Dell Precision 7730 laptop - external USB device no longer works.

Hi there,

I have a Native Instruments Midi Controller Keyboard that's been working fine for the last 18 months and now not recognized by the stand alone NI software package. It has been connected directly via one of the 2 USB-C Ports.

After 3 weeks of back and forth with NI Support, I plugged it into a friends new(ish) HP Laptop, downloaded the relevant NI software and it worked straight away. So its my Laptop.

The USB-C ports work well enough with my external SSD drives, all NI Software and Firmware is up to date (including Hardware Connection Interface), Windows 11 is latest OS, all drivers are up to date according to Dell Support Assistant, USB-C cables checked.

The only oddity I can find is Dell Support Assist say hardware and Drivers all OK - yet tells me there are Critical Updates - which can be downloaded, appear to install, but never clear from being Critical.

Has anyone else experienced similar issue with external  USB Devices - or can explain the Critical Updates?

many thanks