It's always worth double-checking the USB port you’re trying to use is USB 3.0 and not 2.0. While that shouldn't stop you from using it, if your concern is slow speeds, you may be using an older port. USB 3.0 ports tend to be blue, while USB 2.0 tends to be white or black.
How to Install USB 3.0 Drivers on Windows 11
How to Install USB 3.0 Drivers on Windows 10
The most likely problem with USB 3.0 drivers on Windows 10 is they've been corrupted somehow. Here's how to reinstall them to make sure they're working as intended.
Search for Device Manager in the Windows 10 search bar and select the corresponding result.
Scroll down the list of hardware and select Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Look down the drop-down list, right-click (or tap and hold) USB Root Hub (USB 3.0), and then select Uninstall Device.
If you have duplicates, uninstall them all one at a time.
Confirm the action, if required to do so, then reboot your device. Windows 10 should reinstall the USB driver automatically upon reboot.
Re-Install the Specific Device
If you're having trouble with one particular USB 3.0 device, you can try reinstalling the drivers just for that. Follow the steps above to access the Device Manager, then plug in the device you're experiencing driver difficulties with. It should appear in the USB list. Repeat the steps in the previous section to uninstall its drivers, then reboot your system as before.
Access the Device Manager as in the first step above.
Right-click (or tap and hold) USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) and select Properties.
Select the Driver tab, then select Update Driver.
Select Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
Select USB Root Hub (USB 3.0), then select Next. The installation may take a minute, but once complete you'll want to restart your system to finalize the change.
Using Microsoft's USB Diagnosis Tool
Microsoft has a tool specifically designed for fixing problems with USB 3.0 devices and drivers. Download it from the official support website, then run the program as you would any other. It will attempt to diagnose your USB 3.0 problem. If one is discovered, allow it to continue with an attempted fix. You may need to restart your device after completing it.
Update Your System Drivers
Although Windows 10 should have the USB 3.0 drivers you need to use your compatible devices, it may be some other drivers are too out of date to work properly. To update them, you need to know the name and model of your system or device. If you want to be specific, know the motherboard make and model, too.
You can find these using a free system information tool. Once you have them, go to your system or motherboard manufacturer's website and download the latest chipset drivers for your system. Install them as you would any other driver and restart your system.
Update Windows
Updating Windows itself can sometimes fix problematic issues that just won't seem to go away. The latest Windows service packs and updates can fix a myriad of issues, as they're continually improved and tweaked by Microsoft.
How to Change Windows 10 USB Power Settings
If none of the above fixes sorted out your particular problem with USB 3.0 on Windows 10, you can try changing Windows' power settings, as they may be interfering with the USB ports and connected devices.
Search for Device Manager using the Windows 10 search bar, and select the corresponding result.
Select Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand the section and then right-click (or tap and hold) USB Root Hub (USB 3.0). Select Properties.
Choose the Power Management tab and select Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power to disable it.
Select OK. If prompted, restart your device.
Why Isn't USB 3.0 Driver on Windows 10 Working?
Like wired and wireless networking drivers, USB 3.0 drivers are a staple of any Windows 10 installation and should be present and correct when you switch to the operating system for the first time. However, upgrades to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, as well as updates to the latest version of Windows, can sometimes cause conflicts with drivers and cause USB 3.0 devices to stop working as they should.
FAQ
How do I update drivers on Windows 11?
Use Windows Update to update drivers in Windows 11. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. Expand Driver updates, select the drivers shown, and select Download & Install.
How do I install motherboard drivers with USB?
To install motherboard drivers via USB media, go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and download the drivers directly to your USB flash drive. Connect the USB drive to your Windows PC, open the driver files, and follow the prompts to install the drivers.
How do I uninstall USB drivers?
To uninstall USB drivers, open Device Manager and select View. Next, turn on Show Hidden Devices. Choose the type of device you want to uninstall drivers from, expand the menu, and right-click your specific device > select Uninstall > Delete the driver software for this device > OK.
How do I know if my USB driver is installed?
To scan for hardware changes, follow these steps:.Click Start, and then click Run. ... .Type devmgmt. ... .In Device Manager, click your computer so that it is highlighted..Click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes..Check the USB device to see whether it is working..How do I find my USB drivers on Windows 10?
The drivers and their installation files are included in Windows. They're available in the \Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository folder.How do I know if a driver is installed on my computer?
Solution.Open Device Manager from Start menu or search in Start menu..Expand the respective component driver to be checked, right-click the driver, then select Properties..Go to the Driver tab and the Driver Version is shown. For example:.How do I find out what drivers I have?
How to find the version of a driver in Windows.Open the Windows Device Manager..In Device Manager, locate and double-click the device you want to view the version. ... .In the device Properties window, click the Driver tab..In the Driver tab, the Driver Provider, Driver Date, and Driver Version of that device..