new desktop. adding a usb hub

[wjb727]

new desktop. all the ports are on the back so I wanted to add a usb hub that I can reach in front. The hub I got is a usb-c hub. Can I just add an adapter (female usb-c to male usb-a) and plug it into the a ports on the back? Right now, putting the usb-c hub into the port in back does not allow me to see anything on the drive I put into the hub, saying I need an app.  Not thrilled with all the ports on the back of the desktop, my last desktop had them on the side but the new systems don't seem to do that.

[Raj_05]

Hi @wjb727,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Yes, you can use a USB-C hub with your HP ENVY 23-d030 TouchSmart All-in-One Desktop PC by adding a USB-C to USB-A adapter (female USB-C to male USB-A). However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing this.

Compatibility Check

• USB-C hubs are designed to work optimally with USB-C ports, which can deliver higher power and faster data transfer speeds compared to USB-A.
• When connected via an adapter to a USB-A port, the hub's functionality might be limited, especially for power-intensive devices (e.g., external hard drives, SSDs).

Power and App Requirements

• If the hub is not showing the contents of your drive and is asking for an app, it might be due to:
  • Insufficient power being delivered to the hub via the USB-A port.
  • A driver or compatibility issue with the hub or connected drive.
• Some USB-C hubs require a driver or proprietary software, especially for advanced features like video output, ethernet, or multi-functionality.

Better Alternatives

• Consider a USB-A hub instead of using a USB-C hub with an adapter. USB-A hubs are directly compatible with your desktop’s ports and are available in models with front-facing designs, making them more accessible.
• Look for a powered USB hub if you're connecting multiple devices or devices that require more power, like external hard drives or charging phones.

Practical Placement

• If you don’t want to deal with ports on the back, you could also use an extension cable (USB-A male to USB-A female) to bring a single USB port closer to the front of the PC for convenience.

Troubleshooting Steps

• If you still want to use the USB-C hub with an adapter, ensure:
  1. The adapter supports both data and power transfer.
  2. The USB-C hub does not require a USB-C power delivery source to function.
  3. Update the drivers for your USB ports by checking your PC’s Device Manager (Windows key + X > Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus Controllers).

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[wjb727]

This is the warning I got. I'll take any help here since Win 11 is new to me and I don't understand why I got this warning. Didn't ever get this in Win10.

[Raj_05]

.