Why does the message “This device may run faster” appears, and what should I do?

The message “This device can run faster” usually appears in Windows when an external device such as a removable hard drive, camera, phone, or any other equipment that can be connected via a USB port is connected. In fact, this does not indicate an error, but rather an indication that the transfer of data between devices can be significantly accelerated.

One of the main reasons for this message is that a USB 3.0-enabled device only operates at 2.0 speed. At the same time, the hint may be caused due to outdated or missing USB drivers, as well as their incorrect settings. However, no matter what the root cause is, one of the solutions below can fix the situation.

Solution 1: enable the USB 3.0 eXtensible host controller driver

In some cases, the USB 3.0 host controller driver may be disabled. Accordingly, it must be activated:

1. Right-click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner.
2. In the menu that opens, select Device Manager.
3. Next, expand the USB Controllers section and find the drivers labeled 3.0.
4. Right-click on it and select Properties.
5. Open the Drivers tab, and click on the Enable option.
6. Please note that this parameter will only be available if the driver has been disabled. Otherwise, nothing needs to be done.
7. In this way, check each of the drivers marked 3.0 and 3.1.
8. Then restart your computer.

Solution 2: update your USB drivers

Outdated drivers may be one of the reasons for the message. Therefore, their timely updating can save not only this problem, but also many others.

1. Open Device Manager again as described above.
2. Expand the USB controllers section, and by right-clicking on the 3.0 driver, update it.
3. Do the same for each software labeled 3.0 and 3.1.
4. If there are applications marked with an exclamation point in a yellow triangle, they should also be updated.
5. When finished, reboot the system.

Solution 3: Plug your laptop into a power outlet

In some cases, the message “This device may run faster” appears due to the power settings on laptops. For a laptop running on battery power, plug it in to make sure the USB port is working at full capacity.

Solution 4. Use different connection ports

USB 2.0 is an older version of the type of connection used for data transfer. If you look at the panel with the available ports, you will see that each of them is signed with the corresponding version. Therefore, by connecting via port 3.0 / 3.1, data transfer between devices will be accelerated, and the message will stop appearing. Of course, in some cases, just specific characters are indicated, so you can connect to each of them one by one to find the one you need.

Solution 5. Disable USB power saving mode via Device Manager

The message that the device may run faster is related to the power settings. If the computer is in power saving mode and the corresponding option is installed, then some USB ports may be deactivated.

1. Open Device Manager and expand the USB Controllers section.
2. Right click on driver 3.0 / 3.1 and select Properties.
3. Click the Power Management tab.
4. Uncheck the box next to Allow this device to be turned off to save power.
5. Do the same for all 3.0 / 3.1 ports.

Solution 6. Enable xHCI controller in BIOS

xHCI is a BIOS option that enables USB 3.0 functionality. If none of the above has fixed the intrusive message, you need to make sure this setting is enabled.

To access the BIOS, restart your computer and constantly press F2, F8, F10, Del or another button on the keyboard, depending on the model of your device (for more information, see the website of the motherboard or laptop manufacturer).

Going into the BIOS, you need to find the xHCI Mode parameter, it can be located in the Advanced, Devices, Peripherals or similar sections. Navigate through the system settings using the arrow keys. Activate the mod and restart your computer in normal mode.