How to Fix "USB Device Not Recognized" on Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Encountering a "USB Device Not Recognized" error can be frustrating, especially when you need to access important files or use a peripheral device. This guide provides multiple solutions to help you resolve this issue and get your USB devices working correctly.

Common Causes of USB Device Not Recognized Error

• Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent the system from recognizing the device.
• Hardware Problems: Faulty USB ports, cables, or devices can cause recognition issues.
• Power Management Settings: Incorrect power settings may interfere with USB functionality.
• System Conflicts: Other connected devices or system settings can sometimes cause conflicts.

Solution 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.

1. Save your work and close all applications.
2. Click on the Start button and select Restart.

Solution 2: Check the USB Device and Port

1. Try a Different Port: Plug the USB device into a different USB port.
2. Test on Another Computer: Check if the USB device works on another computer to rule out device failure.
3. Inspect the Cable: If using a USB cable, ensure it is not damaged.

Solution 3: Update USB Drivers

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.

Step 2: Update Drivers

1. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
2. Right-click on each USB device listed and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Solution 4: Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Uninstall Drivers

1. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
2. Right-click on each USB device listed and select Uninstall device.
3. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the USB drivers.

Solution 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

Step 1: Open Power Options

1. Press Windows + S and type Power & sleep settings.
2. Select Additional power settings.

Step 2: Change Advanced Power Settings

1. Click on Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.
2. Click on Change advanced power settings.
3. Expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend setting.
4. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Solution 6: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Step 1: Open Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot in the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Run Troubleshooter

1. Scroll down and select Hardware and Devices.
2. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution 7: Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your system up to date can resolve many issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Solution 8: Disable Fast Startup

Step 1: Open Power Options

1. Press Windows + S and type Power & sleep settings.
2. Select Additional power settings.

Step 2: Change What the Power Buttons Do

1. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
2. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
3. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
4. Click Save changes.

Solution 9: Edit the Registry (Advanced Users)

Warning: Editing the registry can cause serious system issues if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Registry Key

1. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USB.

Step 3: Modify Registry Key

1. Look for a key named DisableSelectiveSuspend.
2. If it does not exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it DisableSelectiveSuspend.
3. Set its value to 1.
4. Restart your computer.

Encountering a "USB Device Not Recognized" error on Windows 10/11 can be inconvenient, but following these steps can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue. If none of these solutions work, there may be a more serious hardware problem, and consulting a professional technician might be necessary. For more detailed tutorials and tips on optimizing your Windows settings, visit Tune Windows.