Check-in Device Manager

Open Device Manager and choose the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” extension. Referring to the USB ports list in that section, you can tell your computer’s USB version by looking at the port name, based on the following instructions.

  • USB 3.0 – the USB port name will include “USB 3.0” inside it
  • USB 2.0 – USB port name will include “Enhanced” or “Enhanced Host” inside it (may also contain “Universal Host”)
  • USB 1.1 – USB port name will include “Universal Host” inside it (don’t have “Enhanced” in the title)

Tip: USB 2.0 was introduced in 2001. If your computer was built before 2001, chances are it has a USB 1.1 or 1.0 port.

Labels on USB ports or devices

Many devices and computers using USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 will indicate if the USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 product is ready. In the case of USB 2.0, they can also show they are Hi-Speed. This Hi-Speed-rated computer and device is USB 2.0 compatible. 3.0 ports and USB devices must be labeled as such if the label at all.

Product documentation

If you still cannot determine complete information about your computer’s USB versions after following the recommendations above, referring to the USB or motherboard documentation.