How to Check USB Ports on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are the lifeline of your computer’s connectivity. Whether you’re plugging in a keyboard, flash drive, printer, or phone, these ports ensure smooth communication between your device and Windows 11.

But sometimes, things go wrong:

• Your USB drive doesn’t show up

• A device isn’t recognized

• The port seems dead or slow

Why Checking USB Ports on Windows 11 Matters

That’s when you need to check the USB ports on Windows 11 — not only to identify what’s connected but also to diagnose any underlying issues.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to check USB ports on Windows 11, verify their functionality, and fix common USB issues — even if you’re not tech-savvy.

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Understanding USB Ports on Windows 11

Before checking them, let’s understand what kinds of USB ports you might have.

1. USB 2.0

• Older standard (black or gray ports)

• Slower transfer speeds (up to 480 Mbps)

• Common on older laptops and desktops

2. USB 3.0 / 3.1 / 3.2

• Newer versions (blue or turquoise inside)

• Faster speeds (up to 20 Gbps)

• Ideal for external SSDs and high-speed transfers

3. USB-C

• Smaller, reversible connector (oval shape)

• Supports fast charging, data transfer, and display output

• Found in modern laptops like Surface and Dell XPS

Knowing your port types helps you identify compatibility and performance levels.

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How to Check USB Ports on Windows 11 (Main Methods)

There are several ways to check and verify your USB ports. Let’s go through them one by one.

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Method 1: Check USB Ports Visually

Sometimes, a simple physical inspection is all you need.

Steps:

1. Shut down your PC or laptop.

2. Locate the USB ports — usually on the sides or back panel.

3. Inspect for:

   • Dust or debris

   • Bent or broken pins

   • Loose connections

💡 Tip:
Use a flashlight for better visibility. Avoid using metal objects to clean — a soft brush or compressed air is safer.

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Method 2: Use Device Manager

The most reliable way to check USB port functionality in Windows 11 is through Device Manager.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Scroll down and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

3. You’ll see a list like:

   • USB Root Hub (USB 3.0)

   • Generic USB Hub

   • Intel USB Controller

4. Right-click on each item and select Properties → General tab.

5. Under Device status, check if it says:

   “This device is working properly.”

✅ If you see a yellow exclamation mark, it indicates a driver problem or disabled port.

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Method 3: Test USB Ports Using a Flash Drive

One of the simplest ways to verify functionality.

Steps:

1. Plug in a known-working USB flash drive.

2. If it appears in File Explorer, the port is fine.

3. Repeat this test in all USB ports to check each one individually.

💡 Tip:
If the USB device works in one port but not another, it’s likely a hardware issue with that specific port.

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Method 4: Use Command Prompt

You can use Command Prompt (CMD) to list all USB devices currently connected.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and click Run as Administrator.

2. Type the command:

   set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
start devmgmt.msc


3. This opens Device Manager showing all present and previously connected USB devices.

You can now check inactive or malfunctioning USB ports.

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Method 5: Use PowerShell

Windows PowerShell offers another quick way to list active USB connections.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Type the following command:

   Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly | Where-Object { $_.InstanceId -match '^USB' }


3. Press Enter.

This displays a list of all currently active USB devices connected to your system — confirming which ports are functional.

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Method 6: Use the Windows Settings App

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices → Devices.

3. Scroll to the Connected Devices section.

You’ll see connected USB peripherals (like a mouse, keyboard, or storage device) listed here.

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Method 7: Check USB Power Output

Some USB ports may supply less power — especially on laptops.

To verify this:

1. Open Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers.

2. Double-click USB Root Hub (USB 3.0).

3. Go to the Power or Power Management tab.

4. You’ll see how much power each port is delivering to connected devices.

Summary (Quick Reference Table)

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How to Check if USB Ports Are Working Properly

Let’s verify performance, not just detection.

1. Use a USB Flash Drive Test

• Insert a USB 3.0 flash drive into the port.

• Copy a large file (over 1 GB).

• Observe the transfer speed.

  • USB 3.0: Around 100–300 MB/s

  • USB 2.0: Around 20–40 MB/s

If the speed is much slower, you may be using a lower-speed port or cable.

2. Use a Third-Party Tool: USBDeview

A free utility by NirSoft.

