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ports have disappeared

Bill Wade 20 Reputation points
2026-03-19T16:23:16.3666667+00:00

Ports have disappeared. Ever thing I have will not bring then back

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers
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  1. Clary-N 10,925 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-20T00:47:33.58+00:00

    Hi Bill Wade,

    I understand how frustrating it can be when ports suddenly disappear and nothing seems to bring them back. To help us narrow this down and make sure we’re looking in the right direction, I’d like to gather a few more details.

    When you mention that the ports have disappeared, could you please help confirm:

    • Where you normally see these ports (for example, in Device Manager, Settings, or within a specific application)?
    • What type of ports they are (such as Ports (COM & LPT), USB, network/Ethernet, or something else)?
    • Could you let me know which version you are currently running now?
    • Whether this started after a recent Windows update, restart, or any hardware change?

    If possible, a quick screenshot showing where the ports are missing from would also be very helpful.

    Once I have this information, I’ll be in a much better position to guide you through the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

    Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to your reply.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-19T16:23:32.5733333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Based on the tags and the available information, this most closely matches printer ports disappearing or becoming unusable in Windows.

    Try the following, depending on the symptom.

    1. If trying to delete or clean up “unknown” printer ports
    • Symptom: In the printer’s Properties → Ports tab, there are entries like FAX: or PUB: shown as “Unknown local port”, and attempts to delete them give an error such as:

      This port is currently in use by a printer and cannot be removed.

    • Workaround:
      1. Select Start → Run.
      2. Type msconfig and select OK.
      3. Go to the Win.ini tab.
      4. Expand the [Ports] section.
      5. Clear the check boxes for the unknown ports (for example, FAX:= and PUB:=).
        • Do not disable the File:= line.
      6. Select OK, then select Yes when prompted to restart Windows.
    1. If a USB printer port (for example, USB001) is missing
    • Symptom: After connecting a USB printer, then shutting down Windows 10 (version 1903 or later), turning off or disconnecting the printer, and starting Windows again, the USB printer port no longer appears under Print Server Properties → Ports.
    • Check the port list at:
      • Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners → Print server properties → Ports tab.
    • Workaround:
      • Make sure the USB printer is connected and powered on before starting Windows. This causes Windows to detect the printer and re‑expose its USB port (for example, USB001) so printing and port‑dependent operations work again.
    1. General note for managing printer ports
    • Adding, configuring, or deleting printer ports is handled by port monitors and requires administrator privileges.
    • If ports are missing or cannot be changed, ensure the account used is an administrator, then manage ports via Print server properties → Ports tab.

    If the issue is with non‑printer ports (for example, network or audio/MIDI ports), more specific details (Windows version, device type, exact error, and where the ports are missing from) are needed to match a known resolution.

    References:

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