What Windows tool is best to see whether a USB host controller is present?

In this guide we will show you how to update USB drivers. There are a few different ways to update USB 3 drivers, so follow the sections below to get started.

1. When to update my USB 3.0 driver?
2. USB updates using Windows Update
3. USB 3.0 driver update in Device Manager
   • Update Microsoft USB 3.0 drivers
   • Update with motherboard manufacturer’s USB drivers

When to update my USB 3.0 driver?

TIP: If you’re not sure if your computer has USB 3.0 ports, check out our article on how to know if your computer has 3.0 ports. 

If your computer has USB 3.0 ports and you’re having difficulties with your audio interface, it may be beneficial to make sure you have updated your USB 3.0 drivers. Many manufacturers, including Microsoft, release USB 3 driver updates, which often include bug fixes that can fix your issue.

Before performing any USB update, it’s good practice to compare the current version installed to the latest version on the manufacturer’s website. 

If you aren’t sure what manufacturer your computer’s USB ports are from, we recommend using a system information tool to check. Software such as Belarc Advisor will provide you with all information associated with your computer, including your motherboard. You can use your internet browser and search for that motherboard’s USB 3.0 driver download.

1. Right-click the Windows icon on the toolbar, then select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, select Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Locate anything listed with 3.0 or 3.1 (i.e., USB Root Hub 3.0).
4. Right-click it, then choose Properties.
5. Click the Driver tab and take note of the Driver Provider and the Driver Version.

If Microsoft is the USB driver provider

1. Copy and paste the Driver Version into an internet browser, then select the first article from Microsoft’s website.
2. Compare your version To the Windows update listed on their page.

If a manufacturer other than Microsoft is the USB driver provider

1. Go to the manufacturer’s download page and compare the version installed on your computer to the latest one listed on their webpage.

Motherboard information using Belarc Advisor

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USB 3.0 driver updates using Windows Update

Depending on the currently installed driver, you can perform USB updates using the Windows Update feature. When there’s a USB 3.0 driver update available, it will automatically download and install the USB 3.0 drivers, as long as they’re digitally signed. This means that the manufacturer has programmed the driver in a specific way to work entirely on Windows 10. 

Some are digitally signed and will automatically install, but others won’t. After the USB driver update is complete, you may want to consider checking Device Manager to see if the driver version is correct.  

1. Click the Windows icon on the toolbar, type Update, and then click Check for updates.
2. When the window appears, click the Check for Updates button. If it says that you’re up to date, there’s no need to go any further.
3. If It does find an update, Windows will automatically download and install it. After installation, you will be prompted to restart your computer.

Windows Update window.

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USB 3.0 driver updates in Device Manager

If your USB 3 driver is from a manufacturer other than Microsoft, or if the Microsoft USB driver wasn’t installed via Windows Update, you will need to do so within Device Manager. When you have issues with your USB 3 ports, there are a couple of different ways of performing a driver update within Device Manager. You can uninstall it then reboot your computer, or you can manually update it. When performing a USB 3.0 driver update, we recommend any devices connected to the USB 3 ports are disconnected.

Update Microsoft USB 3.0 drivers

Uninstall and reboot computer

1. In Device Manager, locate anything listed with 3.0 or 3.1 (i.e., USB Root Hub 3.0) within Universal Serial Bus controllers. 
2. Right-click the driver, then select Uninstall.
3. Reboot your system. When the computer is rebooted, the driver is automatically reinstalled.

View USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports on your computer.

Update USB 3 driver

1. In Device Manager, locate anything listed with 3.0 or 3.1 (i.e., USB Root Hub 3.0) within Universal Serial Bus controllers.
2. Right-click the driver, then select Update drivers.
3. In the window that appears, select Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
5. Select USB Root Hub (USB 3.0), click Next, then reboot your computer.

Update motherboard manufacturer’s USB 3.0 driver

1. Go to the motherboard manufacturer’s download page and download the latest motherboard drivers.
2. Navigate to your Downloads folder then run the .exe file.
3. Right-click the driver, then select Update drivers.
4. In the window that appears, select Browse my computer for driver software.
5. Click Browse, then choose the location that you installed the driver to. Make sure that the Include subfolders is checked.
6. Click Next. Once the scan is complete, reboot your computer.

• PC Optimization guide for Windows 10
• Resolving Audio Interface Issues on Windows 10
• Where can I Download the Drivers for My Audio or MIDI Interface?

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