Disabling USB selective suspend in Windows 11 can help resolve issues with USB devices that aren’t working properly or disconnect frequently. This feature saves power by selectively suspending USB ports that aren’t actively in use. However, it can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. To disable USB selective suspend, you’ll need to access the power settings in Windows 11 and tweak a few options. Follow the steps below to ensure your USB devices stay active and functional.
How to Disable USB Selective Suspend Windows 11
Disabling USB selective suspend in Windows 11 is straightforward and involves a few tweaks in your system’s power settings. This will ensure that your USB devices remain powered and connected consistently, reducing disconnects and failures.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Open the Start menu, search for “Control Panel,” and click on it.
The Control Panel is your gateway to many system settings, including those that manage power options. Navigating here is your first step in managing USB settings.
Step 2: Access Power Options
In Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound,” then select “Power Options.”
Power Options allows you to customize how your computer uses power. Here, you can adjust settings that affect USB ports and their power usage.
Step 3: Change Plan Settings
Choose the power plan you’re currently using and click on “Change plan settings.”
Each power plan has different settings that dictate how your computer handles power. Selecting your active plan ensures you modify the settings that are currently in use.
Step 4: Access Advanced Power Settings
Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
This step takes you to a menu where you can fine-tune various aspects of your computer’s power consumption, including USB settings.
Step 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend
In the Advanced settings menu, find “USB settings,” expand it, click on “USB selective suspend setting,” and choose “Disabled” from the dropdown menu for both “On battery” and “Plugged in.”
Disabling the USB selective suspend ensures that your USB ports remain active and don’t power down unexpectedly, preventing those annoying device disconnects.
After you complete these steps, your USB ports will no longer enter selective suspend mode. This means your USB devices should maintain a stable connection without unexpected power-downs.
Tips for Disabling USB Selective Suspend Windows 11
- Always double-check which power plan you’re modifying to avoid unwanted changes.
- Keep an eye on power consumption, especially on laptops, as disabling selective suspend may slightly impact battery life.
- If issues persist after disabling selective suspend, consider updating your USB drivers.
- Remember to re-enable selective suspend if you need to conserve battery life on laptops.
- Use this method only if you’re experiencing issues with USB devices; otherwise, selective suspend is beneficial for power saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USB selective suspend?
USB selective suspend is a feature that saves power by suspending the function of USB ports when they’re not in active use.
Why would I want to disable USB selective suspend?
Disabling it can help with USB device issues such as intermittent disconnects or devices not being recognized.
Does disabling USB selective suspend affect battery life?
Yes, it can slightly increase power consumption, especially noticeable on laptops running on battery.
Can I re-enable USB selective suspend later?
Absolutely, you can follow the same steps to enable it again if you wish to restore the default power-saving settings.
What if disabling this doesn’t fix my USB issues?
If problems persist, consider updating USB drivers or checking the physical USB connections for damage.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Access Power Options.
- Change Plan Settings.
- Access Advanced Power Settings.
- Disable USB Selective Suspend.
Conclusion
Disabling USB selective suspend in Windows 11 is a handy trick that can resolve many common issues with USB devices. By following these simple steps, you ensure that your devices remain consistently connected and operational. While this might slightly increase power usage, the benefits of stable USB connections often outweigh the drawbacks, especially if you’re dealing with frequent disconnects or unresponsive devices. Remember, you can always re-enable selective suspend if you need to optimize power consumption later on.
For those interested in digging deeper, consider exploring other power settings or checking out additional resources that delve into optimizing device power management. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned pro, adjusting these settings can give you better control over your computer’s performance. If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone else who might be struggling with unstable USB connections. Your newfound knowledge could be just what they need to overcome their tech troubles.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.