How to Find the USB Hub Port Number

Why knowing the USB hub port number is important

The USB hub port number is a crucial piece of information that can greatly benefit users who want to efficiently manage their USB devices. Each USB hub consists of several ports, and knowing the specific port number can help in a variety of situations. Understanding the importance of the USB hub port number can save you time and frustration when troubleshooting or organizing your devices.

One of the main reasons why knowing the USB hub port number is important is for troubleshooting purposes. If you’re experiencing issues with a specific USB device, identifying the port it is connected to can help narrow down the problem. By knowing the port number, you can easily isolate the specific connection and determine if the issue lies with the device itself, the cable, or the port.

Furthermore, the USB hub port number is essential for organizing and managing multiple devices. For instance, if you have a USB hub with multiple ports and numerous devices connected, knowing the port numbers can simplify the process of locating and accessing specific devices. This is especially useful when you frequently connect and disconnect devices, saving you time and effort trying to find the right port.

Additionally, understanding the USB hub port number is essential if you need to install specific drivers or update firmware for a device. Some devices may require specific drivers or firmware updates to function properly, and knowing the port number can help ensure that you apply the updates to the correct device. This prevents any potential confusion or installation errors that may occur if you were to apply the updates to the wrong device.

Moreover, knowing the USB hub port number can be beneficial when troubleshooting power-related issues. USB ports have different power output capabilities, and knowing which port your device is connected to can help determine if it is receiving enough power. If you’re having issues with a device not charging or performing poorly, checking the port number can help identify if it’s a power-related problem.

Checking the Device Manager

The Device Manager is a built-in feature in both Windows and Mac operating systems that allows you to view and manage all the hardware devices connected to your computer, including USB hubs and their respective port numbers. Checking the Device Manager is a straightforward way to find the USB hub port number, and it can be done in a few simple steps.

To access the Device Manager on Windows, you can either right-click on the “Start” button and select “Device Manager” from the menu, or you can press the Windows key + X and choose “Device Manager” from the list. Once the Device Manager window opens, expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” category. Here, you will find a list of USB devices and their corresponding port numbers. You can right-click on a specific device, select “Properties,” and navigate to the “Details” tab to see the “Parent Id Prefix” value, which indicates the port number.

On a Mac, you can access the Device Manager, known as “System Information,” by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner, selecting “About This Mac,” and clicking on the “System Report” button. In the System Information window, click on “USB” under the “Hardware” section. Here, you will find a list of connected USB devices, along with their hub and port numbers.

Checking the Device Manager is a reliable and convenient method to find the USB hub port number. However, it is important to note that the steps may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system you are using. Additionally, keep in mind that the Device Manager may not provide specific port numbers for all USB devices. In such cases, you can explore alternative methods to find the USB hub port number, as discussed in the following sections.

Finding the USB Hub Port Number on Windows

On Windows, there are several methods you can use to find the USB hub port number. Here are a few options:

Device Manager: As mentioned earlier, the Device Manager is a reliable way to find the USB hub port number on Windows. Simply expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” category, locate your USB hub, and view the details to find the port number.
USBDeview: USBDeview is a third-party software that provides detailed information about all connected USB devices, including their hub and port numbers. After downloading and installing USBDeview, open the program, and you will see a comprehensive list of connected USB devices along with their port numbers.
Command Prompt: You can also use the Command Prompt to find the USB hub port number. Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the Windows search bar and pressing Enter. Then, type the command “wmic path CIM_LogicalDevice where DeviceID=’USB\\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx’ get Antecedent” (replace the ‘xxxx’ with the Vendor ID and Product ID of your USB device). The result will display the hub and port information for the device.

These methods provide you with different options to find the USB hub port number on Windows. Choose the one that suits your preference and requirements. Remember that each method may have slight variations depending on your operating system version or the specific USB device you are using. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary permissions and administrative access to perform the operations.

