Are you constantly seeing the “Low Powered USB” notification on your laptop?
This issue can be frustrating, as it disrupts the functionality of your USB devices like external drives or keyboards. The problem often stems from malfunctioning USB ports, issues with the USB controller, or conflicts in your universal serial bus controllers.
It might also be linked to an overloaded USB root hub or poorly functioning rear USB ports. These notifications can sometimes arise when USB devices plugged into your system demand more power than the port provides.
Solutions often involve managing settings in the device manager, using a powered USB hub, or exploring other troubleshooting steps. This post will uncover the causes and offer actionable solutions to resolve the issue.
Understanding Low Powered USB Notifications
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an interface that allows communication between a computer and external devices. It was introduced in 1996, replacing the old serial and parallel ports on computers. The USB comprises power lines, data lines, and ground lines to provide both power supply and data transfer capabilities.
When you connect a USB device to your laptop, it draws power from the port to function. However, if the device requires more power than the port can provide, it may trigger the “Low Powered USB” notification. This message is designed to alert you that your device might not work correctly due to insufficient power supply.
The back USB ports on a laptop are typically connected directly to the motherboard and provide more power than the front USB ports. If you’re experiencing low-powered USB notifications, try plugging your device into a rear port as they often have higher power output capabilities.
Why Does My Laptop Keep Saying Low Powered USB
Now that we understand what triggers these notifications let’s delve deeper into its potential causes:
1. Malfunctioning USB Ports
One of the primary culprits behind “Low Powered USB” notifications is malfunctioning or damaged USB ports. Over time, the pins inside the port may get bent, broken, or simply wear out due to frequent use. This can result in an inconsistent supply of power to connected devices and trigger the notification. If you suspect this is the case, try plugging your device into a different USB port to see if the notification persists.
2. Issues with the USB Controller
The USB controller manages all communication between devices connected via USB and your laptop’s operating system. If there are any glitches or conflicts within the controller, it can lead to power supply issues and trigger “Low Powered USB” notifications. To resolve this, you can try updating the driver for your USB controller through the device manager.
3. Conflicts in Universal Serial Bus Controllers
Your laptop’s motherboard may also have conflicts within its universal serial bus controllers that result in power supply issues. The best way to address this is by going into your device manager, expanding the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” section, and uninstalling all the controllers. Your laptop will automatically reinstall them upon restart, hopefully resolving any conflicts.
4. Overloaded USB Root Hub
Another common cause of “Low Powered USB” notifications is an overloaded USB root hub. The USB root hub acts as a central connection point between your computer and all its connected USB devices. When it becomes overloaded with multiple devices drawing power simultaneously, it can trigger the notification. To fix this issue, you can try disconnecting some devices or using a powered USB hub to distribute power more efficiently.
Solutions for Resolving Low Powered USB Notifications
Now that we have identified the potential causes of “Low Powered USB” notifications, let’s explore some solutions for resolving them:
1. Use a Powered USB Hub
A powered USB hub is an external device that connects to your laptop and distributes power more efficiently among connected devices. It can provide enough power to devices that demand more than what the port can supply, ultimately reducing or eliminating the “Low Powered USB” notifications.
2. Manage Power Settings in Device Manager
Windows operating systems come with built-in power management tools that allow you to adjust settings for individual USB ports. To access these options, go to your device manager, expand the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” section, right-click on the first USB port, and select “Properties.” From there, go to the “Power Management” tab and uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Repeat this process for all USB ports.
3. Update Drivers
Driver issues can also cause power supply problems and trigger “Low Powered USB” notifications. To resolve this, you can go into your device manager and look for any drivers with a yellow exclamation mark indicating an issue. Right-click on it and select “Update Driver Software” to download the latest driver from the internet.
4. Check Your Power Button
In some cases, the issue may originate from your laptop’s power button. If it is not functioning correctly, it can cause power supply inconsistencies and trigger the “Low Powered USB” notification. Try pushing the button a few times to ensure it is working correctly.
5. Change Power Plan Settings
Your laptop’s power plan settings may also be causing insufficient power supply to your USB devices. To access these settings, go to your control panel, search for “Power Options”, and click on “Change plan settings” for your selected plan. From there, select “Change advanced power settings” and expand the “USB Settings” menu. Look for the setting that says “USB selective suspend setting” and set it to “Disabled.” This will ensure that your USB ports receive enough power consistently.
