I have a serious problem with USB and MIDI connected gear after Latest Win 11 updates

Problem solved, this is what I did and how. (this guide is made with the help of ChatGTP)"Guide: Resolving USB MIDI Device Detection Issues via BIOS Update (Windows Only)

This guide is intended for musicians, producers, and tech users who are experiencing USB MIDI devices not being detected or functioning properly on a Windows-based computer. The issue is often linked to motherboard-level firmware, and in some cases, a BIOS update can fully resolve it.

⚠️ Important Notes Before You Begin:

• This guide is for Windows PCs only.
• BIOS update procedures vary by motherboard manufacturer and model. Refer to your specific user manual for exact steps.
• Always back up your data and settings before attempting a BIOS update.

• USB MIDI devices not recognized in DAWs or MIDI monitor software (e.g. MIDI-OX). http://www.midiox.com/
• Device Manager shows the MIDI device under "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" but software cannot access it.
• Certain devices consistently fail, even if others work.

Examples of units:

• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
• Novation Launchkey
• M-Audio Keystation
• Akai MPK Mini
• Nektar models
• Arturia models
• other Class-compliant USB Audio or MIDI units ("Plug and Play")
• Non Class-compliant USB Audio or MIDI units requiring installation of manufacturer-specific drivers

1. Determine Your Current BIOS Version

• Reboot and enter BIOS by pressing DEL or F2 during startup.
• Locate the current BIOS version (often shown on the main BIOS screen).
• Exit BIOS without saving.

2. Download the Latest BIOS from Manufacturer Website

• Go to your motherboard manufacturer's support page (e.g. ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte).
• Search for your exact motherboard model.
• Download the latest BIOS version.
• Also download the BIOSRenamer tool if required (for ASUS boards).

3. Prepare a USB Drive for the BIOS File

• Use a USB stick 32GB or smaller.
• Format the stick to FAT32 (required by many BIOS tools).
• Copy the renamed .CAP BIOS file to the USB root directory.

4. Enter BIOS and Launch EZ Flash

• Reboot and enter BIOS again.
• Find the EZ Flash utility (under Tools or Advanced menu).
• Insert the USB stick.
• Locate the BIOS file on the stick and confirm the update.

⚠️ Do not power off or restart the PC during this process. 5. Reboot and Verify MIDI Device Functionality

• After the update and reboot, reconnect your USB MIDI devices.
• Open your DAW or MIDI monitor.
• Verify that previously unrecognized devices now appear and are functional.

USB and MIDI detection issues can be related to:

• Outdated Intel Management Engine Interface (MEI) firmware.
• USB controller bugs resolved in new BIOS versions.
• Conflicts between older BIOS logic and modern Windows USB device handling.

Updating the BIOS can refresh low-level firmware that interfaces with USB ports and resolve detection conflicts.

• Uninstall hidden USB devices from Device Manager (use devmgmt.msc and enable View > Show hidden devices).
• Use tools like USBDeview to track which devices are currently installed.
• Clean out old or ghost MIDI drivers manually in the registry if needed.

Updating your BIOS can be a surprisingly effective fix when all else fails — especially when standard USB troubleshooting and driver reinstallations haven't helped. But always approach with caution, and follow your motherboard's official documentation.

If you’re still having trouble after a BIOS update, additional steps like reinstalling the Intel MEI driver or cleaning USB registry keys may still be required.

Author’s Note: This guide is based on a real-world scenario where I resolved long-standing USB MIDI problems (affecting multiple devices) through a BIOS update on an ASUS motherboard.."

Regards

Joachim

https://devblogs.microsoft.com/windows-music-dev/announcing-windows-midi-services-customer-preview-1/

As mentioned to readers I've came up on this article about Microsoft working on improving functionality of how MIDI is implemented in Windows. Hope is high for this one.

Thank you Steve for your wise suggestions.

1. I`ve installed all the possible pending updates
2. This solution is under consideration since it actually would risk the computer to be infected I guess and Is my last resort of solving this.
3. Power management is not an issue, everything is set to not interfere.
4. I don´t know how to solve this if Windows is mismanaging drivers. It has worked in the past and I don´t think this is a real issue either. On top of that I´ve checked all the drivers individually in the Device manager and there are no better drivers out there according to Win update. Also, the Device manager don´t show any warning at all.
5. There is no USB trouble shooter in the list of possible choices in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.

One thought though,

how does Windows MIDI Work? is that a .dll file? Or is that one thing eventually affected by the updates as well?
I´ve come to an understanding that this is under development as well and wonder If this going to be acknowledged by Microsoft to make better?

In Cubase 14 Pro, All the hardware using MIDI is based on Win MIDI.

Please let me know if there is anything you need to help me resolve this.

Best regards,

Joachim

Hi Joachim,

Thank you for posting this issue in the Microsoft Community Forums.

Windows 11 update might be interfering with USB MIDI devices, causing connection issues. Check Windows Update Since your PC can send MIDI signals but not receive them, the problem likely lies in how Windows is handling USB connections after the update.

1. Windows Update Changes – Some updates can affect USB device compatibility, please update USB drivers. Go to Settings then Windows Update and install any pending updates. Check for optional updates.
2. Rollback Windows Update – If the issue started after an update, try rolling back:
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History.
   • Select Uninstall Updates and remove the latest update.
3. Power Management Settings – Windows might be turning off USB ports to save power.
4. Driver Conflicts – Even if no specific drivers exist, Windows might be mismanaging them.
5. Run Troubleshooter – Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters. Run the USB Troubleshooter.

If the problem persists, contact us back.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Steve_rojers | Microsoft Community Moderator