If you’re looking to disable USB selective suspend in Windows 11, you’re likely trying to manage your device’s power settings more effectively. This quick guide will show you how to turn off this feature in just a few steps, ensuring that your USB devices don’t go into a low-power state unexpectedly. This is particularly useful for avoiding connectivity issues with USB peripherals like keyboards, mice, or external drives.
How to Disable USB Selective Suspend in Windows 11
By following these steps, you’ll be able to disable the USB selective suspend feature on your Windows 11 device. This will help keep your USB devices constantly powered, avoiding disconnections.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" into the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
The Control Panel is a central hub for adjusting various system settings on your computer. Finding it quickly via the search bar can save you time.
Step 2: Navigate to “Hardware and Sound”
In the Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound” to proceed.
This section contains the settings related to devices connected to your computer, including USB power settings.
Step 3: Click on “Power Options”
Within the "Hardware and Sound" menu, select “Power Options.”
Power Options will allow you to customize your computer’s power consumption settings, including those for USB devices.
Step 4: Choose Your Power Plan
Select the power plan you are currently using by clicking on “Change plan settings” next to it.
Your computer might have multiple power plans, so ensure you select the one that’s active.
Step 5: Change Advanced Power Settings
Click on "Change advanced power settings" to open a new window with detailed power options.
This window provides advanced settings where you can make specific adjustments to the way your computer manages power.
Step 6: Locate and Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
In the advanced settings window, scroll down to find “USB settings,” expand it, and then expand “USB selective suspend setting.” Set both “On battery” and “Plugged in” to “Disabled.”
By setting these to "Disabled," you ensure that your USB devices will remain fully powered at all times, preventing them from entering a suspended state.
After you disable USB selective suspend in Windows 11, your USB devices will stay powered continuously. This means they will be less likely to disconnect or malfunction due to power-saving measures.
Tips for Disabling USB Selective Suspend in Windows 11
- Ensure your device drivers are up to date to avoid conflicts.
- Restart your computer after making changes to apply settings.
- Consider creating a system restore point before making changes.
- Check other power settings if you experience issues post-adjustment.
- Monitor your device’s performance to ensure there are no adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to disable USB selective suspend?
Disabling USB selective suspend can help prevent connectivity issues with USB devices by ensuring they stay powered on.
Will disabling USB selective suspend affect my battery life?
Yes, it might slightly affect battery life since your USB devices will draw power continuously.
Can I re-enable USB selective suspend later?
Yes, you can follow the same steps and set the USB selective suspend setting to “Enabled.”
Is it safe to disable USB selective suspend?
Yes, it is generally safe, but it can lead to higher power consumption.
What types of devices are most affected by USB selective suspend?
Devices like external hard drives, keyboards, and mice are most commonly affected.
Summary
- Open the Control Panel.
- Navigate to “Hardware and Sound.”
- Click on “Power Options.”
- Choose your power plan.
- Change advanced power settings.
- Disable USB selective suspend setting.
Conclusion
Disabling USB selective suspend in Windows 11 can be a game-changer for those experiencing connectivity issues with their USB devices. While it might lead to a minor increase in power consumption, the trade-off is often worth it for the improved reliability of USB peripherals.
Whether it’s an external hard drive that needs to stay powered or a USB mouse that keeps disconnecting, making this simple adjustment can save you a lot of headaches. If you’re interested in further optimizing your Windows 11 experience, consider exploring other advanced power settings and tweaking them to suit your needs. Remember, managing your computer’s power settings is akin to fine-tuning a musical instrument; it requires a bit of effort but leads to a seamless performance.
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.