Why Do All USB Devices Stop Working Periodically on Ubuntu 18 and Linux?

Have you ever faced the frustrating issue of your USB devices suddenly stopping work, only to start functioning again after an unpredictable period? If this is a common occurrence for you, especially with USB keyboard, mouse, and other devices, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and potential solutions.

Common Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

There are a few common reasons why USB devices might stop working on Ubuntu 18 and Linux. Here are some steps you can take to identify and solve the problem:

Power Management Settings

One of the primary causes of this issue could be related to power management settings within the operating system. Specifically, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) might be configured to power down USB devices to save power. Always ensure that your BIOS settings are correctly configured. You can check and modify them during the next system boot by entering the BIOS setup via a key (usually F2, Del, or Esc).

Additionally, within the operating system, check the power settings. Go to System Settings Power and ensure that no settings are configured to automatically turn off USB devices.

Resource Conflicts

Another common issue is a resource conflict. If multiple devices are trying to use the same resources or if the system is running high on system resources, this can cause USB devices to malfunction. This situation is particularly prevalent with older or low-spec systems.

To resolve this, follow the steps below:

Uninstall all USB devices and their drivers. Restart your system. Reinstall each device with the latest drivers. Download these from the manufacturer's website, not through auto-updates as they may not always be compatible with your system.

Make sure you download and install the drivers that are compatible with your specific operating system version.

Conclusion and Further Reading

Troubleshooting USB device issues can be a bit of a technical challenge, but with some systematic steps, you can usually identify and fix the problem. It is also a good practice to keep your system and drivers up to date to avoid such issues in the future.

For further reading and detailed guides on Linux troubleshooting, check out the following resources:

Ubuntu Help: System Administrator How to Check for the Latest Linux Kernel on Ubuntu Linux Troubleshooting Guide