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Restarting your device can solve the issue where the USB ports are powered up but not detecting devices. Then, check if the USB device you’re plugging in is detected in the device manager. After that, update the operating system and install the USB drivers again. Lastly, fix the root and generic hubs to get rid of this problem.
These are only the apparent solutions. Find out why the USB ports giving power but not detecting devices by reading this article.
Why Are the USB Ports Giving Power But Not Detecting Devices?
This issue may arise for a few different reasons. Below, I’ve jotted down all the reasons and their corresponding solution. Give it a read-
Reasons | Symptoms | Solutions |
Operating system error | Glitches and errors in the operating system | Restart your device |
USB is listed with an error | USB not recognized by the operating system | Check if the USB is detected and try other USB ports |
Outdated operating system and USB drivers | The USB ports aren’t responsive at all | Update, uninstall, and install USB drivers again Update operating system |
USB hub error | USB root hubs giving errors Generic USB hub raising errors | Fix the root and generic hubs |
If the quick solutions aren’t working for you and you need more information, read the next section of the article.
USB Ports Giving Power But Not Detecting Devices: Detailed Solutions
In the next couple of segments, the reasons, symptoms, and solutions to the USB issue have been explained in detail.
Reason 1: Operating System Error
If your USB ports are giving power but aren’t detecting devices, it’s most likely due to the operating system. Many errors/glitches in the operating system halt simple tasks like detecting USB drives.

It can also happen in the case of detecting internal hardware as well. For instance, even if the GPU is connected, due to OS errors, there will be no display from the GPU and fans won’t spin. It’s a widespread bug.
Solution: Restart Your Device
The common solution for these bugs and errors is to restart the device. To restart Windows, you can go to the start menu and press restart.
For MacOS, click Apple and then restart. Restarting will refresh and clear out existing cache files, causing the operating system to get rid of errors.
Reason 2: USB Is Listed with an Error
In some situations, Windows can list the USB device you’re trying to connect with an error. As a result, the system won’t recognize the USB device.
Solution: Check If the USB Is Detected and Try Other USB Ports
To solve this issue, check the heading for your USB serial adapter. Here are the steps to do so:
- First, open the Windows device manager.
- Then. remove the USB device. After waiting a few seconds, reconnect the USB device.
Upon disconnecting and reconnecting, you should see a device disappearing from the device manager and then coming back. - Next, locate the serial of your USB device in the device manager. It should be COM & LPT if the USB device is appropriate. If not, proceed to the next step.
- After that, connect the USB device to another PC’s USB port. If that PC detects the USB driver, then your PC’s USB driver must be outdated.
The USB drivers will need to be updated in that case. You’ll find the steps to do that in the next solution.
Reason 3: Outdated Operating System and USB Drivers
An outdated operating system can definitely raise errors such as “USB Device Not Recognized”. Although the operating system is responsible for the internal system, it also controls the sync between the USB ports.

Each new update of operating systems, whether it be Windows or MacOS, brings new features. Alongside that, users face different types of bugs in the older versions.
Solution 1 of 2: Update and Install the USB Drivers Again
Windows USB drivers need to be updated as follows:
- First, go to the Device Manager.
- You will then see many dropdown options. The ‘Universal Serial Bus Controllers’ section should be expanded.
- Next, right-click on your USB device and click on ‘Update Driver’. It will automatically search for available drivers.

If you’re unable to update your USB driver, you can uninstall the driver and reinstall it/reboot your PC.
To update the USB drivers on a Mac, go to the ‘Apple Menu’ first. After that, apply a ‘Software Update’ from ‘System Preferences’. This will check for all available updates for Mac drivers and upload the USB drivers.
Solution 2 of 2: Update Operating System
Updating your OS regularly will help you get rid of problems regarding USB ports, software compatibility, and when your computer uptime doesn’t reset. Here are the steps to upgrade Windows:
- To start, click the Start button and go to the settings. Click on ‘Windows Update’ and click on ‘Check for Updates’ to check for the latest updates. The updates will now be downloaded by Windows.
- Next, install the updates on Windows. A pro tip would be to turn on the ‘Automatic Updates’ for Windows.

Reason 4: USB Hub Error
USB hubs are responsible for detecting the USB drivers connected to the PC. If the USB hubs face any errors, the USB devices will get power but won’t be recognized/detected.
USB hub errors and other small components can be avoided if your motherboard is of high specifications. Buying powerful and quality motherboards can cut down these errors by a big amount!
Solution: Fix the Root and Generic Hubs
To fix the root and generic USB hubs, follow the steps below:
- First, press Win + X, open Device Manager, and select your device Then, click Action, choose Scan for hardware changes, and reboot.
- Next, press Win + X again and open Device Manager. Go to the ‘Properties’ of the USB Root Hub after expanding USB controllers.
From there, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power,” and click OK. Repeat for additional USB Root Hubs if needed. - Finally, perform a Windows repair upgrade to get rid of all the errors of Windows, including USB hub errors.
Endnote
That’s all you need to know about USB ports giving power but not detecting devices. Hopefully, you can resolve this issue quickly.
If the solutions above don’t work for you, there might be a problem with the ports. In that case, the best option is to hire an expert to diagnose your PC.

Hi, guys!
My name is Simon and I have been fond of unusual gadgets literally all my life! I know a lot of life hacks from the world of technology and decided to share them on my blog. Here you will find a lot of interesting things from modern life:computer technology, gadgets, reviews and more.