XHCI Handoff - BIOS Setting question

In a modern Intel system (Z390 chipset) running Windows 10, should the BIOS setting under USB Configuration for XHCI Handoff be enabled or disabled?

The default setting is Disabled.

My understanding is:
XHCI Handoff disabled means the USB 3 controller functions are handled at the BIOS level.
XHCI Handoff enabled means the functions are handled by the OS.

Which is better? I have tried it both ways and can't tell any difference.

I typically enable it, but I've not seen issues either way. It's said if it isn't enabled your USB 3.0 ports become 2.0 ports, but...

You could check this thread out but I'm not sure of its accuracy - xHCI hand-off Windows 10. BTW on my Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme the setting is disabled by default but I enable it. And I've found the same, it doesn't seem to make a difference. I suppose we could do some USB 3.0 speed tests to see what's what enabled vs. disabled.

Yes, that would be a good idea. Maybe I'll have time at the end of the day.

I wasn't really serious about running such a test. Fact is I had no intentions of doing it. If you do please post.

boombastik said:

XHCI Handoff in windows10 must be off. (XHCI Hand-off support exist in operating system)
In windows 7 must be on even if you install drivers.

the ehci handoff above xp service pack 1 must be off.

Yeah, looking at my BIOS it basically says it's for older OS's. At the moment it's disabled. That said, any linked info for what you posted?

Thanks.

I ran some tests.
Kinston DataTraveller 8GB thumb drive.

In the case USB 3.0 Port, XHCI Handoff Enabled:


In MB USB 3.0 Port, XHCI Handoff Enabled:


In the case USB 3.0 Port, XHCI Handoff Disabled:


In the MB USB 3.0 Port, XHCI Handoff Disabled:


Not a whole lot of difference either way.

Look at the CPU usage.

I wouldn't put a whole lot in CPU usage as a myriad of things could have been happening when the tests were run. Anyway, the way I understand that XHCI setting is if running Win 10 it doesn't need to be enabled. BTW i just ran a basic transfer these files (5gig in all) test with it enabled and disabled and I didn't see much difference either. Your test, being more scientific than mine also confirms little difference. Again... where Win 10 is concerned.

Thanks.

My two cents.

Yes, I disabled it to do the last 2 tests and I will leave it that way.
Thanks for looking!