The Windows operating system has built-in protection to disable USB ports when a power surge occurs. As a result, it disconnects the device attached to the USB port. When this happens, many could mistakenly assume that their USB port has become faulty, but instead, it might have simply been disabled.

Therefore, before you decide to have it replaced by a repair shop, ensure the USB port is enabled and the problem isn't originating from the operating system.

If your USB port is no longer working after experiencing the power surge issue once, here are the fixes you can try.

1. Ensure the Device Isn't the Culprit

Verify that the problem does not lie with the device rather than the port before trying anything else. You can confirm this by plugging your device into another port that supports the same standard as the one that isn't working. When the device starts to work correctly, then it is a sign that there may be an issue with your USB port.

But if it doesn't work, the problem lies with your device. You can further confirm it by swapping the device and connecting it to the same port. Replace the device if you find it to be the culprit, and you are good to go.

Alternatively, if you are sure the problem is with the USB port and the device isn't causing the problem, move on to the next step.

2. Clean the Port and Rule Out Hardware Damage

Debris accumulated in the USB port may also be acting as a barrier, preventing the connection between the device and port. Dust may also be to blame for your USB port overheating, which causes a power surge error.

Before troubleshooting software issues, it's essential to clean out the ports properly. Furthermore, make sure no damage has been done to the USB port during the surge.

After ensuring that the port is clean and that the hardware is not damaged in any way, apply the following fixes.

3. Update USB Controllers Drivers

Your USB ports can also malfunction due to outdated USB drivers. By updating them, you ensure that no compatibility issues prevent your USB port from functioning correctly. To update USB drivers, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the category for Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  3. Simply right-click on each driver and click Update driver.
    Updating USB Driver in Device Manager

If updating the drivers doesn't solve the issue, implement the below fixes.

4. Turn Off Power Management Settings

As part of its built-in power management settings, Windows can turn off devices that start consuming a lot of power. It may be happening in this case as well. Possibly, the devices you're trying to connect might be drawing an unusual amount of power, which is why your computer is disabling them.

To turn off this option, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Device Manager by pressing Win + S, typing "device manager" in the search bar, and pressing Enter.
  2. Expand the category for Universal Serial Bus controller.
  3. Right-click on the respective drivers and select Properties.
  4. In the Properties window, select the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck the box left to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Hit OK.
    Tweaking the Power Management Settings of a USB Driver in Device Manager of Windows 10

If you start experiencing a power surge or similar USB errors after disabling this feature, refer to our detailed guide explaining how to resolve the power surge issues since it is the root cause.

5. Disable Selective Suspend

Selective suspend is another feature Windows OS offers to assist with the proper power management. When enabled, the feature suspends USB ports that drain an unusual amount of power after overriding the USB controller.

Therefore, if it is enabled in your Windows settings, it is probably suspending the functioning of your USB port. So, disabling it might help.

You can disable selective suspend by following the steps below:

  1. Type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and open Control Panel.
  2. Go to Hardware and Sound.
  3. Navigate to Power Options.
  4. Next to your preferred power plan, click on the Change plan settings link.
  5. Click on Change Advanced power settings.
  6. Expand the USB settings category, then expand the USB selective suspend.
  7. Select Disabled from the dropdown menu next to Setting.
    Disabling Selective Suspend in Windows Control Panel

See if the USB port is working again after disabling "selective suspend." If not, continue implementing the remaining fixes.

6. Update the BIOS (But Keep the Risks in Mind)

The problem may also come from the motherboard, although less likely. Since motherboards can cause software problems, it's vital to make sure that is not the case here. To rule this possibility out, update the BIOS. Before doing that, make sure you don't already have the latest BIOS version installed.

To do so, check the BIOS release date on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer to find the latest version. Compare it with the one you currently have installed. If they differ, you aren't using the latest version. So, update it.

To update it, head over to the manufacturer's website, download the necessary files and follow the manufacturer's instructions. We have a detailed guide on updating your UEFI BIOS on Windows that you may find helpful.

Given the risks associated with tweaking BIOS, you should skip this step if you're unfamiliar with it. The slightest neglect can render your computer unbootable, making matters worse. If you try it and it doesn't work or plan to skip it, the following fixes may help.

7. Seek the Help of a Windows Troubleshooter

Running the USB Troubleshooter in Windows 10 Device Manager

Windows does not have a built-in troubleshooter to diagnose and fix USB problems. Microsoft did develop an official USB troubleshooter, but the company doesn't support it anymore. So, you must download it from a third-party source.

MajorGeeks is a reliable place to download. You can run it directly after downloading to scan for any issues. Afterward, it's just a matter of following the on-screen instructions to diagnose the problem. Try the next fix when the troubleshooter doesn't fix the issue.

8. It's Time to Call for the Expertise of a Technician

Once all else fails to resolve the problem, it may be time to call the technician. The connection between the port and the motherboard might be loose, preventing the port from operating correctly. Thus, a thorough inspection by the technician could help you determine the real problem.

When All Else Fails, Abandon the USB Port

Following the steps listed above should help you get your USB port working again. If none of these fixes succeed and a technician cannot fix your computer, it's time to give up on the USB ports that are not working and start using the other ports.

If you frequently connect dozens of devices at once and the ports seem inadequate, consider investing in a good external USB hub.