Install a USB device
In this articleThe first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.
Before you install your device
Check the instructions included with the device to determine whether a driver should be installed before you connect the device. Typically, Windows detects a new device after you connect it, and then installs the driver automatically. However, some devices require you to install the driver before plugging the device in.
Also, while most devices that have power switches should be turned on before you connect them, others require that you turn them on during the installation process. Because of issues like this, it's a good idea to read the instructions included with a new device before you connect it.
If the instructions that came with your device contradict the information in this topic, follow the instructions that came with the device.
Plugging your device in
If your USB device uses a power cord, you should connect the device to a power source and turn it on before connecting it.
Next, determine which USB port you want to connect your device to. If your computer has USB ports on the front, consider using one of those if you plan to frequently connect and disconnect the device.
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| A typical USB cable and port
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Plug the device into the USB port. If Windows is able to install a device driver automatically, you'll be notified that the device is ready to use. Otherwise, Windows will prompt you to insert a disc containing the driver for the device.
After installation is complete, check the information for your device to see if any additional software that might have been included with the device should be installed.
Occasionally you might have a USB device that Windows cannot recognize and that did not come with a disc containing a driver. If this is the case, you can try to find a driver for the device yourself. Start by checking the website of the device manufacturer. You can often download drivers from the support section of such sites. For more information, see Tips for solving problems with USB devices.
Connecting and disconnecting devices
Most USB devices can be removed and unplugged at will. When unplugging storage devices, such as USB flash drives, you should be sure that the computer has finished saving any information to the device before removing it. If the device has an activity light, wait for a few seconds after the light has finished flashing before unplugging it.
If you see the Safely Remove Hardware icon
in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar, you can use this to ensure that devices have finished all operations in progress and are ready to remove. Click the icon and you'll see a list of devices. Click the device you want to remove.
You can use any USB port when plugging in a device that you've previously installed. However, the first time you plug a device into a particular port, Windows will install the driver for that device again.
Notification area
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Notification area
The area on the right side of the Windows taskbar. It contains shortcuts to programs and important status information.
Driver
Software that enables hardware or devices (such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard) to work with your computer. Every device needs a driver in order for it to work.
Device
Any piece of equipment that can be attached to a network or computer, for example, printers, keyboards, external disk drives, or other peripheral equipment. These devices require special software (device drivers) to work with Windows.
Port
A hardware- or software-based interface used to transfer information between a computer and other devices. Hardware ports are physical connections that are visible on the outside of the computer. Software ports are the numbered gateways in programs that software programs use to exchange information.
Universal serial bus (USB)
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Universal serial bus (USB)
A narrow, rectangular connector used to attach a device, such as a keyboard or a mouse, to a computer.
Taskbar
The area of the desktop that contains the Start button and buttons for all open programs. By default, the taskbar is located at the bottom of the desktop, but you can move it.
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