How to Enable USB Ports in BIOS and Windows Settings
Category: Troubleshooting
USB ports are essential for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and storage devices. However, sometimes USB ports may be disabled either in BIOS settings or within Windows itself. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable USB ports both in BIOS and Windows settings, ensuring your devices work without issues.
1. Why USB Ports May Be Disabled
USB ports can be disabled for several reasons, including:
- Security settings that block USB access.
- BIOS configuration changes during updates.
- Driver issues or conflicts.
- Malware or viruses affecting USB functionality.
2. Enabling USB Ports in BIOS Settings
Sometimes, USB ports are disabled directly from BIOS, especially on older systems. To enable USB ports through BIOS, follow these steps:
1. Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually Del, F2, or Esc) during startup.
2. Navigate to the "Advanced" or "Integrated Peripherals" tab using the arrow keys.
3. Look for USB Configuration or USB Controller settings.
4. Ensure that USB ports are set to "Enabled".
5. Save your changes and exit the BIOS (usually by pressing F10).
3. Enabling USB Ports in Windows Settings
Method 1: Using Device Manager
1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" section.
3. Right-click each USB Root Hub and select "Enable device" if available.
4. Restart your computer to apply changes.
Method 2: Using Power Management Settings
1. Go to Device Manager and expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers".
2. Right-click on each USB Root Hub and select "Properties".
3. Navigate to the "Power Management" tab.
4. Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".
5. Click OK and restart your PC.
4. Updating USB Drivers
If USB ports remain disabled or unresponsive, outdated or corrupt drivers might be the cause:
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click on each USB device under "Universal Serial Bus controllers".
3. Select "Update driver" and choose "Search automatically for updated driver software".
4. Restart your computer after the update.
5. Resetting BIOS to Default Settings
If USB ports are still not working, try resetting BIOS settings to default:
1. Enter BIOS by restarting and pressing the BIOS key (F2, Del, Esc).
2. Look for the option to "Load Default Settings" or "Reset to Factory Defaults".
3. Save and exit to restart your computer.
6. Troubleshooting USB Port Issues
If enabling USB ports does not resolve the issue, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Try connecting the device to a different USB port.
- Test the USB device on another computer to verify functionality.
- Scan for malware that may be blocking USB access.
- Check for physical damage to USB ports or connectors.
Conclusion
USB ports are essential for everyday computing, and having them disabled can be frustrating. By enabling USB ports in both BIOS and Windows settings, you can restore full functionality and ensure your devices connect smoothly. Always make sure to update drivers and follow safe computing practices to prevent future issues.
For more tips and guidance, visit the Microsoft Support page for official troubleshooting help.