USB port types and names

Test with another cable or adapter, if available. Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device. Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. WiFi USB Adapter 433Mbps – LM808 supports All IEEE Standards IEEE. Linux; Mac OSX; Windows 10; Windows 7; Windows 8; Windows Vista; Windows XP.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac computers, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:

USB-A

Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.

USB-C

Type USB-C ports are available as either standard USB-C ports or Thunderbolt 3 ports that also support USB-C connections. They both look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.

Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.

USB specifications

USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPowerUSB 3.1 Gen 2
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2
Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3
Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0
Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1
Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V

To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:

• Choose Apple menu  > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
• Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.

Get the best performance from your USB devices

USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.

If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:

• Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
• Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
• Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
• If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
• Restart your Mac.

Learn more

• USB 3 devices can create wireless interference that affects Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Learn how to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.
• Mac notebook computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 can charge over that port using a compatible USB-C power adapter and cable.

Bluetooth is a standard short-range wireless technology that allows you to connect a long list of peripherals (such as mice, keyboards, and speakers) to your computer wirelessly. In addition, it's often used as a medium to transfer low-rate data between devices — for example, between your PC and phone.

Usually, if you're replacing a faulty Bluetooth adapter by removing and adding a new one, the configuration is a straightforward process. However, if the adapter is integrated onto the motherboard or wireless card (like those from Intel), even if it doesn't work correctly, but Windows 10 still detecting it, installing a replacement can be a challenge, because you often want to use only one adapter per computer. Otherwise, you're likely to have stability problems connecting devices.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to install a second Bluetooth adapter on your computer if it's not possible to remove the old wireless radio adapter.

How to install a second Bluetooth adapter

If you want to avoid conflicts and other problems, before adding a new Bluetooth adapter, you must first disable the old adapter, and then install the new device.

Disabling an old Bluetooth adapter

To disable a defective Bluetooth adapter on Windows 10, use these steps:

Page 11 and 12:. How to use a canopus box to connect a video camera to a mac computer for propresenter. Page 7 and 8:. Page 9 and 10:.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Double-click the Bluetooth branch.

4. Right-click the adapter and select the Disable device option.

5. Click the Yes button.

Once you complete these steps, you can proceed to add the new adapter.

If your old Bluetooth adapter is up for a replacement, we recommend the Sabrent BT-UB40 USB Bluetooth 4.0 micro adapter, because of its compact design and USB connectivity that makes it perfect to quickly add reliable Bluetooth connectivity on any desktop, laptop, or tablet running Windows 10. Also, the adapter uses Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy technology, but it is compatible with previous versions of the technology.

Our pick

Sabrent USB Bluetooth 4.0 micro adapter

Add Bluetooth to any PC

This tiny adapter lets you add Bluetooth connectivity (with backward compatibility support) to any Windows 10 device without breaking your wallet.

Installing a new Bluetooth adapter

To properly install the new Bluetooth adapter, use these steps:

1. Connect the new Bluetooth adapter.
2. Allow Windows 10 to detect and install the driver automatically.

After you complete these steps, you should verify that the new short-range wireless radio is configured correctly.

Checking new device

To determine if the adapter was recognized properly, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.

3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.

If you see a Bluetooth toggle switch, your device was installed properly. Otherwise, if you only see an Add Bluetooth or other device button, there's a problem with the short-range wireless radio.

Installing a driver manually

Settings up a new Bluetooth adapter should be a plug-and-play process, but depending on the adapter, you may need to install its driver manually.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Double-click the Other devices branch.

4. Right-click the adapter with the yellow mark, and select the Update driver option.

5. Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option.

6. If the system couldn't install the driver, click the Search for updated drivers on Windows Update button.

7. Click the Check for updates button in the Settings app.

8. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, you can connect Bluetooth devices to your computer without problems.

In the rare case that Windows Update couldn't install the proper driver, you may have to download and install the latest controllers from your Bluetooth manufacturer support website by following their instructions.

Our pick

Sabrent USB Bluetooth 4.0 micro adapter

Add Bluetooth to any PC

This tiny adapter lets you add Bluetooth connectivity (with backward compatibility support) to any Windows 10 device without breaking your wallet.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

New Windows 10 driver bug is a big one — here's the fix

A security setting in Windows may prevent your PC's drivers from installing or working properly, and that's a big deal. Fortunately, there's a pretty easy workaround available.