Windows 10: USB 2.0 printer won't work in Win 10/USB 3.0

For a couple of years I've been happily running a Seiko SLP 650 label printer with a USB 2.0 connection to my Win 10 USB 3.0 machine (maybe it's USB 3.1) and after the last update the printer will no longer work. The error message I get says something like 2.0 will not run in this 3.0 environment. Usually I just get "not working" messages but trouble shooting message says incompatible. I thought 3.0 was backward compatible. How can I fix this? Many thanks.

:)

 

USB 3.0

Hello Jeffrey,

You can still use USB 3.0 on a USB 2.0 ports, but you won't be able to maximize the transfer rates of a USB 3.0. Since the issue is with your printer connecting to your Windows 10 computer, we suggest that you try to connect your printer to a different computer
with the same USB port on your computer to see if it's working. If not, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your printer so that you can check if your printer is compatible with a USB 3.0 socket or a USB 2.0 socket.

Let us know how it goes and if you need further assistance, feel free to post back.

 

after Windows update USB says it is now 3.0 not 2.0 and my printer will not work

You can run a USB 2.0 peripheral off a USB 3.0 port perfectly OK.

What exactly do you mean by "my printer won't work"?

 

In theory USB 3.0 should be backward compatible but a lot depends upon the age of the printer, I have a client who tried an all-in-one older HP unit plugged into a USB 3.0 port that would lose communication with the computer after about half a page printed, no problem with a USB 2.0 port. I have a couple of older 8GB Thumb drives that can't be recognized in USB 3.0 ports, work fine in USB 2.0.

As for fixing, since it's probably more of a hardware issue one can't do much about it. Might try a USB 2.0 Hub plugged into the USB 3.0 port, cheaper than a new printer or computer.

 

I've been through this with several USB 2.0 devices. The ONLY option I found was to install a PCIe USB 2.0 expansion card so I have USB 2.0 ports. I have an MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid (USB 2.0 and Firewire interfaces), recording studio interface unit and it will work on a USB 3.0 port but has dropouts and will ONLY fully work on a USB 2.0 Port. It will not work on a USB 2.0 hub connected to a USB 3.0 port. I have a 3 1/2" Floppy diskette drive and it too will ONLY work on a USB 2.0 port, the same as the MOTU unit.

 

You may need to go into your UEFI/Bios settings and check to be sure that "USB Legacy Support" (or similar wording) is Enabled for both controllers (Standard and USB3.0).
The setting is normally found under the Advanced Tab.

Also you can try going into Device Manager > USB Serial Device Controllers > and for each USB Root Hub, right click > Properties > Power Management Tab > and uncheck the box to allow Windows to turn off the device to save power.

 

Interesting advice, but I wonder why the printer functioned under Windows 10 until a recent update.

 

If either of the procedures were to fix the problem, it would mean the update changed the settings.
This shouldn't happen in a normal security update, but if it is an upgrade update, like the Anniversary Update, then a lot of settings go back to defaults.

 

This is sure my question. I checked my UEFI/Bios Settings and they are normal.
And TV2's suggestion of unchecking the power management settings has been done.....still a problem.
Many thanks for the good suggestions and thoughts!
I guess Fireberds suggestion of a dedicated usb 2.0 card is probably the best answer. But before I do that I'm going to open up my case and check the motherboard. I'm running an ASUS Z-97A MB which has only 3.0 connectors on the outside but it has a header on the board for 2.0 which I'm guessing is not connected anywhere (probably). But the simplest thing is to just add a 2.0 card. I've got a powered extension cable running to my Canon inkjet 4920 (a 2.0 device) and my Seiko SLP label printer and I'm almost positive I've got that extension cable plugged into the 3.0 jack figuring a 2.0 legacy device would be backward compatible...........but I guess not.

 

The USB headers on a motherboard are for adding just the sockets to the back of the case, don't need a card. But many motherboards have a short PCIe X1 slot for adding a card which usually is faster than the older PCI cards. The longer PCIe slot is usually X16 for video cards.

 

The problem remains.
It was working in Windows 10, an update was installed, now it does not.
It should be reversible.

 

A couple more suggestions:
First, check to see if your motherboard manufacturer has a newer USB controller driver to install. If so, install it.

Second, try reinstalling all the USB devices:
Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus Controllers > Right click on each device listed underneath and choose Uninstall (you could leave anything related to USB 3.0 alone) > after you've cleared the list, restart Windows and they will all be reinstalled again.

See if the printer will work after either of those.

Also: unplug the USB cable to that printer before doing any procedures, then plug it in after Windows is back up running.

 

TV2, yes my MB mfgr had a new update last year for the USB controller and I installed it........but no change.

Now in the next day I'll follow your suggestion and delete all those entrees NOT USB 3.0 but none now say 2.0 definitely.

Many thanks for the help.

 

Another option would be a USB print server. Then you can put it on the network and everyone can/could print to it.

 

Could you explain a USB print server to me please?