How to Fix Power Surge on the USB Port Error in Windows

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The error message "Power surge on a USB port" on a Windows computer usually indicates that there is a USB device that requires more power than the USB port is able to put out. There are a few things you can do to fix this issue if you see it. This wikiHow article teaches you how to troubleshoot the "Power surge on a USB port" message in Windows.

\"Power Surge on a USB Port\" Error=

Find the culprit.

Check all devices connected to your computer. When you see this error message, the first thing to do is discover which port or device is causing the problem. Disconnected all USB devices connected to your computer. Plug each back in one at a time, and see if the error message shows again when you connected a USB device. If the error message shows again, this indicates that the device or port is the problem.

Check the USB cable.

The USB cable may be shorting out. Examine the USB cable to see if there are any exposed wires. Check the inside of the USB connector to see if there is any dirt, debris, or loose prongs in the connector. Try using a different USB cable. If the device works using a different USB cable, the problem could be the cable. Replace the cable.

Try using a different device.

Try connecting different devices to the same USB port. See if the problem occurs with multiple devices. If it only occurs with one device, then the USB device could be malfunctioning. You'll need to replace the USB device. Some USB devices may need to be plugged into an external power source. Check to make sure your USB device doesn't need to be plugged in.

Power-cycle your computer.

Your computer may need to be reset. Sometimes a power reset can reset your computer's memory and drain its residual power, which can fix minor bugs and glitches. To power-cycle your computer, turn it off and unplug it from its power source. If it has a disconnectable battery, go ahead and disconnect the battery. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Plug your computer back in and boot it back up. See if this fixes the problem.

Update the USB drivers.

The USB drivers are corrupt or outdated. Updating the USB drivers can patch out minor bugs and problems. The easiest way to update your drivers is through a Windows update. Use the following steps to update Windows along with your drivers: Click the Windows Start menu. Click the Gear/Settings icon. Click Update & Security (Windows 10 only). Click Windows Update. Click Check for Updates. Follow the instructions for any updates that are needed.

Reinstall your USB drivers.

Your USB drivers are corrupt. Reinstalling your USB drivers may be able to fix any bugs you have with your current drivers. When you uninstall your drivers, Windows will reinstall them automatically upon restart. Use the following steps to reinstall your USB drivers: Right-click the Windows Start menu. Click Device Manager. Scroll down and expand the menu below "Universal Serial Bus Controllers." Right-click a USB device and click Uninstall device. Repeat for all USB devices. Restart your computer.

Use a troubleshooter.

Use a hardware diagnostic tool. You can use the following steps to run the official Windows diagnostic tool, which can troubleshoot your hardware and devices. Use the following steps to run a hardware diagnostic tool: Click the Windows Start menu. Type CMD. Open the Command Prompt. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter. Click Next in the lower-right corner. Follow the instructions if any problems are detected.

Adjust your Power settings.

Your power settings are too low. You can adjust your power settings in the Control Panel. Use the following steps to adjust your power settings: Click the Windows Start button. Type Control Panel. Open the Control Panel. Click Hardware & Sound. Click Power Options. Select High Performance. Click Change plan settings next to "High Performance." Click Change advanced power settings. Expand the menu below "USB settings." Expand the menu below "USB selective suspend settings." Ensure all select suspend settings are disabled. Click Apply.

Use a USB hub.

Purchase and use a USB Hub. A USB hub is a device that allows you to connect multiple USB devices to a sign USB port. If your device isn't getting enough power, than a powered USB hub (that requires an external power source) with fast charging ports may be able to provide enough power to support your device.

Check your BIOS settings.

Your BIOS settings may not be configured properly. The way you boot into the BIOS is different depending on your computer make and model. Usually, your computer will tell you want button to push to boot into the BIOS as you boot up (it's usually F1, F2, DEL, or ESC or something similar). Then you will need to look for the USB settings (i.e. "Legacy USB support", "USB 3.0 Configuration Pre-OS") and make sure the USB settings are enabled and configured properly. The BIOS menu is going to look different from one computer model to the next. If you don't know how to boot into the BIOS on your computer, model, you can use the following steps to [into the BIOS] from within Windows: Click the Windows Start menu. Click the Gear/Settings icon. Click Update & Security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11). Click Recovery. Click Restart Now next to "Advanced startup." Click Troubleshoot. Click Advanced options. Click UEFI Firmware settings. Click Restart.

Have your computer serviced.

Take your computer in for repair or replace it. If you've tried everything and the error message still persists, it's possible there may be a hardware issue with your motherboard that is effecting your USB ports. Your computer will need to be repaired. Contact the point of sale and the computer manufacturer to see if it's still under warranty. If not, you'll need to take your computer to an authorized repair technician.