How to Fix "USB Device Not Recognized" on Windows

If you’ve plugged in a USB device and Windows doesn’t recognize it, you’re not alone. This issue can occur due to driver errors, faulty hardware, or power supply problems. Follow this step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix the "USB Device Not Recognized" error.

1. Unplug and Reinsert the USB Device

Remove the USB device from your computer.
Wait a few seconds and plug it back into a different USB port.
If the issue persists, try connecting the device to another computer.

2. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that cause USB recognition issues.

3. Try a Different USB Port

Some USB ports may be damaged or malfunctioning.

Plug the USB device into another port.
Try both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.

4. Update USB Drivers

Steps to Update USB Drivers:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click on the USB Root Hub and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click on the problematic USB device.
3. Select Uninstall device and confirm.
4. Restart your computer to reinstall the driver automatically.

6. Check Power Management Settings

Windows may turn off USB ports to save power.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click on USB Root Hub and select Properties.
4. Under Power Management, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

7. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Hardware and Devices

8. Use Command Prompt to Scan for Issues

Run System File Checker:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.

9. Try a Different USB Cable

If you’re using an external hard drive, camera, or phone, a faulty USB cable could be the issue. Swap it with another cable and check if the device is recognized.

10. Check for Windows Updates

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.

11. Format the USB Drive (Last Resort)

If the USB device is still not recognized, formatting it may restore functionality, but this will erase all data.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
3. Choose FAT32 or NTFS and start the format.

Conclusion

The "USB Device Not Recognized" error on Windows can usually be fixed by updating drivers, checking hardware, and running troubleshooting tools. If none of these solutions work, consider using a different USB device or replacing the cable.

For more troubleshooting guides, visit Microsoft Windows Support.