USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are one of the most important parts of any modern computer. They allow you to connect mice, keyboards, printers, external drives, smartphones, and more. But what if your USB port isn’t working, or you simply want to know how many and what type of USB ports your Windows 11 PC has?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to check USB ports on Windows 11, including how to:
-
Identify the number of USB ports on your computer.
-
Check the type and speed (USB 2.0, 3.0, or 3.1/3.2).
-
Troubleshoot USB ports that aren’t working.
Key Takeaways
-
You can check USB ports using Device Manager, System Information, or physical inspection.
-
USB ports come in different types (USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1/3.2, Type-C).
-
If a USB port doesn’t work, troubleshooting tools in Windows 11 can help.
Why Check USB Ports in Windows 11?
Knowing your USB ports can help in situations like:
-
Checking if your PC supports fast data transfer (USB 3.0/3.1).
-
Ensuring your USB-C port supports charging or display output.
-
Troubleshooting devices not detected by your computer.
-
Planning for hardware upgrades or accessories.
Method 1: Physically Inspect Your PC’s USB Ports
One of the easiest ways to identify your USB ports is by looking at them directly.
-
USB 2.0 ports usually don’t have color coding or may have black/white inside.
-
USB 3.0/3.1 ports typically have a blue insert.
-
USB 3.2 or USB-C ports are smaller and oval-shaped, used in many modern laptops.
👉 While physical inspection helps, it doesn’t always tell you the exact speed or power capabilities. For that, you’ll need to check in Windows.
Method 2: Check USB Ports in Device Manager
Device Manager is the quickest way to see all USB controllers and hubs installed.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
-
Scroll down and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
-
Look for entries like:
-
USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller → USB 2.0 ports.
-
USB 3.0/3.1 eXtensible Host Controller → USB 3.x ports.
-
USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) → confirms USB 3.0 support.
-
👉 If you see “USB 3.0” or “USB 3.1,” your PC supports high-speed USB ports.
Method 3: Use System Information Tool
Windows 11 also has a built-in System Information tool to check hardware.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. -
In the left panel, expand Components > USB.
-
Here you’ll see detailed information about connected USB devices and controllers.
Method 4: Check USB Ports with PowerShell
You can use a quick PowerShell command to see available USB ports.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
-
Enter the following command:
-
You’ll see a list of all USB controllers and hubs.
👉 This method is useful for advanced users who want detailed results.
Method 5: Test USB Ports with a Device
The simplest way to check if a USB port works is by plugging in a device (like a USB flash drive, mouse, or phone).
-
If the device lights up or shows in File Explorer, the port is working.
-
If not, you may need to troubleshoot.
How to Troubleshoot USB Ports in Windows 11
If your USB port isn’t working:
1. Restart Your PC
Sometimes, a simple restart fixes temporary glitches.
2. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
-
Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
3. Update USB Drivers
-
Open Device Manager.
-
Right-click your USB controller > Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers.
4. Check Power Management Settings
-
In Device Manager, right-click a USB Root Hub.
-
Select Properties > Power Management tab.
-
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Try Another Port or Device
If one port doesn’t work, test others. If none work, your USB controller may be faulty.
Difference Between USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C in Windows 11
| Type | Speed | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | Up to 480 Mbps | Basic peripherals (mouse, keyboard) |
| USB 3.0/3.1 | Up to 5–10 Gbps | External hard drives, faster transfers |
| USB 3.2 | Up to 20 Gbps | High-speed storage, video devices |
| USB-C | Up to 40 Gbps (with Thunderbolt 4) | Charging, display, data transfer |
Conclusion
Checking your USB ports on Windows 11 is simple and can save you from compatibility issues. Whether you’re identifying port types, testing if they work, or troubleshooting problems, tools like Device Manager, System Information, and PowerShell make the process straightforward.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll know exactly which USB ports you have and ensure they’re functioning correctly.
FAQs About Checking USB Ports on Windows 11
1. How can I tell if my PC has USB 3.0 ports?
Look for “USB 3.0” or “USB 3.1 eXtensible Host Controller” in Device Manager.
2. Why are my USB ports not working after Windows Update?
Try updating drivers in Device Manager or rolling back recent updates.
3. Can I add more USB ports to my PC?
Yes. You can use a USB hub or install a PCIe USB expansion card.
4. Do all USB-C ports support charging and display output?
Not always. Some only support data transfer. Check your device specs.
5. Will disabling power management improve USB stability?
Yes, in some cases it prevents Windows from turning off USB devices to save power.