How to enable USB-C charging on laptop in Windows 11

In this post, we will show you how to enable USB-C charging on a laptop in Windows 11. USB-C has revolutionized how modern laptops charge their batteries and connect to peripherals. This versatile connection type allows laptops to be charged directly through a USB-C port, enabling users to enjoy a streamlined experience where a single cable can handle power delivery, data transfer for connected peripherals, and high-resolution video output to external displays.

USB-C charging is usually enabled by default in laptops with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) support. This protocol allows for higher power levels (essential for charging larger devices, such as laptops) and faster charging through USB-C connections. However, there are certain scenarios where specific BIOS settings might need to be adjusted to ensure the USB-C port is set to receive power, even when the laptop is asleep or off.

Enable USB-C charging on laptop in Windows 11

To enable USB-C charging on your laptop while it is off or in a low-power state, you need to change the USB power state from the BIOS settings.

Press Win + I to open the Settings window and go to System > Recovery. Click Restart now next to the Advanced startup option. Restart your PC and it will take you to the Advanced Start-up screen.

Next, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Click the Restart button on the next screen to boot your PC into the UEFI BIOS.

In the BIOS, power options for enabling USB-C charging may vary depending on your laptop’s motherboard brand. Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or BIOS guide to find the relevant settings and ensure USB-C power delivery is properly configured on your Windows 11/10 PC.

After making changes, press F10 to save and exit the BIOS. Confirm the prompt to save and restart your laptop. Once the laptop restarts, try connecting the USB-C charger and see if it works.

Here are the steps you need to follow for a few popular motherboard brands:

1] MSI Motherboards

Go to Advanced Mode in the BIOS.
Select Settings > Advanced.
Under Power Management Setup, disable ErP Ready.
Under Wake Up Event Setup, enable Resume by USB Device.
Save and exit the BIOS.

Note:

ErP Ready: Disabling this setting allows the USB ports to remain powered even when the system is off or in sleep mode. Enabling it can restrict power to USB ports in low-power states to meet energy-saving standards.
Resume by USB Device: This option allows the system to be woken up by a USB device (like a mouse or keyboard). It ensures the USB ports have enough power to detect activity and wake the system from sleep or low-power modes.

2] Gigabyte Motherboards

Open Advanced Mode in the BIOS.
Under Power Management, disable the ErP setting.
Save changes and exit the BIOS.

3] Asus Motherboards

Go to Advanced Mode in the BIOS.
Select the Advanced option.
Click and expand APM Configuration and disable ErP Ready.
Go back to the Advanced section and click Onboard Devices Configuration.
Enable Asmedia USB 3.1 Battery Charging Support or USB power delivery in Soft Off state (S5), depending on the motherboard.
Save changes and exit.

Note: Enabling Asmedia USB 3.1 Battery Charging Support/USB Power Delivery in S5 ensures that USB-C or USB 3.1 ports remain active even in the S5 (shutdown) power state, allowing connected devices to charge while the computer is off.

4] AsRock Motherboards

Open Advanced Mode in the BIOS.
Select the Advanced option.
Under Chipset Configuration, disable the Deep Sleep option.
Save and exit the BIOS.

Deep Sleep refers to a low-power state, typically associated with the S4 (Hibernate) or S5 (Shutdown) states of the system. Disabling Deep Sleep allow certain components, including USB ports, to remain powered even when the system is off, enabling features like USB charging for connected devices.

Likewise, you may check the relevant settings specific to your motherboard and make changes accordingly.

Laptop not charging battery via USB-C

In most cases, USB-C charging works seamlessly on supported laptops with no need for manual configuration. However, if your laptop’s battery is not charging via USB-C, ensure you’re using a compatible charger (laptops often require chargers that can provide higher wattage, typically 45W, 65W, or more). It is connected to the correct port (one that supports charging). Also, ensure the USB-C cable you’re using is designed for power delivery, is not damaged, and the port is not damaged or obstructed by debris.

Configure appropriate power settings within BIOS if your laptop is powered off, as explained in this post.

If the laptop is still not charging, disable the Power Management setting for USB Root Hub. This setting allows Windows to turn off USB ports (including USB-C) when they are idle or not in use to save power. If enabled, it could interfere with the USB-C port’s ability to remain powered, particularly when the laptop is in sleep mode or low-power states.

Disable the Power Management setting for USB Root Hub

Open Device Manager.
Scroll down and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Right-click on USB Root Hub (you may have more than one) and select Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab.
Uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Click OK and repeat the steps for other USB Root Hubs as well.

Also, disable USB Selective Suspend. This setting controls whether Windows can suspend individual USB ports to conserve power when devices connected to them are not in use. It is part of the system’s power management and can affect all USB ports, including USB-C.

Disable USB Selective Suspend

Press Win + S and type ‘power‘, then select Edit power plan.
In the Edit Plan Settings window, click on Change advanced power settings.
In the Power Options dialog, scroll down and expand USB settings.
Expand USB selective suspend setting. You will see two options: On battery and Plugged in.
Set both options to Disabled. Click Apply and then OK.

Disabling Selective Suspend ensures the setting could not interfere with USB-C charging, particularly when the laptop is idle or in sleep mode.

Read: USB-C Port not working, charging, or recognized in Windows.

How do I know if my laptop supports type C charging?

If your laptop has a USB-C power adapter, it likely supports USB-C charging. Look at your laptop’s user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to find your model’s specifications. It should specify whether USB-C supports power delivery (PD) or charging. Also, examine the USB-C port on your laptop. It may have a small power icon or a battery symbol next to the port if it supports charging.

Can a Dell laptop charge with USB-C?

Most modern Dell laptops, especially those in the XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, and Vostro series, have USB-C ports that support Power Delivery, meaning they can be charged through the USB-C port. However, not all USB-C ports support charging. See your device’s documentation to learn more about specific features that are supported over USB Type-C on your device.