To check whether a USB port works on Windows 11, plug in a device you know works, such as a flash drive or mouse. Windows plays a sound and the device should appear within a few seconds. To see the status of all your USB ports, open Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers; anything with a yellow warning icon has a problem. To find out how fast a port is, check the logo next to it and the controller names in Device Manager.
Applies to: Windows 11 on desktops and laptops. Most steps also work on Windows 10. Last reviewed October 7, 2026.
Step 1: Test the port with a working device
- Plug a flash drive, mouse or phone that you know works into the port.
- Listen for the connection sound and watch for a notification.
- Check that it works: a flash drive appears under This PC in File Explorer, a mouse moves the pointer, and a phone starts charging.
- Try the same device in another port. If it works in one port but not another, the problem is the port. If it fails in every port, test the device on another computer.
On a desktop, test the ports on the back of the PC too. They connect straight to the motherboard, while front ports go through a cable that can come loose.
Step 2: Check the ports in Device Manager
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Look for entries with a yellow triangle or a down arrow. A triangle means a driver or hardware error, and a down arrow means the device is disabled.
- Double-click any entry with a warning to see its Device status, which explains the problem.
To fix a disabled entry, right-click it and select Enable device. For other errors, right-click and select Uninstall device, then restart the PC so Windows reinstalls it. More fixes are in how to reset USB ports on Windows 11.
See which port a device is plugged into
In Device Manager, select View > Devices by connection. Expand your PC’s name and the PCI entries until you find the USB controllers, then expand them. Each plugged-in device appears under the hub and controller it’s using.
Step 3: Find out what type of USB port you have
Look at the port
- SS or SS 5: USB 3.2 Gen 1, up to 5 Gbps.
- SS 10: USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 10 Gbps.
- SS 20 or 20Gbps: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 20 Gbps.
- 40Gbps, 80Gbps or a lightning bolt: USB4 or Thunderbolt.
- No logo: often USB 2.0, up to 480 Mbps.
A blue insert inside a USB-A port often means USB 3, but makers don’t all follow this. Your PC’s manual or the maker’s specifications page is the most reliable source.
Check the controllers in Device Manager
Under Universal Serial Bus controllers, a controller with USB 3 or eXtensible in the name supports USB 3. USB4 Host Router means the PC has USB4. If you only see Enhanced Host Controller entries, the ports are USB 2.0.
Check USB settings on newer PCs
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > USB. Turn on USB notifications so Windows warns you about connection problems and when a device could run faster in another port. On PCs with USB4, a USB4 Hubs and Devices section shows each USB4 port and what’s connected to it.
Step 4: List USB devices with PowerShell
For a quick text list of every USB device and its status:
- Right-click Start and select Terminal.
- Run
Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly -Class USB | Format-Table Status, FriendlyName.
Every entry should say OK. Error or Unknown points to the device with the problem. To see everything that’s plugged in right now, see how to see connected USB devices on Windows 11.
Step 5: Check the speed with a file copy
Copy a large file, 1 GB or more, from your PC to a USB 3 flash drive or SSD. File Explorer shows the speed in the copy window. A USB 2.0 port tops out at around 35 to 40 MB per second, while USB 3 ports are much faster with a fast drive. If a USB 3 drive copies at USB 2.0 speeds, try another port or cable.
Troubleshooting
A port stopped working after the PC was asleep
Windows can turn off USB ports to save power. In Device Manager, double-click each USB Root Hub, open Power Management and clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. See how to change USB power settings in Windows 11.
“USB device not recognized”
Unplug the device, restart the PC and try a different port. If the message keeps appearing for that device on every port, the device or cable is faulty.
No ports work at all
Shut down the PC, unplug it (and on a laptop, the charger) for a minute, then start it again. If the ports still don’t work, update the chipset driver from your PC or motherboard maker.
Frequently asked questions
Can a USB port be damaged?
Yes. A bent connector, debris or a power surge can stop a port working. Shine a light inside and gently clear dust with compressed air, with the PC off.
Why does my USB-C port charge but not transfer data?
Some USB-C ports and many cables only carry power. Check the PC’s specifications and try a cable labeled for data.
Related: How to Check COM Ports in Windows 11.
Related: how to check if a Thunderbolt port is working on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.