If your USB hub is not working properly or the data transfer speed is super slow after connecting multiple devices There are quite a few things you need to check. Firstly, this could be caused by simple hardware limitations or driver issues but there may be other things at fault as well. In this article, we'll take you through quite a few different things you need to do to fix or at least understand why your USB Hub is slow.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to fix slow USB hubs on Windows 11.
- What's the best way to speed up a USB hub on Windows 11?
Table of Contents
How to Fix USB Hub Transfer Speed Issues on Windows 11
The USB port you use is the most important part of speed and functionality. If your USB hub supports USB 3.0 but you connect it to a USB 2.0 port, the transfer speed will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds, even if the connected devices support USB 3.0. So make sure you are using the fastest possible connections.
- Open Device Manager and check the specifications of the USB controllers
- Look for the USB port's physical characteristics: USB 3.0 ports are often colored blue or labeled with the "SS" (SuperSpeed) logo
IMPORTANT: Always connect your USB hub to a USB 3.0 port if it supports USB 3.0 for the best performance. Match your device to the fastest port you have available. Also check that your hub isn't a slow USB 2.0 device.
Check the USB Cable you are using
Just like the port, the cable connecting your USB hub to the computer affects performance. A USB 2.0 cable will limit your speeds even if you use a USB 3.0 port and hub.
- Look for a blue-colored connector, which typically indicates USB 3.0
- Check for the “SS” logo or markings indicating USB 3.0 support
- Use the cable that came with your USB hub or purchase a certified USB 3.0 cable
Disconnect Some Devices
Connecting too many devices to a single USB hub can cause slow speeds or cause the hub to stop working entirely. When all ports are used simultaneously for data transfer, bandwidth is divided and performance drops.
- Disconnect some devices and test the hub’s speed
- If the hub performs better with fewer devices, reduce the number of devices connected at once
- If performance issues persist with only one or two devices, the USB hub may be of poor quality or defective
Check the Power Supply
Some USB hubs need an external power supply to work at maximum speeds especially with multiple devices connected.
- If your USB hub uses an external power adapter, make sure it is plugged in and working
- Check the power output of the USB ports in Device Manager
- If you receive a “Power surge on the USB port” message, this indicates a power problem that needs addressing
- Consider using a powered USB hub if you frequently connect power-hungry devices
Reinstall USB Hub Driver
If you device has special drivers install them. Don't let Windows use generic ones, they are usually terrible!
- Open Device Manager
- Locate your USB hub under Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Right-click the device and select Uninstall device
- Restart your computer
- Visit the official website of your USB hub manufacturer and download the latest driver
- Install the driver following the manufacturer’s instructions
Disable Power Saving for USB Hub
Windows 11 may turn off USB devices to save power, causing connection problems.
- Press Win + X and open Device Manager
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Right-click your USB hub and select Properties
- Go to the Power Management tab
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
- Click OK and test your USB hub
Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
The way that Windows manages power sometimes causes issues with USB Hubs so you might want to disable it.
- Open Control Panel
- Navigate to Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings
- Expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend setting
- Change the setting from Enabled to Disabled
- Click OK and restart your computer
