[Fixed] USB Keeps Disconnecting and Reconnecting on Mac/PC

If you connect a USB device to your Mac or Windows computer but it keeps disconnecting, you may try the tips below to see if they can help you fix the issue.

Fix USB Keeps Disconnecting and Reconnecting on Mac

1. Restart your Mac computer

Click Apple > Restart to restart your Mac. Then check if the USB device is well connected now.

2. Reconnect the USB Device

Try to eject the USB device and reconnect it to see if the problem is fixed.

3. Try a Different USB Port or Cable

You can try to plug the USB device into a different USB port or change another USB cable. The USB keeps disconnecting problem may be caused by a corrupted USB port or cable.

4. Update macOS and Update USB Driver

The USB disconnecting and reconnecting issue may be caused by system glitches or outdated USB drivers. You can update your Mac to the latest version to see if the problem can be fixed. You can click Apple > System Settings > General > Software Update.

5. Quit Apps That Are Using the USB Device

You can close all apps like Finder, Disk Utility, etc. that might be using the USB device. Then check if the USB device keeps disconnecting issue is fixed.

6. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Turn off your Mac and then turn it on. Immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R keys for about 10 seconds.

7. Reset SMC

Shut down your Mac. Press and hold the Control + Shift + Option + Power keys for about 10 seconds.

8. Reformat the USB

You may copy all data on the USB to another device and reformat it to see if it can work well. Learn how to format a USB drive.

9. Contact Apple Support or Visit Apple Store

If the USB keeps disconnecting problem persists, you may reach out to Apple Support or Apple Store for further assistance.

Fix USB Device Keeps Disconnecting on Windows 11/10

1. Restart Windows computer

You can click Start > Power > Restart to restart your Windows computer to see if the issue can be fixed.

2. Check Hardware Connections

You can plug the USB device into another USB port on your computer, unplug the USB device and plug it again, change another USB cable, or test it on another Windows computer and see if it can smoothly connect.

3. Update the USB Driver

Corrupted or outdated USB drivers might cause the USB disconnecting and reconnecting issue on Windows 11/10. You can update USB drivers via Windows Update, Device Manager, or by visiting the manufacturer’s website.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" section.
• Right-click on each USB-related entry and select Update Driver.
• Choose the option to search for updated drivers automatically. Windows will search your computer and online for the latest drivers.

4. Update Windows OS

Make sure your Windows system is up to date. You can click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates to update your system.

5. Repair Corrupted System Files

If the USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting on Windows 11/10, it might be caused by corrupted system files. You can run SFC and DISM commands to repair corrupted system files on your Windows computer.

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt.
• Type the command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter.
• Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.

6. Run a Malware/Virus Scan

You can run a malware or virus scan for your Windows computer or USB device. The USB keeps disconnecting issue may be caused by malware infection.

7. Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation.

Bottom Line

This post provides some possible solutions to help you fix USB disconnecting and reconnecting on Mac or Windows 10/11. Hope it helps. If the USB has physical damage, you may consider changing to a new one.