A USB driver that suddenly stops working is usually caused by software conflicts, corrupted drivers, power management settings, or simple hardware issues. This article explains the common causes and provides step‑by‑step fixes so you can restore USB functionality quickly. The main problem covered here is USB driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 — you’ll learn 12 likely reasons and precise solutions for each.
Key Takeaway
The fastest way to fix most USB driver issues in Windows 10 is to check hardware first, then update or reinstall the USB drivers via Device Manager, disable USB power‑saving features, run sfc /scannow and DISM, and install chipset/firmware updates from your PC or motherboard maker.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Faulty cable, port, or USB device | Test with a different cable, port, or known‑good device. |
| Insufficient power from USB port or hub | Use a powered USB hub or connect directly to main PC ports. |
| USB selective suspend / power saving | Disable USB selective suspend and uncheck power savings on USB Root Hub. |
| Fast Startup interfering with devices | Disable Fast Startup in Power Options. |
| USB ports disabled in BIOS/UEFI | Enable USB ports/legacy USB support in BIOS/UEFI. |
| Outdated or incompatible drivers | Update drivers from Device Manager or manufacturer website. |
| Corrupted driver files | Uninstall device with driver deletion, then reboot to reinstall. |
| Conflicting or duplicate drivers | Use Device Manager / pnputil to remove duplicates and reinstall. |
| Windows driver signature enforcement blocking driver | Use Advanced Startup to temporarily disable driver signature enforcement. |
| System file corruption | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. |
| Security software blocking USB driver | Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall and test. |
| USB controller hardware failure | Reinstall USB controllers in Device Manager or test with another PC. |
Detailed Fixes for “USB driver doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Faulty cable, port, or USB device
Why it causes the problem
- Physical damage to cables or ports, bent pins, or a broken USB device prevents data/power transfer even if Windows has correct drivers.
Step-by-step solution
- Unplug the USB device.
- Try a different USB cable (for devices that use detachable cables).
- Connect the device to a different USB port on the same PC (front vs rear ports).
- Test the device on another computer to confirm whether the device itself is faulty.
- Inspect the port for debris; if dirty, power down and clean gently with compressed air.
Notes/tips:
- USB Type‑C and micro USB cables can look fine but fail internally—test multiple cables.
- If only front panel ports fail but rear ones work, the case cable connection or front hub may be faulty.
2. Insufficient power from port or hub
Why it causes the problem
- Some devices require more power than an unpowered USB port or passive hub can supply (external drives, some audio interfaces).
Step-by-step solution
- If using a USB hub, switch to a powered USB hub (one with its own AC adapter).
- Connect the device directly to a rear USB port on a desktop (those are usually connected to the motherboard and supply more stable power).
- For laptops, plug in the AC adapter—laptop USB ports may limit power while on battery.
- Check device documentation for power requirements.
Notes/tips:
- For high‑power devices, look for ports labeled SS (USB 3.0) or dedicated charging ports.
3. USB selective suspend / power saving settings
Why it causes the problem
- Windows may turn off USB ports to save power, which can make a device stop responding or drivers appear “missing.”
Step-by-step solution
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Change plan settings beside your active plan > Change advanced power settings.
- Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager), expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right‑click each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub, select Properties, open Power Management, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Click OK and restart the PC.
Notes/tips:
- This can increase power draw, which matters on battery-powered laptops.
4. Fast Startup interfering with USB initialization
Why it causes the problem
- Fast Startup uses a partial hibernation snapshot; some USB drivers or device states don’t reinitialize correctly after a fast boot.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Save changes and perform a full shutdown and cold boot.
Notes/tips:
- Disabling Fast Startup may increase boot time slightly but resolves many device initialization issues.
5. USB ports disabled in BIOS/UEFI
Why it causes the problem
- Some BIOS/UEFI settings can disable USB ports, particularly legacy USB or front-panel headers.
Step-by-step solution
- Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: Del, F2, F10—check your PC manual).
- In BIOS, find Integrated Peripherals, Onboard Devices, or USB Configuration.
- Ensure USB Controller, XHCI, and Legacy USB Support are Enabled.
- Save changes and exit.
Notes/tips:
- If you updated BIOS recently, reset to defaults if unsure—then re-enable USB features you need.
6. Outdated or incompatible drivers
Why it causes the problem
- Windows generic drivers may not support all device features or a recent Windows update may require updated drivers from the manufacturer.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager.
- Find the problematic device (it may be listed under Other devices or have a yellow warning).
- Right‑click the device > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If Windows can’t find a driver, go to the device or PC manufacturer’s support site and download the latest Windows 10 driver.
- Run the downloaded installer or use Update driver > Browse my computer for driver software and point to the downloaded folder.
