: Reinstall USB Controllers (Reset the Ports)

1. In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
2. Right-click each USB Root Hub, Generic USB Hub, and Host Controller (such as “eXtensible Host Controller”), and choose Uninstall device. Confirm each one.
3. Your USB mouse and keyboard may stop working during this step. That’s expected; if you’re using USB input devices, uninstall the host controllers last, or use the touchpad and built-in keyboard on a laptop.
4. Restart the PC. Windows reinstalls all USB drivers at startup.

Also check for any device with a yellow warning icon under Other devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers, and update or reinstall its driver.

Step 5: Stop Windows From Turning Off USB Ports

Turn off USB power management

1. In Device Manager, double-click a USB Root Hub.
2. Open the Power Management tab.
3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and click OK.
4. Repeat for each USB Root Hub.

Turn off USB selective suspend

1. Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
2. Click Change plan settings next to your plan, then Change advanced power settings.
3. Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.
4. Click OK.

Step 6: Update Drivers and Windows

• Install pending updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, including optional driver updates.
• Download the latest chipset and USB drivers from your PC or motherboard maker’s support site.
• Update the BIOS/UEFI if the manufacturer lists USB fixes.

Step 7: Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Press Windows + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter to open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Microsoft is retiring some older troubleshooters, so this may not be available on every build.

When It’s a Hardware Problem

If a port doesn’t work with any device after all these steps, even in the BIOS or after a Windows reinstall, the port or its connection to the motherboard may be damaged. Use a powered USB hub or a USB expansion card (desktops) as a workaround, or have the port repaired.

Once it’s detected, see how to open a USB drive.

Summary

1. Test other ports and devices, and skip hubs.
2. Fully power down and drain the PC.
3. Uninstall USB Root Hubs and Host Controllers in Device Manager, then restart.
4. Disable USB power saving and update drivers.