Why does my laptop keep saying low powered USB?
Why does my laptop keep saying low powered USB?
I’ve been experiencing an issue with my laptop that’s becoming really frustrating. Every time I connect a USB device, I receive a notification that says ‘low powered USB’. This message keeps popping up regardless of the type of USB device I plug in—be it a flash drive, an external hard drive, or even my smartphone. I’m not really sure what’s causing this problem. I’ve tried different USB ports, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. The devices still work, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s something wrong with my laptop’s USB ports. Could it be a hardware issue or something to do with my laptop’s power settings or drivers? The constant reminder is annoying and is making me concerned about the long-term functionality of my USB devices. I’m not very tech-savvy, so I feel puzzled and in need of understanding what could be causing this persistent issue.
5 Answers
It sounds like the issue may be related to your laptop’s power management settings. Check out these steps to adjust the settings:
1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
2. Click on Change plan settings next to your selected plan.
3. Select Change advanced power settings.
4. In the popup, expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend setting.
5. Disable the setting for both On battery and Plugged in.
This change can prevent the laptop from cutting power to the USB ports unnecessarily.
Your issue might be a sign of motherboard issues, particularly if updating drivers and adjusting power settings do not help. Consider the following steps:
1. Consult a professional technician to conduct a thorough hardware inspection.
2. Check for underlying issues with the laptop’s power delivery system.
3. Keep your laptop clean and ensure proper cooling to prevent thermal problems that can affect hardware performance.
Hardware failures can be complex, requiring professional insight for accurate diagnosis and repair.
I had a similar problem and fixed it by using a powered USB hub. Sometimes, the laptop’s USB ports don’t supply enough power, especially if you connect multiple devices. Here’s what I did:
1. Purchase a reputable powered USB hub.
2. Connect the hub to your laptop.
3. Plug your USB devices into the powered hub instead.
A powered hub can provide additional power, ensuring your devices receive the proper current to function correctly without overloading your laptop’s ports.
Your laptop might be sending this warning due to outdated or corrupted USB drivers. Follow these steps to update them:
1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Find and expand the section for Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Restart your laptop after the drivers are updated.
Updating drivers ensures that your laptop can properly manage power distribution to USB ports.
The message is likely due to your USB devices drawing more current than your laptop’s USB ports can supply. Here’s what you can do:
1. Check device compatibility to ensure they are within the power limits.
2. Review power settings and disable USB selective suspend in the control panel.
3. Physically inspect USB ports for dirt or damage that may impede power flow.
4. Update USB drivers to the latest version.