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How to tell if a Windows PC has a USB 3.0 port?
USB 3 port is currently one of the most used ports in the computer, and this USB protocol is widely preferred for its backward compatibility. However, the main reason people prefer having a USB 3 port in their computer is because of their high transfer speed which is around 5 Gbps. It allows users to conveinetly transfer large files and also have better response time from USB peripheral devices.
USB 3 protocol first arrived on the market in 2008, and soon it became a popular port choice for many due to its large number of features. Even though USB 3 is widely available in most Windows PCs, there are still some PCs that still flaunt the USB 2 interface. So if you are wondering how to tell if a Windows PC has a USB 3.0 port or not, then we are here to help you out.
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Identifying USB 3.0 Port In A Windows PC
If you have a Windows PC or recently purchased one and you are not that technically sound regarding the USB version, then it can be difficult to identify. When you are not well aware of the USB 3.0 port, but you want to get maximum speed when you connect any USB device, then it is vital to use the USB 3.0 port. We have come up with three methods that will conveniently help you check whether your Windows PC has a USB 3.0 port or not;
Method 1: Identifying The Port Color
To make identifying different USB versions simpler, USB-IF has given different color codes for each USB version, and the USB 3.0 port is denoted by blue color on the inside. However, a USB 2.0 port would have a white color on the inside.
If you have multiple USB ports in your Windows PC, then you should start checking from the back as they are mainly embedded on the back. So if you check your USB port and find that it comes with a blue color code on the inside, then it is a USB 3.0 port; otherwise, it is a USB 2.0 port. You can even use a searchlight to look closely.
Method 2: Identifying By The Logo
Another convenient way to identify USB 3.0 ports in your Windows PC is by checking the logo. In general, USB 3.0 are also known as SuperSpeed USB due to its high speed, and all verified manufacturers denote the USB 3.0 port by its SuperSpeed USB logo.
However, the logo won’t be recognizable from a distance, and you will have to look closely to identify the logo.
In general, a USB 3.0 port comes with the marking of “SS” followed by the USB logo, and if you find the marking located on your PC’s USB port, then it is a USB 3.0 interface. However, if you don’t find any kind of marking on the top and it only comes with a USB logo, then it is not the USB protocol you are looking for.
Method 3: Assessing The USB Controller From Windows
You can also assess the USB controller from your Windows setting to find whether your PC has a USB 3.0 port or not. When the USB 3.0 driver gets installed on your PC, the USB controller can help you identify the USB protocol. So let’s check out how you can do it;
- The first thing you will have to do is go to the Start Menu, which will be located at the bottom of the main Window.
- Now type “Device Manager,” and it will redirect you to the Device Manager window. However, you can also go to the Control Panel, which you can find on the Start Menu, and from there, you can locate the option of “Device Manager.”
- When the Device Manager opens, there are a lot of options starting from Computer, Disk Drives to Processors and Universal Serial Bus Controller. Your job is to expand the option Universal Serial Bus Controller and look for the USB 3.0 controller.
- Look for all the USB controllers located under the Bus Controller, and if you find a USB 3.0 controller, then it means you have a USB 3.0 port in your Windows PC. However, if you couldn’t find any USB 3.0 controller under the expansion tab but you are using the latest PC, then it may be due to an issue update.
You can update the USB driver of your PC and check again. If you still can’t find the driver, then you are probably using an older USB port.
Why Do People Prefer Using USB 3.0 Port Over Others?
Most people prefer using the USB 3.0 port in their Windows PC over other USB versions due to their upgraded features. The main feature of USB 3.0 port that is liked by most is their high transfer speed which can go up to 5 Gbps.
Due to this, USB 3.0 is also known as SuperSpeed USB, and it is mostly preferred by users for its capability to transfer huge files within a few minutes. Most importantly, it has better power delivery than older generations, like the USB 2.0 port, so you get better performance on your Windows PC.
Bottom Line
Well, we are hopeful we have been able to guide you regarding the query of how to tell if a Windows PC has a USB 3.0 port. We have come forward with all the methods that can assist you in easily finding whether your PC has a USB 3.0 port or not.
You can also find it by checking the USB 3.0 port’s pin number, which is nine, but it is not all convenient. Having a USB 3.0 port in your PC has a lot of advantages, and it can improve the PC’s performance, especially in terms of data transfer speed.