USB Device Not Recognized? 11 Ways to Fix It

Quick Fix

When Windows shows “USB Device Not Recognized,” try these quick fixes: Unplug the USB device, wait 10 seconds, and plug it into a different USB port. If that doesn’t work, restart your computer with the device unplugged, then reconnect it after Windows loads. These simple steps resolve most USB recognition issues instantly.

Understanding the USB Device Not Recognized Error

The “USB Device Not Recognized” error appears when Windows fails to identify a connected USB device. You’ll see a notification saying “The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.” This error can affect any USB device including flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, printers, and phones.

Common causes include faulty USB ports, outdated or corrupted drivers, power management settings, USB controller issues, or problems with the device itself. The error can occur on Windows 10, Windows 11, and older versions. Let’s go through proven solutions to fix this issue.

Method 1: Try Different USB Ports

The simplest solution is often the most effective. USB ports can fail or become loose over time.

1. Safely disconnect the USB device
2. Try plugging it into a different USB port
3. Preferably use a port directly on your computer, not a USB hub
4. Try both USB 2.0 ports (usually black) and USB 3.0 ports (usually blue)
5. If using a desktop, try the rear USB ports which connect directly to the motherboard

If the device works in a different port, your original port may be damaged or have a loose connection.

Method 2: Restart Your Computer

A simple restart clears temporary glitches and resets USB controllers.

1. Safely remove the USB device
2. Click Start > Power > Restart
3. Wait for Windows to fully load
4. Reconnect the USB device
5. Wait 30 seconds for Windows to detect it

For persistent issues, try a full shutdown instead: hold Shift while clicking “Shut down” to perform a complete shutdown that clears the USB cache.

Method 3: Update USB Drivers

Outdated or corrupted USB drivers are a common cause of recognition failures.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
3. Look for any device with a yellow warning icon
4. Right-click on each USB controller and select Update driver
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers
6. Repeat for all USB controllers
7. Restart your computer

If updating doesn’t help, try uninstalling the driver: right-click the device, select “Uninstall device,” then restart. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Method 4: Reinstall USB Controllers

Reinstalling all USB controllers forces Windows to set them up fresh.

1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager)
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
3. Right-click each USB Host Controller and select Uninstall device
4. Don’t check “Delete the driver software” if prompted
5. Repeat for all USB controllers
6. Restart your computer
7. Windows will automatically reinstall the controllers

After restart, reconnect your USB device and check if it’s recognized.

Method 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend

Windows can suspend USB ports to save power, which sometimes causes recognition issues.

1. Press Windows + R, type powercfg.cpl, press Enter
2. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan
3. Click Change advanced power settings
4. Expand USB settings
5. Expand USB selective suspend setting
6. Set both “On battery” and “Plugged in” to Disabled
7. Click Apply then OK
8. Restart your computer

Method 6: Run Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix USB problems.

Windows 10:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
2. Click Additional troubleshooters
3. Select Hardware and Devices
4. Click Run the troubleshooter
5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter
3. Click Next to run the troubleshooter
4. Apply any recommended fixes

Method 7: Update Windows

Windows updates often include driver updates and bug fixes for USB issues.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Install all available updates
4. Click Optional updates if available and install any driver updates
5. Restart your computer when prompted

Method 8: Check USB Root Hub Power Management

Power management settings on USB root hubs can prevent devices from being recognized.

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
3. Double-click on USB Root Hub
4. Go to the Power Management tab
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
6. Click OK
7. Repeat for all USB Root Hub entries
8. Restart your computer

Method 9: Remove Hidden USB Devices

Hidden or ghost USB devices can conflict with new connections.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 and press Enter
3. Type start devmgmt.msc and press Enter
4. In Device Manager, click View > Show hidden devices
5. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
6. Right-click any grayed-out devices and select Uninstall device
7. Restart your computer

Method 10: Test the Device on Another Computer

Before spending more time troubleshooting, verify that the USB device itself isn’t faulty.

1. Safely eject the USB device from your computer
2. Connect it to a different computer
3. Check if it’s recognized on that computer
4. If it works elsewhere, the problem is with your computer’s USB system
5. If it doesn’t work anywhere, the USB device may be damaged

For USB flash drives, you can try formatting them (warning: this erases all data). For devices like keyboards or mice, they may need replacement.

Method 11: Check for Hardware Changes

Force Windows to scan for new hardware, which can help detect stubborn devices.

1. Open Device Manager
2. Click on your computer name at the top of the device list
3. Click Action in the menu bar
4. Select Scan for hardware changes
5. Wait for the scan to complete
6. Check if your USB device appears

Preventing Future USB Issues

• Always use “Safely Remove Hardware” before unplugging storage devices
• Keep Windows and drivers updated
• Avoid cheap, low-quality USB hubs
• Don’t force USB connectors – they only go in one way
• Keep USB ports clean from dust and debris
• Use powered USB hubs for power-hungry devices like external hard drives

FAQ

Why does my USB keep disconnecting and reconnecting?

This usually indicates a loose connection, failing USB port, or power management issue. Try a different port, disable USB selective suspend, and check the Power Management settings on your USB Root Hubs in Device Manager.

How do I fix USB device not recognized on Windows 11?

The solutions are the same as Windows 10: try different ports, update drivers, disable USB selective suspend, reinstall USB controllers, and run the hardware troubleshooter. Windows 11 also benefits from checking for Windows updates which often include USB fixes.

Why is my USB drive not showing up but making a sound?

If you hear the connection sound but don’t see the drive, it may need a drive letter. Open Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management), find your drive, right-click it, and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths” to assign a letter.

Can a faulty USB cable cause “device not recognized” errors?

Yes, damaged or low-quality USB cables can cause intermittent connections and recognition failures. Try a different cable, preferably the original cable that came with your device or a high-quality replacement.

Why does USB work after restart but fails after sleep?

This is caused by power management settings. Disable USB selective suspend in Power Options and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” for all USB Root Hubs in Device Manager.

My USB ports stopped working completely. What should I do?

If all USB ports fail simultaneously, try: 1) Restart your computer, 2) Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure USB is enabled, 3) Reinstall USB controllers in Device Manager, 4) Check for Windows updates, 5) If nothing works, the USB controller chip on your motherboard may have failed.