How to Fix a USB Port That Turns On & Off Repeatedly

USB ports were brought about in an attempt to standardize how we plug devices into a computer. Computer mice, keyboards, digital cameras, and many other electronic devices now utilize an USB port connection. A port that is not functioning as expected can be mission critical, or an infuriating annoyance at the least. A port that continuously turns off and on may not be broken, this maybe a "Power Management" feature of the device. USB ports can hibernate just as a computer or laptop do. If it's dozing off is not in your best interest, you can disable this feature.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop or Computer with USB ports

Instructions

Turning off a USB port's power save option.

1. 

   Open "Start Menu", select "Settings", then menu item "Control Panel."

2. 

   In "Control Panel" window click open the "System" icon.

3. 

   When the "System Properties" box opens, select the "Hardware" tab, then click the "Device Manager" button.

4. 

   When "Device Manager" opens, click the at "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" to expand it.

5. 

   Right-click the first "USB Root Hub" item and select "Properties" from the menu.

6. 

   Select the "Power Management" tab. Clear the checkmark from Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click "OK."

7. 

   Repeat these steps for all the "USB Root Hubs."

Tips & Warnings

• "Power Users" comfortable with the "Run" command can type "devmgmt.msc" in the "Run" command on the "Start Menu" to access "Device Manager."

Resources

• How USB Ports Work