ZBook G11 Constant USB disconnects

[Procradminator]

This is very frustrating.

My machine will disconnect from USB devices for no apparent reason several times a day. Only for a few seconds but enough to completely ruin a remote session or a conference call.

I've done a complete re-install of Windows from scratch - no better.

Initially, I thought it was a problem with the Thunderbolt 280W G4 dock but HP shipped out a new one. While waiting for it I ordered a 280W G6 thinking it would be better behaved, but alas, not.

For several weeks I used it with a cheap Amazon USB-C hub/docking station for ethernet and USB and sometimes video but that would also do the same. Sometimes it would repeatedly warn me about USB devices not being recognsed or excessive power draw while giving no clue about which USB device or port was the problem.

I keep the drivers, BIOS and Windows up to date religiously.

I'll open another ticket with HP as I've paid for a 5 year warranty but thought it worth posting here in case anyone had seen the same problem,

TIA

Andrew

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Procradminator,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. I understand how disruptive intermittent USB disconnects can be, especially during remote sessions and conference calls.

Since you have already:

• Performed a clean Windows installation
• Tested with both the HP Thunderbolt 280W G4 and G6 docks
• Tested with a third-party USB-C hub
• Kept Windows, drivers, and BIOS up to date

The issue appears less likely to be caused by the dock itself and more likely related to USB-C/Thunderbolt power management, firmware, or a connected peripheral.

Please try the following:

1. Disable USB Selective Suspend

1. Open Control Panel > Power Options
   
   
2. Select Change plan settings.
   
   
3. Click Change advanced power settings.
   
   
4. Expand USB settings
   
   
5. Set the USB Selective Suspend setting to Disabled for both battery and AC power
   
   
6. Click Apply and OK

2. Disable USB Power Saving in Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager
   
   
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   
   
3. Open each USB Root Hub and USB Host Controller
   
   
4. Under Power Management, uncheck:
   
   
   • Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
     
     
5. Repeat for USB-related devices listed under Human Interface Devices where applicable

3. Disable PCI Express Link State Power Management

1. Return to Power Options > Advanced settings.
   
   
2. Expand PCI Express
   
   
3. Set Link State Power Management to Off

4. Update Dock Firmware and Thunderbolt Components

Even when the BIOS is current, ensure the following are also updated:

• Dock firmware
  
  
• Thunderbolt firmware
  
  
• Thunderbolt controller drivers
  
  
• Intel chipset drivers

These components can affect USB-C and dock stability independently of the system BIOS. HP has released firmware updates in the past for USB-C Power Delivery and docking-related behavior on G11 platforms. 

5. Identify a Possible Peripheral Causing the Power Draw Warning

The "USB device drawing too much power" message is a significant clue.

As a test:

• Disconnect all USB devices from the dock.
  
  
• Leave only the monitor and Ethernet connected.
  
  
• Use the system for a period of time.
  
  
• Reconnect peripherals one at a time until the issue returns

A faulty USB device or cable can trigger a USB controller reset, which disconnects all devices momentarily.

If the issue continues even with only power, display, and Ethernet connected, I would recommend proceeding with the HP support case and providing them with the exact wording of the USB power-draw message and the model of the affected ZBook. That information can help determine whether this is a known firmware-related issue or requires further hardware diagnostics.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a great day.