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Is your USB 3.0 transfer speed slow? Fix it with 6 methods

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Some users have said that their Windows 10USB 3.0transfer speeds are very slow for theUSB 3.0drives they’re utilizing.

Here is what one user stated in a Microsoftforum post:

Since updating to Windows 10, regardless of which stick I use… I get very slow transfer rates compared to when I was on Windows 7.

To fix slowUSB 3.0transfer speeds, check out these potential resolutions.

How can I fix a slow USB 3.0 transfer speed?

How can I fix a slow USB 3.0 transfer speed?

1. Update the USB drive driver

Let us tell you the first thing that you should do when your USB 3.0 transfer speed is slow. You should definitely try updating the USB 3.0 stick’s driver.

As you can already guess,driverupdates are as important as Windows updates. To make that happen with ease, simply document and consider updating driver tools.

This offers you a convenient method to immediately update your USB 3.0 stick’s driver or all outdated drivers at once.

Plus, if you need to update specific drivers rapidly, you can do this and renew outdated drivers in a few clicks. Hence, to achieve that you only have to use thebest update drivers softwareon your Windows 10 PC.

2. Reinstall your USB 3.0 controller driver

One confirmed resolution is to reinstall yourUSB 3.0controller driver. To do so, simply complete the above procedure.

3. Turn off Windows Security

Some users have said they’ve fixed slow USB 3.0 file transfer rates by disabling Windows Security. Check the above steps in order to do that as well.

4. Select the Better Performance option for your USB drive

Users can boost theirUSB 3.0drives’ transfer speeds by selecting theBetter Performanceoption. To do that, simply complete the above procedure.

5. Clean boot Windows

You can also try clean-booting Windows to ensure that no third-party software (such asantivirus utilities) can slow down the USB transfer speeds.

Need more info on how to access MsConfig in Windows 10? Check out thisdetailed guide.

6. Convert a FAT32 USB drive to NTFS

Changing the file system of the USB stick to NTFS can also speed up its data transfer speed. Refer to the above procedure in that regard.

Those are some of the ways you can fix slow data transfer speeds for aUSB 3.0 drive. Some of the above resolutions should also fix USB 2.0 drives’ file transfer speeds.

Which one worked in your case? Don’t hesitate to let us know by using the comments section below.

More about the topics:USB 3.0

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.