USB Device Not Recognized Error in Windows – Easy Solutions

How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized Error in Windows 10

If you’re facing the frustrating USB device not recognized error, especially on Windows 10, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This common issue occurs when your system fails to detect a USB device. It may be due to outdated drivers, a malfunctioning USB port, or even software conflicts. Below, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix the USB device not recognized Windows 11 issue.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Before troubleshooting in-depth, it’s always a good idea to start with a simple restart. Sometimes, the USB device not recognised error can occur due to temporary system glitches that can be resolved by restarting your PC.

1. Close all your applications and save your work.
2. Restart your PC and check if the USB device is recognized upon reboot.

Step 2: Try Different USB Ports

Your USB device not recognized error might be due to a faulty USB port. It’s easy to overlook this, so make sure to try plugging your device into a different port.

1. Unplug your USB device.
2. Plug it into a different USB port (preferably a port on the back of your PC if you’re using a desktop).
3. Check if the device is now recognized.

If the device works in another port, the original port could be faulty.

Step 3: Check the USB Device Itself

Sometimes, the issue might be with the USB device, not your computer. Here’s how you can verify:

1. Unplug your USB device from your computer.
2. Try plugging the device into another computer or laptop to see if it works.
3. If the device is still not recognized, it could be damaged or malfunctioning. Consider replacing it or getting it repaired.

Step 4: Update USB Drivers in Windows 10

Outdated or corrupt drivers are a major cause of the USB device not recognized Windows 10 error. Here’s how to update your USB drivers:

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers Section: Find the list of USB drivers.
3. Update Drivers: Right-click on each USB driver (especially the ones labeled “Unknown” or “USB Root Hub”) and select Update Driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows search for the latest drivers.
4. Restart Your Computer: After updating the drivers, restart your PC to check if the error is resolved.

Step 5: Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers

If updating doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the USB drivers:

1. Open Device Manager again and expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section.
2. Uninstall Device: Right-click on the USB driver showing the yellow triangle and select Uninstall Device.
3. Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling, restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the drivers upon restart.
4. Check the USB Device: Plug in your USB device again to see if the error is fixed.

Step 6: Check for Windows 10 Updates

If the USB device not recognized issue appeared after a Windows 10 update, it could be a compatibility issue. Follow these steps to ensure your system is up-to-date:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the settings menu.
2. Go to Update & Security: Select Update & Security from the menu.
3. Check for Updates: Click Check for updates and allow Windows to install any pending updates.
4. Restart Your Computer: Once updates are installed, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 7: Try Using a USB Hub

If none of the previous steps resolve the issue, you can try using a powered USB hub. Sometimes, USB device not recognized errors occur due to power shortages, especially with multiple devices connected at once.

1. Purchase a powered USB hub (one that plugs into an electrical outlet).
2. Plug your USB device into the hub and check if it’s recognized.

Step 8: Check for Windows System File Corruption

System file corruption can lead to issues with USB devices being recognized. Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair any corrupted files:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run SFC Command: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the Scan to Complete: The tool will automatically fix any corrupted system files that may be causing the issue.

Step 9: Contact Professional Support

If none of these steps resolve your USB device not recognized issue, the problem might be hardware-related. It’s time to contact a professional for further assistance. Reach out to a technician or use your manufacturer’s support channels to get your USB ports or devices checked.

Only for Advanced Users: Since this involves modifying the registry, it’s critical to follow these steps carefully. If you’re unsure, consult an expert.

If none of the other methods work to resolve the “USB device not recognized” issue, you can try disabling the Selective Suspend feature by editing the Windows registry. Be cautious, as improper registry changes can cause system problems. Always back up the registry before making any modifications.

Step 10: Disable USB Selective Suspend to Fix USB Device Not Recognized

What is USB Selective Suspend?

The USB Selective Suspend feature is designed to conserve power by allowing Windows to suspend USB devices that are not in use. However, sometimes it can cause issues where the device is not properly “woken up” after being suspended, leading to the USB device being unresponsive or not recognized.

Important Note

This method is for advanced users, and you should be cautious when modifying the registry. Make sure to back up your registry before proceeding. For guidance on backing up the registry, refer to Microsoft’s Knowledge Base Article 322756.

Steps to Disable USB Selective Suspend:

1. Open the Registry Editor:
   • Press the Start button and type regedit into the search box (for Windows Vista, use the Start Search box).
   • Click OK to open the Registry Editor.
2. Locate the USB Registry Subkey:
   • In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\USB

3. Modify or Create the DisableSelectiveSuspend Entry:
   • Look for the DisableSelectiveSuspend entry. If it’s present, double-click on it.
   • If the entry doesn’t exist, you need to create it:
     • On the Edit menu, choose New, then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
     • Name the new entry DisableSelectiveSuspend and press Enter.
     • Now, double-click the DisableSelectiveSuspend entry to modify it.
4. Change the Value:
   • In the Value data field, type 1 to disable the USB Selective Suspend feature.
   • Click OK to save the changes.
5. Restart Your Computer:
   • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Important Considerations

• Power Usage: Disabling USB Selective Suspend will prevent Windows from turning off USB devices to save power. This could lead to higher power consumption, especially for laptops or portable devices.
• USB Root Hub Settings: After disabling this feature, you won’t see the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option under the Power Management tab for the USB Root Hub.

Conclusion

The USB device not recognized error on Windows 10 can be frustrating, but by following the steps above, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Whether it’s updating drivers, checking hardware, or disabling power-saving settings, these solutions should help restore your USB device functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Why is my USB device not recognized in Windows 10?

The “USB device not recognized” error can occur due to several reasons, including outdated or corrupt drivers, hardware issues, or power-saving settings in Windows. Check your USB port, update drivers, or try another USB port to troubleshoot.

2. How can I fix the USB device not recognized error?

To fix this error, try restarting your computer, updating USB drivers, using a different USB port, or disabling USB selective suspend settings. Follow the detailed steps in the blog post for a comprehensive solution.

3. What should I do if my USB device works on another computer?

If your USB device works on another computer, the issue might be with your system’s USB ports or drivers. Try reinstalling or updating your USB drivers, or consider using a powered USB hub.

4. Can I fix the USB device not recognized error without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, you can fix this error without reinstalling Windows. Most of the time, the issue is related to drivers, settings, or hardware, and can be resolved with troubleshooting steps like updating drivers or checking the device on another port.

5. Why does my USB device keep disconnecting and reconnecting?

USB devices may disconnect due to power issues, faulty USB ports, or driver conflicts. Try updating your drivers, switching USB ports, or checking your power settings to solve this problem.

Thank you for visiting our website! We hope this guide helps you achieve a smoother and faster Windows experience. Do check out our other tech tips and visit again Pc Guides for more solutions.