Using Device Manager
This is the quick-and-easy method (though not as robust as the tool mentioned later). If it does work, then it’ll save you the hassle of third-party software. When you start hearing the USB noises: If you manage to spot the misbehaving device, do the following: Alternatively, if you want to do a complete reinstall of all your USB controllers, you can do so easily by following the below steps: Even if everything seems to be working fine, a new Windows update could result in driver issues yet again. If the random USB noises started after a Windows update, updating the driver or uninstalling and reinstalling is usually the best option to stopping the noise.
USBDeview
If the random USB noises are too unpredictable to track in Device Manager, or if the noise has stopped by the time you get to Device Manager, then it’s time to try out this great little tool. USBDeview, from the excellent Nirsoft, tracks your USB devices more accurately – seeing whether or not they’re connected, when their drivers were created, and most importantly, the last time they were plugged in or out of your PC. The tool is still being actively updated and even supports Windows 11. If you’re having trouble finding the download link, scroll until you’ve almost reached the bottom of the page. The links are just above the available languages. Once you’ve installed USBDeview, open it to see a list of all your USB devices (by default it shows all of them – connected or not). Ideally, you should open it soon after hearing the mysterious USB noises, as when you click the “Last Plug/Unplug Date” column, the culprit device (i.e. the most recent device to have been plugged/unplugged from your PC) will appear at the top. You can then uninstall the device directly through USBDeview by following the steps below: You can also use the tool to check power output. This helps to see if your USB port is working.
Turn Off USB Notification Sounds
Most of the time these annoying USB jingles aren’t a sign of anything severe and may just be momentary driver clashes or lapses in the device’s power that won’t have any effect on your actual usage of them. If the device responsible for the sounds seems to be working fine but continues to make noises after you reinstalled it, then instead of replacing it, you can just turn off the notification sounds for USB devices. This is also the area where you can change and customize Windows sounds, including the startup sound.
Try a New USB Port
Sometimes random USB noises could be a sign of a failing USB port or a failing device. For instance, a damaged USB drive may connect and reconnect randomly. Also know whether disconnecting a USB drive while it’s in use can damage it. If a port is failing, the issue will happen no matter what device you plug in. Rule out the port by plugging in other devices to see if the problem continues. If not, the port is likely fine. Test individual devices by plugging them into other USB ports. If the random USB noises continue, it’s either the device or the driver. If possible, try your device on another PC to further test whether the device is failing.
Avoid USB Hubs
In most cases, USB hubs are wonderful ways to increase the number of USB ports. However, they fail just like any other type of hardware. From a single port being damaged to the cable powering it, anything can happen. If you are using a USB hub, you may be able to stop USB noises by disconnecting from your device. Once disconnected, test each USB device individually by connecting it directly to your Windows PC. If you don’t have any issues with the individual USB devices, the issue likely lies with your hub.
Try System Restore
If it’s a software issue with Windows and not a hardware problem, restoring your system to an earlier point may solve the problem. System restore points are usually only created automatically before installing software or making major system changes. For instance, you may notice a restore point listed before a major Windows update. You can create your own restore points at any time, though. System Restore doesn’t delete your files but will remove apps, updates, and system changes that occurred after the restore point was created. To restore your system: Image credit: Pixabay All screenshots by Crystal Crowder. Sadly, scammers and low-quality brands sell USB drives and even faulty SD cards at insanely low prices. The devices usually don’t have the advertised capacity or speed and fail quickly. Spending a little more actually saves you money. You can also just wait for store holidays like Black Friday to stock up on name brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, Lexar, and PNY. You can use the built-in Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus to keep your PC safer from malware. If you suspect you have a virus and your antivirus app might be compromised, try this guide on removing a virus without an antivirus tool or use Microsoft Safety Scanner, a standalone antivirus tool. For any device with a USB cable, the device itself could last for years, such as a keyboard. But, if the cable is damaged, the device can no longer connect to your PC. USB ports can wear out over time. The exact lifespan varies based on how rough you are with them. Constantly plugging in devices with too much force and jerking them out at angles will damage the port. I personally have USB ports on older PCs that are still working over 15 years later, and this is with connecting/disconnecting a USB drive almost daily.
