In this article, we'll show you how to troubleshoot USB port problems on a Windows or macOS computer. The USB port may not work due to problems with the driver, hardware, or the port itself. Inspect the USB ports first; then you can check Device Manager on Windows, or try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or NVRAM on macOS. NVRAM and PRAM are a type of memory that stores firmware and hardware settings on your Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Inspecting USB Ports
Step 1. Look inside the USB port
Make sure there is no dust, debris or other objects inside.
Step 2. Connect different devices to the idle port
If the device connected to the port does not work, unplug it and insert another USB device into that port - if everything is ok this time, the problem is with the device, not the port.
Step 3. Connect the USB device to a different port
If the device does not work while plugged into a specific USB port, try plugging it into a different port (possibly on a different computer). If the device works, the problem is most likely with the USB port.
Step 4. Check if the USB port is loose
Insert the device into it, and then pull the device up and down (do this carefully so as not to cause additional damage). If the port is loose, it will not work.
Step 5. Restart your computer
If you have tried to troubleshoot the port and the port is still not working, restart your computer. Restarting your computer can solve many problems.
Step 6. Connect the device to the USB port again
Do this when your computer restarts. If the device does not work, go to the next section.
Method 2 of 4: Check Device Manager (Windows)
Step 1. Open the Start Menu
You will find it in the lower left corner of the screen (on the taskbar).
Step 2. Type device manager in the Start menu search bar
This will search for Device Manager.
Step 3. Click on "Device Manager"
This option is marked with a printer icon.
Step 4. Click on the computer name
It will appear at the top of the list. The name will be highlighted.
Step 5. Click Update Hardware Configuration
This icon looks like a monitor and sits at the top of the Device Manager window. If you hover your mouse over this icon, "Update Hardware Configuration" appears. The hardware configuration of the computer will be updated. The USB port might start working.
Step 6. Plug your device into a non-working USB port
If everything works, you don't have to read any further. Otherwise, uninstall the USB controller in Device Manager.
Step 7. Double click on USB Controllers in Device Manager
You may have to scroll down to find this section. It will open - you will see a list of USB devices and drivers.
Step 8. Right click on the USB controller
You will find it under USB Controllers. The option to click may have different names, but look for it by the word “controller”. A context menu will open.
Step 9. Click Remove
This option is on the context menu. The USB controller will be removed. Repeat these steps for the other USB controllers found in the USB Controllers section.
Step 10. Restart your computer
Windows will detect hardware configuration changes and then reinstall the remote USB controllers.
Step 11. Plug your device into a non-working USB port
If everything is in order, then you can not read further. Otherwise, the problem is in the hardware of the USB port - such malfunctions can only be repaired in a workshop.
Method 3 of 4: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) (macOS)
Step 1. Shut down your Mac
To do this, click on the Apple logo in the upper right corner of the screen and select "Turn off" from the menu.
Step 2. Reset the SMC
The steps you take will depend on your Mac model:
- MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air: Press and hold ⇧ Shift + Control + ⌥ Option + Power until the LED on the power adapter blinks or changes color.
- iMac, iMac Pro and Mac Mini: Unplug the power adapter, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds, and then plug in the power adapter.
Step 3. Press the power button
The computer will turn on and the SMC will already be reset.
Step 4. Plug your device into a non-working USB port
If everything is in order, then you can not read further. Otherwise, reset NVRAM or PRAM.
Method 4 of 4: Reset NVRAM and PRAM (macOS)
Step 1. Shut down your Mac
To do this, click on the Apple logo in the upper right corner of the screen and select "Turn off" from the menu.
Step 2. Press the power button
The computer turns on.
Step 3. Press and hold ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + P + R
Do this as soon as you press the power button; hold the keys until you hear a sound and see a flashing screen. Then the computer will boot as usual.
Step 4. Plug your device into a non-working USB port
If everything is in order, then the USB port is working. Otherwise, the problem is in the hardware of the USB port - such malfunctions can only be repaired in a workshop.