Windowsdisconnect/reconnect noise playing every few seconds on laptop. Can’t seem to look at anything in device centre to sort it. (Windows 10)

Resolving Repeated USB Disconnect/Reconnect Noise on Windows 10 Laptop

Experiencing persistent USB disconnect and reconnect notifications can be a frustrating issue, especially when it disrupts your workflow. If your Windows 10 laptop continually plays the disconnect/reconnect sound every few seconds, and you’re unable to locate or disable the problematic USB device via Device Manager, this guide offers practical steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Understanding the Issue

The recurring USB connection sounds typically indicate that a device connected to your laptop is intermittently disconnecting and reconnecting. Common causes include:

Faulty or loose USB connections.
Driver conflicts or outdated drivers.
Power management settings disabling USB ports.
Hardware issues with the USB port or device.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Identify the Problematic USB Device

Before making changes, try to identify which device is causing the issue:

Disconnect all USB devices temporarily.
Reconnect them one by one, listening for the disconnect/reconnect sounds.
If the noise starts upon reconnecting a specific device, that device or its port could be the culprit.

2. Check Device Manager for Errors

Open Device Manager: You can do this by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.
Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Look for any devices marked with a yellow warning icon, which indicates driver issues.
Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
Alternatively, uninstall the device and restart your laptop to allow Windows to reinstall the drivers automatically.

Note: If device options disappear frequently, it can be a sign of driver conflicts or hardware problems.

3. Disable Fast Startup and Power Management for USB Hubs

Power management settings may cause USB ports to power off intermittently:

In Device Manager, right-click on each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub.
Select Properties.
Navigate to the Power Management tab.
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Click OK and repeat for all USB hubs.