How to determine computer USB version

Updated: 01/24/2018 by Computer Hope

Check in Device Manager

USB cable and port

Open the Device Manager and expand the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" section. In the list of USB ports, you can tell which version of USB your computer by looking at the port name, based on the following guidelines.

  • USB 3.0 - USB port name will include "USB 3.0" within it
  • USB 2.0 - USB port name will include "Enhanced" or "Enhanced Host" within it (may also include "Universal Host" in the name)
  • USB 1.1 - USB port name will include "Universal Host" within it (will not include "Enhanced" in the name)
Tip

USB 2.0 was introduced in 2001. If your computer was built before 2001, it is likely that it has USB 1.1 or 1.0 ports.

Labels on USB ports or devices

Many devices and computers using USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 will indicate if products are USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ready. In the case of USB 2.0, they may also indicate they are Hi-Speed. Computers and devices that have this Hi-Speed designation are USB 2.0 compatible. USB 3.0 ports and devices should be labeled as such, if labeled at all.

Product documentation

If you've tried the recommendations above and are still unable to determine which version of USB your computer has, refer to the hardware documentation.