6. Check for Hardware Changes
If you have recently made any hardware changes to your laptop, such as upgrading its operating system or adding new devices, it may be causing conflicts within the system. To resolve this, go into your device manager and click on “Scan for hardware changes” under the “Action” tab. This will update your system and hopefully eliminate any power supply issues.
7. Re-enable USB Controllers
In some cases, disabling and re-enabling USB controllers can fix power supply issues and “Low Powered USB” notifications. To do this, go to your device manager, expand the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” section, right-click on the first USB controller, and select “Disable.” After a few seconds, right-click again and select “Enable” to re-enable the controller.
8. Check Rear Ports
Some laptops have more than one set of USB ports, with some located at the front and others at the back. Oftentimes, rear ports can supply more power than front ones. If you are experiencing “Low Powered USB” notifications while using front ports, try switching to rear ports instead.
9. Update Your Operating System
Outdated operating systems may also be causing power supply issues and triggering “Low Powered USB” notifications. Make sure to regularly update your system to ensure it is running smoothly and providing enough power to your USB devices.
10. Use Troubleshooting Tools
If none of the above solutions work, you can also use built-in troubleshooting tools on your laptop to diagnose and fix any power supply problems. In Windows, you can go to “Control Panel” > “Troubleshooting” > “Hardware and Sound” > “Power.” This will run a diagnostic test and hopefully identify the root cause of the issue.
Tips to Avoid “Low Powered USB” Notifications
Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some tips to avoid “Low Powered USB” notifications altogether:
- Use a powered USB hub for devices that require more power.
- Avoid using too many devices simultaneously on a single port.
- Regularly update your operating system and drivers.
- Do not overload the USB root hub by connecting too many devices at once.
- If you have to use front ports, try connecting low-powered devices like keyboards or mice instead of high-powered ones like external hard drives.
- Keep an eye on your laptop’s battery status and make sure there is enough charge before using multiple USB devices.
Powered hub
- Consider using a laptop docking station that has its own power supply for more efficient power distribution.
- Disconnect devices when they are not in use to reduce the load on the USB root hub.
- Avoid using damaged or faulty USB cables.
By following these tips and implementing the solutions mentioned above, you can eliminate “Low Powered USB” notifications and ensure smooth functioning of your USB devices. So, make sure to keep your system updated and use powered hubs whenever necessary to avoid any inconvenience caused by low power supply through USB ports.
Does A Powered USB Hub Improve Performance?
While a powered USB hub can provide enough power to devices demanding more than what the port can supply, it does not necessarily improve their performance.
However, using a powered hub can prevent any interruptions or issues caused by low power supply and ultimately result in smoother device operation. It also allows you to connect multiple high-powered devices without overloading the port and causing damage.
So, while it may not directly improve performance, using a powered USB hub can enhance overall usability and efficiency of your connected devices. Additionally, regularly checking and updating drivers for optimal compatibility and functioning of your devices can also contribute to better performance.
FAQs
Do all laptops have low-powered USB ports?
Not necessarily. Some modern laptops are equipped with high-powered USB ports that can supply enough power to multiple devices simultaneously without triggering a “Low Powered USB” notification.
Can a faulty device cause “Low Powered USB” notifications?
Yes, if a device is drawing too much power or is malfunctioning, it can cause “Low Powered USB” notifications on your laptop.
What should I do if none of the solutions work for me?
If none of the above solutions work for you, consider taking your laptop to a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair. It may be an underlying hardware issue that requires specialized attention. Also, make sure to regularly update your drivers and operating system to avoid similar issues in the future. In some rare cases, it may be necessary to replace your laptop’s USB port or its power supply unit. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Conclusion
“Low Powered USB” notifications can be a frustrating and disruptive issue, but they can easily be resolved by following the solutions mentioned in this guide. Remember to regularly update your operating system and drivers, use powered hubs when necessary, and avoid overloading your USB ports.
By taking preventive measures and implementing proper troubleshooting techniques, you can ensure smooth functioning of your USB devices without any power supply issues or interruptions. Additionally, staying updated on the latest technology advancements can also help you understand and resolve similar issues in the future. So keep yourself informed and stay connected!
