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[3 Fixes] Windows USB Devices Keep Disconnecting and Reconnecting
If your Windows USB devices keep disconnecting and reconnecting, you can read to know the reasons and get 3 solutions for the external hard drives keeping disconnecting issue.
By Irene / Updated on February 12, 2025
Why USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting?
If your USB devices keep disconnecting and reconnecting randomly on your computer, you're not alone. One common problem users face is their external hard drive disconnecting on Windows 11 and 10. For example, one user upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and noticed that every five minutes, all their USB devices would disconnect and reconnect. This kind of problem can be frustrating.
If your USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting on Windows 11 or 10, the first thing you should check is whether the USB device works fine on another computer. If it does, the issue is likely with your computer's settings or hardware. You can also try connecting another working USB device to see if the USB ports are the problem. Additionally, there are several potential causes for this issue, including:
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Insufficient power supply: USB devices require enough power to function properly. A lack of power can cause them to disconnect.
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Faulty USB port: Over time, USB ports may become loose or damaged, leading to disconnections.
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USB device errors: A corrupted or faulty USB device may cause frequent disconnections.
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Virus or malware: Viruses can interfere with your USB devices, causing them to disconnect unexpectedly.
If your USB keeps disconnecting, it’s worth checking your USB ports and cables first. If the issue persists, it could be due to damaged hardware or outdated drivers.
How to fix the USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting issue
The USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting issue is caused by many factors. There are 3 solutions can be used for fixing this.
Fix 1. Change a different USB port
When you find the external hard drive keeps disconnecting in Windows PC, it is a good idea to consider switching from a USB 3.0 port to a USB 2.0 port. It has proven effective for numerous users.
However, while using a USB 2.0 port can alleviate the disconnecting issue, it does come with a trade-off – transfer speeds will be slower compared to the USB 3.0 option. This compromise might be acceptable depending on your needs, but it's something to pay attention to.
If the problem continues even after trying this adjustment, there are other solutions you can try. Please keep reading to explore these methods, which may help fix the issue USB device keeps disconnecting and reconnecting in Windows 10 and 11.
Fix 2. Disable USB selective suspending setting
A power-saving feature can sometimes cause the external hard drive to keep disconnecting in Windows 11, 10, or 7. This feature automatically shuts down USB devices to save power, which may be causing the issue. You can disable the USB selective suspend setting to see if it fixes the problem of your external hard drive disconnecting.
Step 1. Right-click on the Windows button and select Control Panel. Then, choose System and Security.
Step 2. In the following interface, locate Power Options and select it.
Step 3. Another interface will appear. Check the Power saver option and click on Change plan settings.
Step 4. In the next interface, click on Change Advanced power settings.
Step 5. The Power Options interface will appear. Find USB settings, expand it, and change USB selective suspend setting to Disabled. At last, click OK to save the changes.
Fix 3. Install the latest USB Controller Drivers
If you are using a USB 3.0 port and your external hard drive keeps disconnecting in Windows 11, it's a good idea to install the latest USB 3.0 controller drivers. A reliable way to update them is by visiting the motherboard manufacturer's website and downloading the most recent chipset drivers for your system.
Step 1. Use the Windows search box to find Device Manager and click on the first search result. Navigate to the section labeled Universal Serial Bus Controllers and expand it. Then right-click on the USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) option and choose the Uninstall device option.
Step 2. Exit Device Manager and restart your computer. Then open Device Manager again. Navigate to Universal Serial Bus Controllers > USB Root Hub (USB 3.0). Right-click on USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) and choose Update driver.
Step 3. Choose the option "Browse my computer for driver software" to proceed.
Step 4. Choose "Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer" and click Next.
Step 5. Choose USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) and click Next.
Step 6. Then the updating process will begin. Once it completes, you can close the update interface, Device Manager, and then restart your computer to see whether the problem that external hard drive keeps disconnecting in Windows 10 and 11 has been fixed.
Further reading: Recover lost data from inaccessible USB devices
If your USB keeps disconnecting, there's a high risk of data loss. You might be prompted by Windows to format the drive before using it, or unexpected issues could cause data loss during the troubleshooting process. If you do lose data, AOMEI Partition Assistant can help recover it. This reliable software offers a "Recover Data" feature designed to handle various data loss situations, such as accidental formatting, emptied Recycle Bin, or accidental device removal. It can also recover data after virus attacks, system crashes, or restore backups from external hard drives. If you've already formatted your drive due to the disconnection issue in Windows 11, this tool is worth trying.
AOMEI Partition AssistantThe Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
- Notes:
- Recover Data supports recovering more than 1000+ file types, including photos, documents, videos, emails, and so on.
- AOMEI Partition Assistant can be compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and continues to receive updates. If you encounter external hard drive keeps disconnecting in other Windows versions, you can use it to recover data as well.
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User-friendly interface: The software features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for people of all skill levels. Besides, it provides 24/7 technical support for your convenience.
- For Windows Server users, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers the Server edition.
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Click on "Recover" from the top menu, then select "Recover Data".
Step 2. Choose the USB drive that contains the lost files and click "Start Scan".
Step 3. After the scanning process is complete, a list of all deleted files will be displayed. Tick the checkboxes next to the lost files you want to recover, then click "Recover".
Step 4. Select a destination path to save the recovered files.
Step 5. Once the recovery process is finished, navigate to the chosen path to locate and access your recovered files.
Conclusion
In summary, if your Windows USB devices keep disconnecting and reconnecting on Windows 10 or 11, it can be caused by a variety of issues, including insufficient power, faulty ports, or outdated drivers. Trying simple solutions like switching USB ports, disabling power-saving settings, or updating drivers can often resolve the problem. However, the data loss could occur during the troubleshooting process. In such cases, using AOMEI Partition Assistant to recover lost data is a reliable option. Following the steps in this guide should help you fix the issue and protect your data in the process.
