USB Hub Not Working? 8 Fixes for Devices Not Detected

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When a USB hub stops working or devices plugged into it are not detected, the cause is usually power, a port or a setting. Work through these in order.

1. Try a Different Port

Plug the hub directly into another port on the computer, preferably one on the back of a desktop. Avoid plugging a hub into another hub.

2. Check the Cable

Swap the cable between the hub and the computer for one you know works. A damaged cable is a common cause.

3. Give It Enough Power

Hubs without their own power supply share the computer’s power. External hard drives, webcams and other power-hungry devices can overload them. If your hub has a power adapter port, use it, or connect heavy devices to the computer directly.

4. Unplug Everything and Reconnect

Disconnect all devices and the hub, restart the computer, then connect the hub first and add devices one at a time. This shows which one is causing trouble.

5. Check for USB 3 Interference

USB 3 devices can interfere with 2.4GHz wireless mice and keyboards plugged into nearby ports. If a wireless dongle misbehaves, move it to a different port or a short extension cable.

6. Turn Off USB Power Saving

In Windows, USB “selective suspend” can switch ports off to save power. Turn it off in the power plan’s advanced settings, and in Device Manager clear the “allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option for the USB hub entries.

7. Update or Reinstall Drivers

In Device Manager, uninstall the USB hub entry and restart. Windows reinstalls the driver. Also install any chipset or USB updates for your computer.

8. Test the Hub on Another Computer

If it fails there too, the hub is faulty.

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