How to Improve USB Data Transfer Speed on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

USB data transfer speed can sometimes feel frustratingly slow, especially when moving large files. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to improve the speed on your Windows 10 PC.

This guide will help you understand simple steps that boost USB transfer rates without requiring technical expertise. By following these instructions, you can save time and make your data transfers smoother.

Improving USB speed often involves checking hardware and software settings to ensure everything is optimized. Let’s walk through the process carefully.

No matter your experience level, this guide provides clear explanations and practical tips to get better transfer speeds today.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into the steps, here are a few important things to check:

USB Port Type: USB 3.0 ports (usually blue inside) are much faster than USB 2.0 ports. Using the right port can drastically improve speed.
Cable Quality: A good, certified USB cable supports higher speeds. Old or damaged cables may limit transfer rates.
Device Compatibility: Your external device (flash drive, hard drive) must support faster USB standards to benefit from speed improvements.
Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 system is up to date as updates often include performance and driver improvements.

Step 1: Connect to the Correct USB Port

One of the easiest ways to improve transfer speed is to use the right USB port on your computer.

Most modern PCs have both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports. USB 3.0 ports are usually marked with a blue color inside or labeled “SS” (SuperSpeed). Connecting your device to a USB 3.0 port can increase transfer speeds up to 10 times compared to USB 2.0.

How to check:

Look at the USB ports on your PC. Identify the blue-colored ports or those labeled “SS.”
Plug your USB device into one of these ports.
Wait for Windows to recognize it, then try transferring files again.

Why this matters: USB 2.0 ports max out around 60 MB/s, while USB 3.0 can reach up to 600 MB/s or more, depending on your device.

Step 2: Update USB Drivers

Outdated or incorrect USB drivers can limit performance. Updating them ensures your computer communicates efficiently with your USB device.

How to update USB drivers on Windows 10:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the category called Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Right-click on each USB Root Hub or USB Host Controller and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Windows will check online and install any updates if available.
Restart your PC after updating drivers.

Why this helps: Updated drivers fix bugs and improve hardware compatibility, which can directly enhance transfer speeds.

Step 3: Adjust USB Selective Suspend Settings

Windows has a feature called “USB selective suspend” that saves power by temporarily turning off USB ports when they are idle. Sometimes, this can slow down data transfer.

To disable USB selective suspend:

Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
Next to your current power plan, click Change plan settings.
Click Change advanced power settings.
In the new window, expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
Click Apply and then OK.

Why do this? Disabling selective suspend stops Windows from powering down USB ports during transfer, which can prevent slowdowns.

Step 4: Format the USB Drive with a Faster File System

The file system on your USB drive affects how quickly data can be read and written. Formatting your drive with a modern file system can improve speed, especially for large files.

Common file systems:

FAT32: Works on almost any device but has a 4GB file size limit.
exFAT: Ideal for large files and compatible with most modern devices.
NTFS: Good for Windows-only use with better security features.

How to format your USB drive:

Backup all important data from your USB drive, as formatting erases everything.
Open This PC in File Explorer.
Right-click your USB drive and select Format.
In the File system dropdown, select exFAT for best speed and compatibility.
Check Quick Format and click Start.
Wait for the process to finish, then safely eject the drive.

Why formatting helps: Modern file systems manage data more efficiently, reducing delays during transfer.

Step 5: Use Third-Party Software for Advanced Optimization (Optional)

If you want to go further, some tools can optimize USB transfer speeds by tweaking system settings or caching data.

Examples include:

TeraCopy: Speeds up file copying by using smarter buffering and error recovery.
USBDeview: Helps manage connected USB devices and troubleshoot issues.

These tools offer more control but are optional for most users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my USB transfer speed slower than expected?

Possible reasons include using a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, poor cable quality, outdated drivers, or slow external storage devices.

How do I know if my USB port is USB 3.0?

USB 3.0 ports usually have blue coloring inside or are labeled with “SS” (SuperSpeed). You can also check the device manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers.

Can the type of files affect transfer speed?

Yes, transferring many small files usually takes longer than transferring a few large files due to overhead in file handling.

Will upgrading my USB device improve speeds?

Yes, newer USB devices that support USB 3.0 or higher standards provide faster transfer rates compared to older devices.

Is it safe to disable USB selective suspend?

Generally yes, especially on desktops. On laptops, it may slightly reduce battery life but can improve transfer stability.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all these steps and still experience slow USB transfer speeds, consider the following:

Test your USB device on another computer to rule out hardware issues.
Try a different USB cable to eliminate cable faults.
Check the device manufacturer’s website for firmware updates or specific drivers.
Use Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Hardware and Devices.
Contact Microsoft Support or the device maker if problems persist.

Conclusion

Improving USB data transfer speed on Windows 10 is often straightforward when you follow these basic steps. Using the correct USB port, updating drivers, adjusting power settings, and formatting your drive properly can make a noticeable difference.

Remember to check your hardware compatibility and cable quality first, as these physical factors are key to fast transfers. Advanced tools can offer extra help but aren’t necessary in most cases.

By applying these tips, you’ll enjoy faster data transfers, saving time and reducing frustration when moving your files.