Power surge on USB Port - Windows 10

[victorj]

Hello,

After the latest Windows update I am getting an error, after plugging an AOC portable monitor with DisplayLink software in, that states, "Power surge on USB port": Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply". This happened immediately after the latest Windows 10 update. It's definitely not the machine because I also tried another laptop that I also use the monitor for that has the same update and get the same error. I tried going into the device manager to uninstall the USB hub and root hub, restarted the laptop to re-install the USB software but I get the same error after plugging the USB monitor in. Has this been a common problem? Is there a solution for it?

[AlbanRampon]

Hello,

This is taking place before the DisplayLink driver is invoked by Windows.
The first step when you connect is to give some power to the device and the device introduces itself to the USB host controller (computer).
Then, based on that introduction, Windows knows which driver to assign.
Because the message states "Unknown USB Device", I gather it did not enumerate (introduced itself) properly.

I suggest you use the Y-cable that AOC is supplying with the monitor and, at least temporarily, try to power that portable display through an externally powered USB hub.

I believe you have a brown out issue. Portable monitors need a lot of power because they need to drive the backlight and panel. The important power draw can be too much for a single port to provide.
If the Windows Update included a DisplayLink driver (I don't remember updating AOC devices lately) or if you changed the DisplayLink driver yourself, the device needs to be reflashed. This may take a minute or two.

Should the issue persists with the additional power, I would be interested in getting the ZIP file created by our Customer Support Tool to look if I can see anything. The third link in my forum signature explains how to gather these.

Kind regards,
Alban

[victorj]

Can you provide instructions on reflashing the device?

[AlbanRampon]

You plug it in. There is nothing to do.

[AlbanRampon]

But first, you must address the power problem

[victorj]

Ok I'll get an external USB port hub and see if that works. Thank you

[Stepinsky]

There are lot's of USB hubs out there sold without external power, so take care you buy a self-powered USB hub like AlbanRampon said:

try to power that portable display through an externally powered USB hub

The hub needs power from it's own power adapter to help improve your power issue.

[AlbanRampon]

If you have issues sourcing an externally powered USB hub, you connect the second Type-A plug from the Y-cable to a USB phone charger. This usually works too.