How To Fix USB-C Problems in Windows

A USB Type C or USB-C connection is mainly used to connect mobile phones and docking stations and charge your Windows PC. However, unforeseeable circumstances, such as an unsuitable hardware-software combination, can sabotage the connection. This post will share how you can fix USB-C problems in Windows.

Fix USB-C Problems in Windows

In these circumstances, notifications on your Windows PC screen can assist you in locating the issue and attempting a few fast fixes. Given below are some fixes that may help you solve the issue of USB-C problems in Windows 11/10

1. Check USB Type- C Ports and Cables
2. Unsupported USB-C Audio Adapter
3. USB Device Functionality Might Be Limited
4. USB Device Not Recognized
5. Slow USB Charger Connected, or PC Is Not Charging
6. Display Connection Might Be Limited, or MHL Device Functionality Might Be Limited.
7. Use the Different USB Port
8. USB Device Might Need More Power

You will need an administrator account to execute some of these suggestions.

1] Check USB Type- C Ports and Cables

The USB Type-C ports and cables might have some issues, making them unrecognizable to your Windows PC.

Cause

Some USB Type-C devices, including printers, scanners, and other devices, require loading software and drivers before they can be connected to a PC. Please confirm that the installation instructions provided by the USB Type-C device manufacturer have been followed on your PC.

Solutions

• Examine the USB Type-C cable: Check your PC’s USB Type-C ports and cable for any signs of damage. There could be some USB Type-C performance issues. For example, you might encounter issues where a USB Type-C device stops working or operates irregularly.
• Connect to another PC: Try connecting the USB Type-C device to another PC if you have one accessible. If the USB Type-C device is still not identified and is not functioning correctly, it can be defective. We advise you to get in touch with the product maker.
• USB Type-C docking: Connect the USB device directly to the PC if you use a USB Type-C docking (USB hub) to access the USB device. If the USB device can function normally, there may be a problem with the USB Type-C docking or insufficient power from the docking (hub).

2] Unsupported USB-C Audio Adapter

Two types of audio adapters are available: analog and digital USB-C audio adapters. Most PCs support only USB-C digital audio adapters; these devices are equipped with technology that transforms digital audio data from your PC into an analog signal that your headphones or speakers can play.

Cause

The possible cause of why the USB-C Audio Adapter is unsupported may be because your PC may not support the audio adapter you are connected to.

Solution

Unplug your USB-C analog audio adapter from your PC and then plug in a USB-C digital audio adapter if you already have one to solve the issue.

3] USB Device Functionality Might Be Limited

Make sure your PC can support the DisplayPort device and that your PC can support the MHL device you’re connecting to. The functioning of MHL devices may be restricted.

Note: Alternate Modes, a new feature of USB Type-C, enables non-USB connections with the USB-C cable and connection. If supported, your device uses the appropriate mode without any settings to be changed. The alternate display modes that your cable might support are listed below:

• DisplayPort: You can play audio and project video on an external monitor that supports DisplayPort using the DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
• MHL: You can play audio and project video onto an external monitor that supports MHL using the MHL Alternate Mode.
• HDMI: You can play audio and project video onto an external monitor that supports HDMI using the HDMI Alternate Mode.

Causes

• Your PC does not support the new USB-C features of the device or dongle you are connected to.
• The cable may not support new USB-C features on your connected device.
• You may not use the proper USB-C port on your PC to connect the dongle or device.
• An external hub or dock connects the gadget or dongle to your computer.
• There are too many additional dongles or gadgets using a USB-C connection attached to your PC.

Solutions

• Verify that your PC, the external display, and the cable support the DisplayPort or MHL alternative modes.
• Ensure that the device or dongle is directly connected to your PC.
• Ensure that the dongle or device is plugged into the USB-C port on your PC that can handle the appropriate Alternate Mode. For instance, a USB-C port on your PC that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode should be used to connect a DisplayPort Alternate Mode adapter.