Steps:

1. Download USBDeview from nirsoft.net.

2. Run it (no installation needed).

3. It lists all USB devices — active and past — with detailed info such as:

   • Connection time

   • Port name

   • Speed (USB 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.1)

   • Status (connected/disconnected)

✅ Great for diagnosing problematic USB ports or devices.

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How to Check USB Port Type (2.0, 3.0, or 3.1)

Option 1: Look at the Port Color

Option 2: Use Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers.

2. Look for terms like “USB 3.0” or “xHCI” — these indicate SuperSpeed USB ports.

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How to Enable or Disable USB Ports

You can manage ports directly through Device Manager.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

3. Right-click a USB Root Hub → choose Disable device.

4. To re-enable, right-click again → Enable device.

✅ Useful for security or power management.

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How to Update USB Drivers

Outdated or missing drivers can cause USB issues.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Right-click USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) → Update driver.

3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

4. Restart your computer after updating.

💡 You can also use Windows Update → Optional Updates to find USB driver updates.

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How to Troubleshoot USB Port Not Working on Windows 11

If one or more ports still don’t respond, try these solutions.

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Fix 1: Restart Your PC

Simple but effective — many temporary glitches resolve after a reboot.

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Fix 2: Run the USB Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I → System → Troubleshoot → Other Troubleshooters.

2. Find USB or Hardware and Devices → Click Run.

3. Follow on-screen instructions.

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Fix 3: Check Power Management Settings

Windows sometimes disables idle USB ports to save power.

1. In Device Manager, right-click USB Root Hub → Properties.

2. Go to the Power Management tab.

3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

4. Click OK.

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Fix 4: Reset USB Controllers

1. Open Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers.

2. Right-click each item and choose Uninstall device.

3. Restart your PC — Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

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Fix 5: BIOS or UEFI Settings

Some laptops have USB ports disabled at the firmware level.

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2 or Del).

2. Look for USB Configuration or Peripheral Settings.

3. Ensure USB ports are enabled.

4. Save and exit.

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Fix 6: Physical Damage

If none of the software fixes work, inspect for hardware damage.
Try:

• Cleaning the port

• Testing with another USB device

• Contacting a technician if the port feels loose or physically damaged

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How to Check USB Port Power Output (Advanced Users)

If a USB device doesn’t charge properly, check its power output.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

3. Double-click USB Root Hub (USB 3.0).

4. Click Power tab → view Power available (mA).

If it’s underpowered, connect the device to another USB port or use a powered USB hub.

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How to Safely Remove USB Devices

Always eject USB drives safely to prevent data corruption.

Steps:

1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar.

2. Select your USB device → Eject.

3. Wait for the notification before unplugging.

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Common USB Problems and Solutions

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Best Practices for Maintaining USB Ports

• ✅ Keep USB ports clean and dust-free

• ⚙️ Use high-quality cables

• 🔌 Avoid yanking USB devices abruptly

• 🧹 Regularly update Windows and drivers

• 💻 Use surge protection for desktops

• ⚠️ Avoid connecting too many high-power devices at once

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Conclusion: Keep Your USB Ports Healthy and Functional

Checking USB ports on Windows 11 doesn’t require technical expertise — just a few simple tools like Device Manager, PowerShell, or USBDeview can help you identify and fix most problems in minutes.

By regularly testing and maintaining your ports, you’ll ensure faster data transfers, stable connections, and fewer device errors.

So, the next time your USB flash drive or keyboard doesn’t respond — you’ll know exactly what to do.

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FAQs: How to Check USB Ports on Windows 11

1. How do I know if my USB ports are working on Windows 11?

Plug in a USB drive or use Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers → check if devices are listed and “working properly.”

2. How can I tell if my USB port is 2.0 or 3.0?

USB 3.0 ports are usually blue inside. In Device Manager, look for terms like USB 3.0 or xHCI.

3. My USB device isn’t recognized — what should I do?

Try unplugging and reconnecting it, restarting the PC, or updating USB drivers via Device Manager.

4. Can I disable or enable USB ports on Windows 11?

Yes. Open Device Manager → Right-click USB Root Hub → Enable or Disable device.

5. Is there a tool to test USB ports?

Yes. USBDeview is a free third-party utility that shows all connected USB devices and port information.

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✅ Final Tip:
Make checking USB ports a part of your regular PC maintenance routine — it keeps your devices running smoothly, prevents data loss, and extends your computer’s lifespan.

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