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4 Ways to Fix USB Devices Keep Disconnecting and Reconnecting in Windows 11

Quick Tips
  • If you use an external USB hub, ensure it is not faulty.
  • Prevent Windows from suspending the USB ports to save battery power.
  • Consider reinstalling the USB drivers on your PC if your devices keep disconnecting and reconnecting.

Try Basic Fixes

  • Reconnect the device: Unplugging your USB device and plugging it back in should help fix any issues caused by a loose connection. If you use a USB cable to connect your phone or hard drive to your computer, check the wire and the connector for damage.
  • Try a different USB port or computer: You can try connecting your device to another USB port to see if that works. If you use a USB hub, try plugging your device directly into the computer. Alternatively, connect your USB device to another computer to check if it runs fine.

Fix 1: Check Power Management Settings

Choosing a stricter power usage profile for your laptop may also cause Windows to disable the drivers powering your USB devices. When that happens, your USB device might disconnect randomly. Here’s how to avoid that.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Device Manager from the list.

Open Device Manager on Windows

Step 2: Double-click Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand it. Right-click on your USB driver > select Properties.

USB Driver Properties

Step 3: Switch to the Power Management tab > uncheck the box that reads Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power > hit OK to save changes.

Disable Power Saving for USB Port

Repeat the above steps to disable the power-saving option for other USB drivers. After that, restart your PC and try using your USB device to check if the issue persists.

Fix 2: Check the USB Selective Suspend Setting

The USB selective suspend feature allows Windows to suspend USB ports on your PC to save power. This can also lead to issues like USB devices disconnecting and reconnecting on Windows. Hence, it’s best to disable this feature.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu, type edit power plan, and press Enter.

Edit Power Plan on Windows

Step 2: Click on Change advanced power settings.

Change Advanced Power Settings on Windwos

Step 3: In the Power Options window, double-click on USB settings to expand it.

Step 4: Expand the USB selective suspend setting menu > click Enabled.

USB Selective Suspend

Step 5: Use the drop-down menu next to On battery and Plugged in to disable USB selective suspend.

Disable USB Selective Suspend

Step 6: Click on Apply > OK.

Fix 3: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a Hardware and Devices troubleshooter that can automatically detect and resolve any common issues with peripheral devices. You can use this tool if the above solutions don’t work.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Open Terminal (Admin) on Windows

Step 2: In the console, type the following command and press Enter.

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Step 3: In the Hardware and Devices window, hit Next to allow Windows to scan for issues.

Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Follow the on-screen instructions to run the tool and check if the issue persists.

Fix 4: Reinstall the USB Drivers

USB drivers on your PC help Windows communicate with your USB devices. If your USB devices keep disconnecting and reconnecting, Windows may have a driver problem. Try reinstalling the faulty USB drivers to see if that makes a difference.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type devmgmt.msc in the box and press Enter.

Step 2: Expand the Universal Serial Bus controller > right-click on the USB driver > select Uninstall device.

Uninstall USB Driver

Step 3: Select Uninstall to confirm.

Confirm Uninstall USB Driver

If your PC has multiple USB ports, you’ll see several entries under the Universal Serial Bus controller. In that case, repeat the above steps to uninstall each driver. After removing the USB drivers, restart your PC, and Windows should automatically install the missing USB drivers during boot. After that, USB devices will function normally.

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Last updated on 12 August, 2024

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