4] USB Device Not Recognized

Windows may not detect the most recent USB device you connected to your PC because it was faulty.

Causes

There is a driver issue or a problem with the USB device you connected to.

Solutions

• Locate the error code on your Windows 11 PC and then record it.
• Follow the methods listed in Error codes in Device Manager in Windows to troubleshoot the error code you observe.

Note: Except for error Code 28 (drivers for the device are not installed), all error codes displayed in Device Manager are affected by this.

5] Slow USB Charger Connected, or PC Is Not Charging

If your PC is not charging or is slow, it is always better to use the charger and wire that came with your device to accelerate charging.

Causes

• Your PC cannot utilize this charger.
• Your PC cannot be charged with this charger’s current output.
• There is no charging port on your PC where the charger should be plugged in.
• The PC or charger cannot be charged using this charging cable’s capacity.
• Your device’s USB port was blocked by debris or dust, making it difficult to insert the charger correctly.
• The charger is linked via a dock or external hub.

Solutions

• Utilize the wire and charger that came with your PC.
• Ensure your charger is plugged into the USB-C charging port on your PC.
• To clean the USB-C port on your PC, use a can of compressed air.

Notes:

• The power restrictions on a PC with USB Type-C connections are higher. It can charge much more quickly and at higher power levels if the connector supports USB Power Delivery.
• Your PC, charger, and cable must all adhere to industry standards for faster charging. Your cable and charger must be able to deliver the power levels your PC needs for rapid charging.
• Chargers without the standard USB Type-C connector may utilize a proprietary, non-standard connector incompatible with your PC.

6] Display Connection Might Be Limited, or MHL Device Functionality Might Be Limited

Before moving on to the solutions, ensure that your PC supports the MHL device you connect to.

Causes

• The device or dongle you linked to supports new USB-C functionalities, but your PC does not.
• The cable does not support new USB-C features on your connected device.
• The dongle or device is not plugged into the proper USB-C port on your PC.
• An external hub or dock connects the device or dongle to your PC.
• There are too many additional dongles or devices using a USB-C connection attached to your PC.

Solutions

• Verify that your PC, the external display, and the cable support the DisplayPort or MHL alternative modes.
• Ensure that the device or dongle is directly connected to your PC.
• Ensure that the dongle or device is plugged into the USB-C port on your PC that can handle the appropriate Alternate Mode. For instance, a USB-C port on your PC that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode should be used to connect a DisplayPort Alternate Mode adapter.

7] Use the Different USB Port

The USB device might only have some capabilities when plugged into this port. Choose a different USB port on your PC to insert the USB device into.

Causes

• The dongle or device is not plugged into the proper USB-C port on your PC.
• An external hub or dock connects the device or dongle to your PC.

Solutions

• Ensure that the device or dongle is directly connected to your PC.
• Ensure that the device or dongle is plugged into the USB-C port on your PC that the device or dongle’s features are compatible with. Make sure, for instance, that a Thunderbolt device is connected to a USB-C port on your PC that supports Thunderbolt.

8] USB Device Might Need More Power

The USB device might not receive enough power from your PC. Please use an external power source to power your device, or try using a different PC.

Causes

• Your PC does not support the connected device, so it cannot power it.
• Your PC’s low battery has momentarily reduced the power it can supply to the device.
• Your PC has momentarily reduced the power it supplies to the device you just connected to because it also powers other devices.
• The PC cannot supply the necessary power for the connected device.

Solutions

• Plug the USB device into an external power source if it can.
• Do not use battery power; connect your PC to an external power supply.
• Disconnect any unnecessary USB devices attached to your PC.

Conclusion

Anytime USB-C problems arise, the power supply, out-of-date or faulty drivers, and occasionally your Windows version is to blame. To eliminate the issues, you must confirm the plug’s compatibility, power requirements, and other factors.

A list of solutions plus the causes of the problems are listed in this article, and one can choose any of the fixes most suitable to resolve the issue.