USB Devices Not Working Properly On Windows 11? Screens & More

USB Devices Not Working Properly On Windows 11?

This Pink Parsnip Computers guide shows you what to try if your USB devices are randomly disconnecting, freezing, not being detected or having a bit of a moment on Windows 11.

Watch The Video Guide

Guide Time

Short walkthrough

Difficulty

Easy to Medium

Best For

AIO screens, external screens, USB devices and RGB controllers

Why USB Devices Can Play Up

Sometimes the issue is not the USB device itself. Windows power saving settings can put USB devices, USB hubs or internal USB headers into a lower power state, which can cause certain devices to disconnect, freeze or stop responding properly.

This can be especially noticeable with AIO screens, external case screens, small sensor panels, RGB controllers, stream docks and other USB powered accessories.

What This Guide Covers

  • Why USB devices can randomly disconnect or stop responding
  • Why AIO screens and external screens can be affected
  • How Windows power saving can cause USB issues
  • How to change your Windows power plan
  • How to stop Windows from turning off USB devices to save power
  • How to check USB Root Hub and USB controller power settings
  • Why this can help with internal USB headers used by screen software
  • What to try if the issue keeps happening

Devices This May Help With

AIO Screens

Small LCD screens fitted to liquid coolers that connect through USB or internal USB headers.

External PC Screens

Case screens, sensor panels and external displays from brands such as Firmoli, ID Cooling and similar manufacturers.

RGB Controllers

USB connected RGB hubs, lighting controllers and motherboard lighting devices.

Streaming Accessories

Stream decks, stream docks, USB hubs and other USB powered accessories.

Before You Start

These steps are usually safe, but only change settings you are comfortable with. If your PC was supplied by Pink Parsnip Computers and you are unsure what to change, please contact us before making major adjustments.

It is also worth restarting the PC and checking that all USB cables are properly connected before changing settings.

Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Restart The PC

Start with a full restart. This can clear temporary USB detection issues and reload the device drivers.

Step 2: Check The USB Connection

Make sure the USB cable is fully connected. For external devices, try a different USB port. For internal USB header devices, contact us if you are not comfortable opening the PC.

Step 3: Set A Suitable Power Mode

Open Windows power settings and make sure the PC is not running in an aggressive power saving mode. A balanced or performance focused power mode is usually better for gaming PCs and USB accessories.

Step 4: Open Device Manager

Right click the Start button and open Device Manager. This is where you can check USB controllers, USB hubs and power management settings.

Step 5: Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers

In Device Manager, expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section. Look for entries such as USB Root Hub, Generic USB Hub, USB Composite Device or similar USB controller entries.

Step 6: Check Power Management

Right click a USB hub or controller entry, choose Properties, then check for a Power Management tab.

Step 7: Stop Windows Turning Off The Device

If you see the option called Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, untick it, then click OK. Repeat this for relevant USB hubs or controllers where the option is available.

Step 8: Check USB Selective Suspend If Available

Some systems also show a USB selective suspend setting in the advanced power plan options. If available, disabling USB selective suspend can stop Windows from suspending individual USB ports while the PC is running.

Step 9: Restart And Test Again

Restart the PC after making changes, then test the USB device again. If it was being affected by power saving, it may now behave more reliably.

Important Note About Missing Options

Not every PC will show the same USB power options. Some devices may not have a Power Management tab, and some systems may hide or manage USB selective suspend differently.

If the option is not there, do not worry. Just move on to the next relevant step or contact us for help.

Extra Things To Try

  • Try another USB port if the device is external
  • Try another cable if the device uses a detachable cable
  • Reinstall the device software from the official manufacturer source
  • Check Windows Update for driver updates
  • Check the device manufacturer’s support page for newer software
  • Restart the PC after installing or changing software
  • Raise a support ticket if the issue keeps happening

Why This Can Help AIO And Screen Software

Many AIO screens, small case screens and display panels rely on USB communication even if they are physically mounted inside the PC. If Windows turns off the relevant USB hub or internal USB header to save power, the software may stop detecting the screen correctly.

Adjusting these power settings can help keep the USB connection awake and reduce random disconnects or detection issues.

Please Contact Us If You Are Unsure

If your PC was supplied by Pink Parsnip Computers and you are not sure what device, hub or setting to change, please contact us before making changes.

If the issue involves an internal USB header, AIO screen, case screen or RGB controller, do not unplug internal cables unless you are confident doing so.

Need Help?

If you bought your PC from Pink Parsnip Computers and your USB devices are still not working correctly, please raise a support ticket and include details of the device, what it is doing and what steps you have already tried.

Contact Pink Parsnip Support