How To Add More USB Ports To A PC?

Most latest PC models, especially laptops, have only limited USB ports. This makes it difficult for users to connect their external devices to their PCs. The users are limited from connecting a flash drive, peripherals, or charging devices via a USB port simultaneously. The problem results in them looking up ways to add more USB ports to a PC.  

Key Takeaways

• An internal USB Card requires an unused PCI/PCIe slot to connect and work.
• USB hubs offer users more flexibility when adding more USB ports.
• USB hubs are either unpowered and take power from the PC or powered and require a power outlet to work.
• A dock station offers a variety of port types other than USBs A, C, 2, and 3.

Ways You Can Add More USB Ports To A PC

You are offered many options you can opt for to increase the number of USB ports on your PC.

Connect An Internal USB Port Card

An internal USB card is the lesser messy way to increase the USB ports on your PC. The USB card is inside your computer case and attached to your motherboard. The unused PCI/PCIe port is where you connect the internal USB card.

The USB Card is an excellent choice for a mid or large tower and Micro ATX or any motherboard of a larger size. You can check which motherboard you have by reading our article ‘How To Check What Motherboard I Have?‘. To connect this USB card, you need to have a SATA connector.

Things To Keep In Mind When Connecting Internal USB Card To a PC

There are a few crucial points to consider before connecting an internal USB card to your motherboard.

• PCI/PCIe Slots: Before connecting the internal USB card, you must ensure unused PCI/PCIe slots are on your motherboard. If your PCI/PCIe slots are already preoccupied with another hardware component, like a graphics card, your USB card will likely go to waste.
• Compatibility with the slots: The expansion slot is available in PCI, PCIe, and mPCIe. Before buying the card, check the type of your expansion slot. The card should be compatible with the expansion slot to make it work.
• How many ports does the card have: The expansion is You are most likely to increase your USB ports by four. The card has limited ports because it can only take a limited amount of power from the PCI/PCIe slots. The higher the number of ports, the more likely the data transfer speed will fall. The card comes with a variety of port types. You can find cards with USB type A and 3 slots. You can also find a card with one if you need a type C port.

How To Connect Internal USB Port Card To PC?

Here are the steps you need to follow to connect your internal USB card to the motherboard.

1. Turn off your PC’s power.
2. Unscrew the computer case and open it.
3. Check if your motherboard has unused PCI/PCIe slots.
4. Insert the USB card into the PCI/PCIe slot carefully. Make sure the connector is placed in the correct direction.
5. Tighten the screws of the USB card.
6. Make sure to close the computer case back.
7. Turn on your PC and check if the PC is identifying the USB card.
8. If the PC fails to identify the card, you should update your USB drivers from the device manager.

Also Read: How To Shutdown With A Keyboard 

Connect An External USB Hub

Another great option you can opt for without having to mess with the insides of your PC is to connect a USB hub to your PC.

Unpowered USB Hub

An unpowered USB hub is a device you can carry around if you need more ports for your laptop. It does not require you to have a power outlet wherever you go. Moreover, an unpowered is a cheap alternative to adding more USB ports to your PC.

Powered USB Hub

These USB hubs hold one essential requirement, which is a power outlet. The device needs a direct power source to run and make the devices connected to it work. The reason is that an unpowered hub can only take a limited amount of power from the PC, whereas a powered USB hub can take as much power as the devices connected to its demand.

The unlimited power source allows the USB hub to power devices like printers.

Things To Keep In Mind When Connecting a USB Hub To a PC

Here are some crucial points to remember when connecting a USB hub to your PC.

• Quality of the USB hub: Always make sure to check the quality of the USB hub before buying it. The quality is most likely directly proportional to the hub’s price. If you buy a cheap USB hub, it will most likely have a slow data transfer speed, and it will not be able to handle many devices. On the other hand, an expensive USB hub will most likely offer excellent data transfer speeds and can manage the devices you connect to it better.
• Your requirements: Before getting a USB hub, it is essential to keep the devices you will connect to it in mind. If it is just peripherals, you can go for an unpowered hub. However, if the devices are more power–demanding, you should opt for a powered USB hub.
• The data transfer speed: A USB hub supports USB type 3 is a good option. That way, you can transfer your data at higher speeds. Not only that, but the backward compatibility of the USB type 3 will let you connect to a USB type 2 if you have one. Many of the latest devices come with type C USB, which offers an even higher data transfer speed. You can also opt for a USB hub that supports type C USB.

How To Connect USB Hub To PC?

Here are the steps you need to follow to connect your USB hub to the PC.

1. Connect the type B connector to its port in the USB hub if it isn’t already connected.
2. Connect the type A USB on the other end to your PC’s type 3 USB port.
3. Check if the PC recognizes the device.
4. If the PC does not recognize the device, update the USB drivers from the device manager.

Connect A Dock Station

Dock stations are an upgraded version of power USB hubs. They support Type A, C, 2, and 3 USBs and have an Ethernet port, VGA port, LAN, and SD card slot. You will need an AC/DC power adaptor to power these stations. Dock stations are great for laptops.

Many recently launched laptop models lack ports for USB and other cables. This makes it difficult for users to connect any devices to their laptops.

Things To Keep In Mind When Connecting a USB Hub To a PC

Here are some crucial points to remember when connecting a dock station to your PC.

• How many USB ports does the station have: Always check the number of USB ports on the dock station before buying it. It should have enough ports to connect all your devices simultaneously.
• The type of ports on the station: Keep a check on the ports of devices you look forward to connecting to the dock station. Some devices require different kinds of ports for them to work. For instance, to form an internet connection, your dock must have a port for an Ethernet cable. Also, the dock station must have type 3 or type C USB ports to transfer data faster.
• The connector of the dock station: The connector of the dock station should be compatible with the port on your PC. If your laptop has a single port of type C cable, getting a dock station of the same cable is essential.

Also Read: Computer Turns On And Off Repeatedly

How To Connect Dock Station To PC?

Here are the steps you need to follow to connect your dock station to the PC.

1. Insert the connector into its respective port on your PC. (A type C connector should be connected to a type C port).
2. Connect the power adaptor to the power outlet.
3. Turn your dock station on.
4. Check if the PC recognizes the device.
5. If the PC does not recognize the device, update the USB drivers from the device manager.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember before adding more USB ports to your PC is the type of devices and their required ports. Different devices have different power requirements. Only some options to add more USB ports will support every device and have the necessary ports. Always research before choosing how to add more USB ports to your PC.