USB Device Not Recognized in Windows: How to Fix It

If you're seeing the "USB device not recognized" error in Windows, it can be quite frustrating, especially when you need to transfer data or connect an essential device. In this article, we’ll look at why this error occurs and how you can resolve it.

Why is Windows Not Recognizing Your USB Device?

There are several possible reasons why Windows might not recognize a USB device. Here are the most common ones:

  • Faulty USB Port. The port may be damaged or contain dust, preventing a proper connection.
  • Incorrect Drivers. The drivers may be outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your device.
  • Power Issues. Insufficient power on the USB port could be causing the error, especially if the device requires significant power.
  • USB Controller Error. A malfunction in the USB controller on the motherboard can also lead to this issue.

How to Fix "USB Device Not Recognized" Error

Here are some tried-and-true solutions to resolve this problem. Follow these steps in order, starting with the simplest ones.

1. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve the problem. This action refreshes all connections and resets the USB controllers. If the issue is temporary, this may resolve it.

2. Try a Different USB Port

Connect the device to another USB port. The current port might be faulty or have a poor connection. It’s also a good idea to try the ports on the back of the computer, as they tend to be more reliable.

3. Test the Device on Another Computer

To rule out a problem with the USB device itself, connect it to a different computer. If it’s not recognized there either, the issue is likely with the device, not your computer.

4. Update USB Drivers

Outdated or incorrect drivers can often cause this error. Here’s how to update them:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Find your device in the list (it may appear as "Unknown Device").
  3. Right-click on the device and choose Update Driver.
  4. Select "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for USB devices:

  1. Go to Settings and open Update & Security.
  2. Select Troubleshoot, then click on Hardware and Devices.
  3. Follow the prompts to resolve any detected issues.

6. Reset USB Controllers

A malfunction in the USB controller could be the source of the issue. Here’s how to reset it:

  1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Right-click each item and select Uninstall Device.
  4. Restart your computer. The drivers will be reinstalled automatically.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, the error is due to a bug that has been fixed in a recent update. To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings and open Update & Security.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

8. Disable USB Power Saving

Windows may turn off USB ports to save power, which can cause the error. To disable this feature:

  1. Open Device Manager and find the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  2. Right-click on the USB Root Hub and choose Properties.
  3. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
  4. Click OK and restart your computer.