Finding the USB Hub Port Number on Mac

On a Mac, there are various ways to find the USB hub port number. Here are a few methods you can use:

System Information: The System Information application on Mac provides detailed information about all the hardware and software components of your computer, including USB devices and their port numbers. To access System Information, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen, select “About This Mac,” and click on the “System Report” button. In the System Information window, click on “USB” under the “Hardware” section. Here, you will find a list of connected USB devices along with their hub and port numbers.
Terminal: The Terminal is a command-line interface on Mac that allows you to execute various commands. You can use the Terminal to find the USB hub port number. Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. Then, type the command “system_profiler SPUSBDataType” and press Enter. This will display detailed information about all the connected USB devices, including their hub and port numbers.
Third-party Software: There are also third-party software options available for Mac that can provide information about USB devices and their port numbers. One popular software is “USB Prober,” which is part of the Apple Developer Tools. USB Prober provides a more advanced level of information about USB devices and their characteristics.

These methods should help you find the USB hub port number on your Mac. Each method provides different approaches to access the information, so choose the one that suits your preference and needs. It’s important to note that the steps or commands may slightly vary depending on your macOS version, so adapt accordingly. Make sure you have the necessary permissions and administrative access to perform the operations.

Using Command Prompt on Windows to Find the USB Hub Port Number

If you prefer using the command line interface, you can find the USB hub port number on Windows by utilizing the Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
Type the following command: wmic path CIM_LogicalDevice where "Caption like 'USB%"' get Caption, Description and press Enter.
A list of connected USB devices will be displayed, along with their corresponding captions and descriptions.
Identify the USB hub in the list, and note its caption and description.
Type the following command: wmic path CIM_USBControllerDevice where "Antecedent='\\'Caption=''" get Dependent, replacing <USB hub caption> with the caption of the USB hub you identified in the previous step. Press Enter.
The result will display the dependent devices connected to the USB hub, including their port numbers.

This method allows you to retrieve the USB hub port numbers through the Command Prompt. By using specific commands, you can obtain detailed information about connected USB devices and their respective ports. However, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary permissions and administrative access to run commands in the Command Prompt.

Using Terminal on Mac to Find the USB Hub Port Number

If you prefer utilizing the command-line interface on your Mac, you can find the USB hub port number by using the Terminal application. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Type the following command: system_profiler SPUSBDataType and press Enter.
A list of connected USB devices will be displayed, along with detailed information.
Look for the USB hub in the list of devices and note its relevant information, such as the device name and vendor or product IDs.
Identify the connected USB devices under the USB hub and note their corresponding port numbers.

Using the Terminal application provides a convenient method to find the USB hub port number on your Mac. The system_profiler command with the SPUSBDataType option allows you to retrieve detailed information about connected USB devices, including their port numbers. However, the command output may vary depending on the macOS version you are using. Make sure you have the necessary permissions and administrative access to run commands in the Terminal application.

Using Third-Party Software to Find the USB Hub Port Number

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach or need additional features, you can use third-party software to find the USB hub port number on both Windows and Mac. Here are a few popular options:

USBDeview: USBDeview is a free software utility for Windows that provides comprehensive information about all connected USB devices, including their port numbers. After downloading and installing USBDeview, launch the program, and you will see a detailed list of connected USB devices with their respective port numbers.
USB Prober: USB Prober is a part of the Apple Developer Tools and can be used on Mac. It offers advanced information about USB devices and their characteristics, including hub and port numbers. You can access USB Prober within the Xcode application, which can be downloaded from the Mac App Store or the Apple Developer website.
USBTreeView: USBTreeView is a free utility available for Windows that provides a visual representation of the USB devices connected to your system. It displays hierarchical information about USB hubs, ports, and devices, allowing you to easily identify the port numbers of connected USB devices.

Using third-party software simplifies the process of finding the USB hub port number and provides additional features and functionalities. Choose a software option that is compatible with your operating system and meets your specific requirements. Keep in mind that these software tools are developed by third-party providers, so ensure that you download them from trusted sources and exercise caution when installing and using them.