Whenever the USB ports or drivers are malfunctioning in your PC, you might face the problem of USB device not recognized. However, the error can also occur if the USB device is defective or damaged. Also, there can be driver issues that can create conflict between the OS and the external hard drive connected via USB cable/port. You can experience this error if your computer has unresolved software, hardware, or Windows Update issues. So, when you get this problem, it can very annoying as your Windows can’t find the external devices connecting via USB. In order to fix this PC error, follow this article and check out the solutions discussed here. These fixes are so easy, that even you can try them out and make your USB devices recognizable to Windows.
What To Do When USB Device Not Recognized By Your Windows-Based PC?
Many users get confused when they see certain USB device not recognized by their computer and some are. For some, the USB ports are working just fine but it can’t connect all the devices the same. So, before you start checking the troubleshooting methods to fix this problem with USB devices, try this approach.
Tip- Try Another USB Port
To confirm whether the USB port is defective or not, you can apply this quick fix. If the error is due to a faulty USB port, simply connect the external devices to some other PC. However, try to avoid using USB hubs in order to connect the USB device to the computer. So, if there is no issue with the port and your device works fine on other machines, follow these fixes as discussed below.
Fixes To Troubleshoot USB Device Not Recognized Windows 10 Error
There are some effective ways you can try to fix the issue in no time.
Fix 1: Scan Your Device For Hardware Changes
If the error is due to conflicts between Windows OS and USB drivers, you can apply this solution. So, open your system with administrative permission and start the Run dialog box.
For this, hit Windows and R buttons at the same time and write ‘devmgmt.msc’. Hit ‘Enter’ and go to the tab of ‘Action’.
Then, choose the option of ‘Scan for hardware changes’ and your Windows will try to detect new devices connecting to your computer. If the error persists and your USB devices are unrecognizable, try other fixes.
Fix 2: Remove External Devices And Modify USB Root Hub Settings
Connecting your PC to multiple external/USB devices can create a conflict. This, in turn, can affect some devices and lead to the USB device not recognized by your computer. Hence, you can resolve this issue by disconnecting additional USB devices and keeping the main one.
Also, you can follow the steps to fix 1 to open ‘devmgmt.msc’ and launch ‘Device Manager’. Then locate the option of ‘USB Root Hub’ option in the list under ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’. So, select ‘Properties’ by right-clicking on USB Root Hub.
On the properties page, click on the tab ‘Power Management’. Then, untick the box for ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ if it is ticked already. Hit the ‘OK’ button to apply these changes. In case the error persists, tick the box again that you have unticked in this method.
Fix 3: Change Power Supply And/Or USB Selective Suspend Settings
There are certain device settings that can resolve this USB issue and make it recognizable. So, open the Control Panel and choose ‘Power Options’ after clicking ‘Hardware and Sound’.
On the left-pane of ‘Power Options’ window, select ‘Choose what the power button does’. Now, click on the hyperlinked option of ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’.
Scroll down to find ‘Shutdown settings’ and untick the box for ‘Turn on fast startup’. Then, hit the tab ‘Save changes’ and reboot your PC. Hopefully, you can now connect your USB devices and your system will detect it.
If the problem is not fixed, go to ‘Power Options’ and select ‘Change plan settings’. Then hit the hyperlink of ‘Change advanced power settings’ and it will open ‘Advanced settings’.
Scroll the list and select ‘USB selective suspend settings’ below ‘USB settings’. Hit the ‘OK’ button and it shows the additional settings options. So, select ‘Disabled’ for the Plugged in as well as ‘On battery’ settings. Click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’ and check if the USB devices are detected.
Fix 4: Apply Recent USB Drivers Update
Apply this fix if USB device not recognized by your computer but appears as ‘Unknown Device’. So, follow the above fixes to open the ‘Device Manager’ and locate ‘Unknown Device’ under the ‘USB Root Hub’ ports.
Right-click on this device and select ‘Properties’. Then, go to the ‘Driver’ tab and click on ‘Update Driver’. You can either choose online sources to search for the appropriate driver. Otherwise, load the installation files on your computer via devices except for USB ones. You can use the installation CD/DVD in such cases. Restart your PC after updating your drivers and hopefully, it can recognize USB devices.
Apart from these above fixes, there are many other advanced solutions to troubleshoot this USB error. You can also apply the latest Windows Update in order to fix this problem. To know about troubleshooting methods to make your USB devices detectable, you can reach us.
