Windows
Method 1: Unplug the USB device
The first method to try is to unplug the USB device or devices that you have connected to your computer. Sometimes, a USB device can cause a conflict that prevents other devices from working properly. Unplug all your USB devices and then plug them back in one by one. If this doesn’t work, move on to method two.
Method 2: Reboot your computer
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Rebooting your computer can help to reset the USB ports and perform-a-system–restore-on-windows-10″ title=”How to Perform a System Restore on Windows 10″>perform-a-configuration-in-windows-xp” title=”How to restore the system configuration in Windows XP”>system–restore-on-windows-10″ title=”How to Perform a System Restore on Windows 10″>restore their proper functioning. Save your work, close your applications, and then click the Windows Start button. Choose “Power,” and then select “Restart.”
Method 3: Update drivers
Another common reason why USB ports stop working is because the drivers are outdated. To check your drivers, go to the Windows Device Manager. Click the Windows Start button and then type “Device Manager.” Open the Device Manager window, and then find the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” option. If there’s a yellow exclamation mark next to any of the options, it means that the driver is outdated or has a problem. Right-click the option, and then select “Update Driver.”
Method 4: Use Troubleshooter
If your USB port still isn’t working, try using the Windows Troubleshooter. Go to Settings, and then select “Update and Security.” Choose the “Troubleshoot” option, and then click on “Hardware and Devices.” Follow the instructions on the screen to troubleshoot your USB ports.
Mac
Method 1: Check hardware
The first step to take to restore the proper functioning of a USB port on Mac is to check that the hardware is working properly. Try connecting the USB device to another Mac to see if it works. If it does, you’ll know that the problem is with your computer. Try plugging in different USB devices to see if it’s just one device that’s causing the problem.
Method 2: Reset SMC
The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for managing the hardware on your Mac. Sometimes resetting the SMC can solve USB port issues. Shut down your Mac, and then hold down the “Shift,” “Control,” and “Option” keys on the left side of the keyboard. While holding them down, press the “Power” button. Release all of the keys at the same time, and then turn your Mac back on.
Method 3: Check software
Sometimes problems with USB ports can be due to software issues. Check that your computer is running the latest version of macOS. Go to the Apple menu, and then select “About This Mac.” Choose the “Software Update” option, and then follow the instructions to install any available .
Method 4: Reset NVRAM
Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) stores messenger” title=”Windows Live Messenger”>create-a-restore-point-in-windows-8″ title=”How to create a restore point in Windows 8″>configuration information that’s used by your Mac. Resetting NVRAM can help with USB port issues. Shut down your Mac, and then hold down the “Option,” “Command,” “P,” and “R” keys on the keyboard. Turn your Mac back on, and keep holding the keys down until you hear the startup sound twice.
Conclusion
USB port issues can be frustrating, but there are several methods you can use to restore their proper functioning on both Windows and Mac computers. Try unplugging your USB devices, rebooting your computer, updating drivers, using troubleshooters, and resetting the SMC or NVRAM. By following these steps, your USB ports should be working properly in no time.