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How to Fix usbhub3.sys Error on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

The usbhub3.sys error on Windows 11 can cause your system to crash or show a blue screen, disrupting your work. This error is related to the USB 3.0 hub driver, which manages USB devices connected to your computer.

Fixing this issue can often be done with simple troubleshooting steps. You don’t need to be an expert to follow along.

This guide will walk you through easy and effective solutions to resolve the usbhub3.sys error on your Windows 11 PC.

By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of what causes this problem and how to fix it safely.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include important fixes for driver-related errors.
  • Disconnect all USB devices except the mouse and keyboard to isolate the problem.
  • Restart your computer before trying any troubleshooting step to see if the error persists.
  • If possible, create a system restore point. This helps you undo changes if something goes wrong.

Step 1: Update Windows 11

Windows updates often contain bug fixes and improvements for device drivers. Updating your system can automatically resolve driver-related errors like usbhub3.sys.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update in the left menu.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, click Download and install.
  5. After the update completes, restart your computer.

Updating ensures your system has the latest drivers and security patches that might fix the error.

Step 2: Update USB Hub and Controller Drivers

Old or corrupt USB drivers can cause the usbhub3.sys error. Updating these drivers can resolve conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Right-click on USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) or any device mentioning USB 3.0, and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Repeat for all USB hubs and controllers listed.
  6. Restart your computer after updating.

Updating drivers helps ensure Windows uses the correct software to manage your USB hardware.

Step 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Corrupted system files can cause the usbhub3.sys error. The System File Checker scans and repairs missing or damaged Windows files.

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the command window, type:
sfc /scannow
  1. Press Enter and wait for the scan to finish. It may take several minutes.
  2. If the tool finds issues, it will attempt to fix them automatically.
  3. Restart your PC once the process completes.

This tool is important because it fixes underlying Windows issues that might be causing the USB driver problem.

Step 4: Check for Hardware Issues

Sometimes, the cause of the usbhub3.sys error is a faulty USB device or port.

  • Disconnect all USB devices and reconnect them one by one.
  • Try different USB ports to rule out a bad port.
  • If you find a device that causes the error when plugged in, it might be defective.

Identifying hardware problems helps you avoid wasting time on software fixes when the physical device is the issue.

Step 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

The USB selective suspend feature allows Windows to turn off USB devices to save power. However, it can sometimes cause driver conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  4. Select Change advanced power settings.
  5. In the popup, expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
  6. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
  7. Click Apply and then OK.
  8. Restart your PC.

Disabling this feature can prevent Windows from turning off USB devices unexpectedly, which may cause the error.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential drivers and programs. This helps determine if third-party software is causing the usbhub3.sys error.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable all startup items listed.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
  8. Restart your computer.
  9. Check if the error still appears. If not, enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.

This method helps isolate software conflicts without affecting your essential system files.

Alternative Method: Use Driver Verifier

If you are comfortable with advanced tools, Windows includes a Driver Verifier that can identify problematic drivers.

  • Press Windows + R, type verifier, and press Enter.
  • Select Create standard settings and click Next.
  • Choose Select automatically or pick specific drivers if you know which ones to test.
  • Click Finish and restart your PC.
  • Driver Verifier will stress-test drivers and may cause crashes if faulty drivers are found.
  • Use the resulting error information to identify and update or uninstall problematic drivers.

Note: Use Driver Verifier carefully, as it can cause system instability during testing. Disable it after troubleshooting by running verifier /reset in an elevated Command Prompt.

FAQs

What is the usbhub3.sys file?

usbhub3.sys is a system driver file responsible for managing USB 3.0 hubs on Windows. It enables communication between USB devices and the operating system.

Why does the usbhub3.sys error occur?

Common causes include corrupted or outdated USB drivers, faulty USB devices, incompatible updates, or corrupted system files.

Can disconnecting all USB devices fix the issue?

Yes, disconnecting USB devices helps identify if a particular device is causing the problem. Sometimes a single faulty device can trigger the error.

Is it safe to update drivers manually?

Yes, updating drivers through Device Manager or official manufacturer websites is generally safe and recommended to fix driver-related errors.

Will disabling USB selective suspend affect battery life?

It may slightly reduce battery life on laptops because USB devices won’t be turned off automatically to save power. However, it can improve stability.

When Nothing Works

If the above steps do not fix the usbhub3.sys error, consider these final options:

  • System Restore: Restore your PC to an earlier point before the error appeared.
  • Reset Windows: Use Settings > System > Recovery to reset Windows while keeping your files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for expert help.
  • Hardware Check: If possible, test your USB devices on another PC or consult a technician to check your USB ports.

Conclusion

The usbhub3.sys error on Windows 11 is often fixable with simple steps like updating drivers, running system scans, or checking hardware. Starting with easy solutions ensures you don’t overcomplicate the fix.

Remember to keep your system updated, regularly check your devices, and use built-in Windows tools to maintain stability.

By following this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively, minimizing downtime and frustration.

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