Recent Windows 11 Update Causes USB Peripheral Issues: What You Need to Know
Microsoft recently rolled out a new update for Windows 11 aimed at enhancing performance, patching vulnerabilities, and introducing minor feature improvements. However, some users have reported significant problems with USB peripheral devices following the update. This article delves into the issue, its potential causes, and steps users can take to mitigate the problem.
Here's Microsoft's webpage that talks about the known issues with the recent Windows 11 update: Link
The Issue
After installing the latest Windows 11 update, users have encountered instances where their USB devices—such as keyboards, mice, printers, and external storage drives—stop functioning correctly. Symptoms include:
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Devices not being recognized by the system.
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Inconsistent functionality, with devices disconnecting and reconnecting randomly.
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Reduced performance of USB devices, such as slow data transfer rates.
Potential Causes
While Microsoft has not officially confirmed the root cause, several potential explanations have emerged:
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Driver Incompatibility: Updates sometimes overwrite or conflict with existing USB driver software, leading to device malfunctions.
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Power Management Settings: The update may have inadvertently altered USB power management settings, causing devices to disconnect.
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System Conflicts: Changes in system configuration brought about by the update may result in hardware and software incompatibilities.
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Firmware Issues: Peripheral devices with outdated firmware may struggle to communicate with the updated Windows system.
Steps to Mitigate the Problem
If you are experiencing USB issues after the Windows 11 update, consider trying the following steps:
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Check for Updates:
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Go to Settings > Windows Update and ensure all available patches and updates are installed. Microsoft may release a hotfix to address the issue. (Microsoft Update Catalog)
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Update Drivers:
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Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button.
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Locate the affected USB devices under “Universal Serial Bus controllers” or other categories.
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Right-click the device, select “Update driver,” and follow the prompts. (Microsoft Support: Update Drivers)
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Disable USB Selective Suspend:
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Navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and click “Change plan settings” for your active power plan.
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Select “Change advanced power settings” and expand the “USB settings” section.
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Set “USB selective suspend setting” to “Disabled.” (Microsoft Support: Power Options)
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Uninstall the Update:
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If the issue persists and disrupts critical workflows, you can uninstall the update as a temporary measure.
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Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history, then click “Uninstall updates.” Select the problematic update and remove it. (How to Uninstall Updates)
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Contact Device Manufacturers:
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Check the manufacturer’s website for updated drivers or firmware for your USB devices. For example, visit Logitech Support or HP Drivers.
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Staying Informed
Microsoft is aware of the issue and is likely investigating the problem. Users are advised to monitor the official Windows 11 update page or forums for announcements regarding a fix.
Conclusion
While updates are essential for maintaining a secure and efficient system, they can sometimes introduce unintended problems. If you’re affected by the recent Windows 11 update causing USB peripheral issues, the steps outlined above can help restore functionality. As always, keeping backups and delaying non-critical updates can minimize disruptions in the future.