Notes/tips:
- For motherboards, update the chipset drivers first (Intel/AMD), then USB drivers.
- Avoid random third‑party “driver updater” tools; use official vendor downloads.
7. Corrupted driver files
Why it causes the problem
- Driver files can become corrupted, preventing the device from initializing.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager.
- Right‑click the device > Uninstall device. If available, check Delete the driver software for this device.
- After uninstall completes, reboot the PC — Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
- If Windows reinstalls the same corrupted driver, install the driver manually from the manufacturer’s download.
Notes/tips:
- If the device still fails, use pnputil from an elevated Command Prompt to remove specific driver packages: run pnputil -e to list and pnputil -d oemXX.inf to delete the problematic package.
8. Conflicting or duplicate drivers
Why it causes the problem
- Multiple drivers or old driver packages can conflict and cause device malfunction.
Step-by-step solution
- Run Command Prompt as administrator and list driver packages: pnputil -e.
- Identify suspicious or old USB-related drivers.
- Remove unwanted entries with pnputil -d oemXX.inf (replace oemXX with the entry number).
- Reboot, then reinstall only the correct driver from the vendor.
Notes/tips:
- Use Device Manager to check for hidden devices (View > Show hidden devices) and uninstall duplicates.
9. Windows driver signature enforcement blocking driver
Why it causes the problem
- Unsigned or improperly signed drivers are blocked by Windows 10 security by default.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- On restart, press 7 or F7 to Disable driver signature enforcement.
- Install the unsigned driver while enforcement is disabled (temporary; enforcement re‑enables on reboot).
Notes/tips:
- Only use this for trusted drivers. Permanently disabling signature enforcement is not recommended.
10. System file corruption (SFC / DISM)
Why it causes the problem
- Corrupted system files can break driver services and device installation.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run: sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
- If problems persist, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again.
- Reboot and re-test the USB device.
Notes/tips:
- DISM uses Windows Update components; ensure the PC can reach Windows Update.
11. Security software blocking driver installation
Why it causes the problem
- Overprotective antivirus or endpoint security can block driver installers or device access.
Step-by-step solution
- Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus or firewall (right‑click system tray icon > disable).
- Install/update the USB driver or test the device operation.
- Re‑enable security software once the device works.
- If the security product blocks the driver persistently, add the driver folder to its exclusions or contact vendor support.
Notes/tips:
- Do not leave security disabled longer than necessary.
12. USB controller hardware failure
Why it causes the problem
- Onboard USB controllers or hub chips can fail; this is hardware-level and software fixes won’t help.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right‑click each controller and select Uninstall device (do not uninstall root inputs like keyboard if using USB keyboard; ensure you have PS/2 alternative or remote access).
- Reboot — Windows will detect and reinstall controllers.
- If problem persists, test the USB device on another PC to confirm.
- For desktops, install a PCIe USB expansion card; for laptops, use a powered USB hub or external enclosure.
Notes/tips:
- If multiple devices fail across ports and you see no controllers in Device Manager, motherboard hardware may be failing—consult a technician or RMA if under warranty.
Additional section: Prevention and best practices
- Keep Windows 10 up to date: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Install chipset and firmware updates from your PC or motherboard manufacturer.
- Use certified cables and powered hubs for high‑power devices.
- Create a system restore point before installing unfamiliar drivers.
- Regularly back up important data from USB storage devices in case a device fails.
FAQ
Q: Why does Device Manager show “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)”?
This usually indicates a hardware or enumeration problem — try different cables/ports, uninstall the device in Device Manager, disable USB selective suspend, and run sfc /scannow; if it persists, test the device on another PC.
Q: Can I use older drivers (Windows 7/8) on Windows 10?
Sometimes older drivers work in compatibility mode, but prefer Windows 10 drivers from the manufacturer; to try compatibility mode, right‑click the driver installer > Properties > Compatibility tab > Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows 7.
Q: Is it safe to use driver update utilities?
Be cautious — use only reputable vendor tools (Intel Driver & Support Assistant, AMD Adrenalin, Dell SupportAssist). Generic driver updaters can install incorrect drivers and worsen issues.
Q: How can I recover files from a USB drive when drivers fail?
If the device is recognized as a storage device in Disk Management or another PC, copy files immediately. If not recognized, use a different port, cable, or another PC; consider professional data recovery if the drive has physical faults.
Q: When should I seek professional repair or replacement?
If multiple USB ports fail after all software fixes, the motherboard or USB controller likely needs hardware repair/replacement; seek a warranty repair or a qualified technician.
Conclusion
Most problems where a USB driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 are solvable by checking hardware, adjusting power settings, updating or reinstalling drivers, and repairing system files. Start with simple hardware tests, then move through the software fixes listed above to restore USB functionality.
