How to Fix Power Surge on the USB Port Error in Windows

Fix this troublesome error with this helpful troubleshooting guide

Co-authored by Travis Boylls Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: August 5, 2024 Fact Checked

The error message "Power surge on the USB port" on a Windows computer usually indicates that a USB device requires more power than the USB port can put out. This wikiHow article teaches you how to troubleshoot the "Power surge on a USB port" message in Windows.

Power Surge on the USB Port: What It Means

This error indicates a USB device connected to your PC needs more power than it can get from the port. Check to see if the problem occurs on other USB ports and try a different cable. Check for updates, and try a powered USB hub if the error persists.

1

Find the culprit.

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Disconnect all USB devices connected to your computer, then plug each back in one at a time. See if the error message shows again when you connect a USB device. If you see "Power Surge on the USB port," you'll know which port and/or device to troubleshoot.

2

Check the USB cable.

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Examine the USB cable to see if there are any exposed wires. Check the inside of the USB connector to see if there is any dirt, debris, or loose prongs in the connector. Try using a different USB cable. If the device works using a different USB cable, the problem is the cable.

3

Try a different device on the problematic port.

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See if the error occurs with a different device. If it only occurs with one device, the USB device could be malfunctioning.
- Some USB devices may need to be plugged into an external power source. Check to make sure your USB device doesn't need to be plugged in.

4

Power-cycle your computer.

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Sometimes a power reset can reset your computer's memory and drain its residual power, which can fix minor bugs and glitches. To power-cycle your computer, turn it off and unplug it from its power source. If it has a removable battery, go ahead and disconnect the battery. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to release all power, then plug the computer back in and boot it back up. See if this fixes the problem.

5

Update the USB drivers.

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The USB drivers might be corrupt or outdated. Updating USB drivers can patch out minor bugs and problems. The easiest way to update your drivers is through a Windows Update. Use the following steps to update Windows along with your drivers:
- Click the Start menu.
- Click the Gear/Settings icon.
- Click Update & Security (Windows 10 only).
- Click Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Follow the instructions for any updates that are needed.

6

Reinstall your USB drivers.

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Uninstall and reinstall the drivers. Reinstalling your USB drivers may be able to fix any bugs you have with your current drivers, including the "Power surge on the USB port" error. When you uninstall your drivers, Windows will reinstall them automatically upon restart.
- Right-click the Windows Start menu.
- Click Device Manager.
- Scroll down and expand the menu below "Universal Serial Bus Controllers."
- Right-click a USB device and click Uninstall device.
- Repeat for all USB devices.
- Restart your computer.

7

Use a Windows troubleshooter.

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Use a hardware diagnostic tool in Windows. You can use the following steps to run the official Windows diagnostic tool, which can troubleshoot your hardware and devices:^{[1]
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- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Type CMD.
- Open the Command Prompt.
- Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
- Click Next in the lower-right corner.
- Follow the instructions if any problems are detected.

8

Adjust your power settings.

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Your power settings might be too low. Your USB port may not be putting enough power out. You can adjust your power settings in the Control Panel:
- Click the Windows Start button.
- Type Control Panel.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click Hardware & Sound.
- Click Power Options.
- Select High Performance.
- Click Change plan settings next to "High Performance."
- Click Change advanced power settings.
- Expand the menu below "USB settings."
- Expand the menu below "USB selective suspend settings."
- Ensure all select suspend settings are disabled.
- Click Apply.

9

Try a powered USB hub.

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A USB hub is a device that allows you to connect multiple USB devices to a sign USB port. If your device isn't getting enough power, then a powered USB hub (that requires an external power source) with fast charging ports may be able to provide enough power to support your device.

10

Check the BIOS/UEFI settings.

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Your BIOS settings may not be configured properly. How you boot into the BIOS differs depending on the make and model of your computer. Usually, your computer will tell you what button to push to boot into the BIOS as you boot up (it's usually F1, F2, DEL, ESC, or something similar). Then, you will need to look for the USB settings (i.e., "Legacy USB support" and "USB 3.0 Configuration Pre-OS") and make sure the USB settings are enabled and configured correctly. The BIOS menu will look different from one computer model to the next. If you don't know how to boot into the BIOS, use the following steps from within Windows:
- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Click the Gear/Settings icon.
- Click Update & Security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11).
- Click Recovery.
- Click Restart Now next to "Advanced startup."
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options.
- Click UEFI Firmware settings.
- Click Restart.

11

Have your computer serviced.

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If you've tried everything and the error message persists, there may be a hardware issue with your motherboard that is affecting your USB ports. Contact the point of sale and the computer manufacturer to see if it's still under warranty. If not, you'll need to take your computer to an authorized repair technician.