How to fix USB device not recognized problem in Windows 10: - It is virtually impossible to find someone who does not use external drives such as USB, external hard drives or mouse. Anyone who has used an external drive must have encountered some error messages such as “USB device not recognized”. This problem persists regardless of the operating system the user is using. Usually as soon as an external drive is connected to the computer, a pop-up window appears that says "The last USB device connected to this computer did not work properly and is not recognized by Windows." Sometimes it is annoying when we want do something really important with the external drive. There are several troubleshooting options available to solve the problem. We are trying to provide you with the most feasible ones.
Read also: - The best free USB data recovery software for Windows
Why am I getting the “USB not detected” message?
The “USB Not Detected” message appears for a variety of reasons. Some of which are:
- Once the USB has been safely removed from the port, the computer disables the specific port, which could be the reason for this error message.
- The currently loaded device driver is corrupt or unstable.
- Outdated drivers.
- The outdoor unit is entering selective sleep mode.
- USB drivers are damaged or unstable.
- Outdated system hardware.
How to solve the “USB device not recognized” problem?
Method 1: restart your PC
Whatever the problem, the first step is to restart your PC. This is because, in most cases, a simple restart of the PC solves most of the problems. Then, remove the external drive that is causing the problem and reboot. Now reinsert the external drive and the problem will probably be solved.
Method 2: Reinstall the external USB driver
If the problem occurs due to the corrupt or unstable nature of the external hard drive, you will need to reinstall and reconnect it. To do this, follow these steps:
First of all, unplug your USB device from your computer.
1 - Now go to: Windows 10 search box and search device administrator.
2 – Click Disk drive. Right-click on USB driver which is causing the problem. Click Uninstall.
3 - Once the driver is uninstalled, click Action and then click look for hardware changes. The driver will be reinstalled.
Now plug in your USB again and see if it works.
Method 3: update your PC's drivers
One of the main reasons why the “USB not recognized” problem occurs is the presence of an outdated driver.
If so, search device administrator in the Windows 10 search box.
If you find a driver with an error message such as "Unknown device" or "Unidentified USB device", right-click the specific driver and click Update.
Method 4: Disconnect any other removable disk to avoid conflicts
Using multiple USB connections simultaneously can cause many problems. It is safer to remove all other connections and only use one USB connection at a time to avoid conflicts.
Method 5: check for hardware changes
Searching for hardware changes will likely fix the problem that USB is not recognized. To check for hardware changes, follow these steps:
1 - Go to Control Panel -> Device Manager.
2 - Now the Device Manager window will appear. Select the drive that is causing the problem. Now click Action menu and then click Check for hardware changes. If any hardware updates appear, do so.
Method 6: Run the Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices Devices
1 – Go to https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/17614/automatically-diagnose-and-fix-windows-usb-problems
2 - Click Download to download WinUSB.DiagCab (Windows USB Troubleshooter)
3 - Now, run the fireman on your PC to automatically detect and fix USB problems on your PC.
Method 7: Fix the “USB not recognized” problem with Hotfix
There is an official Microsoft repair program known as Overhaul. Revision is troubleshooting software that is present by default in Windows 7, Windows 8 / 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. Using Hotfixes will likely solve your problem. To use the hotfix, follow these steps:
Per Windows 8:
- If a User Account Control permission is displayed, click Continue> click Yes. Accept the license agreement. On the next page, check the box next to Windows 8 RTM. Enter your email address and then click Request Review.
- An email will be sent to you with the download link for the requested revision.
Per Windows 7:
Method 8: disable USB selective suspend settings
There is a USB selective suspend setting that may be causing the problem. To disable the USB selective suspend setting, follow these steps:
1 - Go to Dashboard and search for “Power options".
2 – Click Change your plan settings.
3 - Click Change advanced power settings.
4 - Go to USB settings and click [+] expand button. Expand the USB selective suspend settings.
5 - Click Connected and choose Disabled as an option.
If you are using a laptop, choose disabled as an option below into the battery also. Click Request then in all right.
Method 9: install motherboard chipset drivers
The last method to solve the “USB not recognized” problem is to install the motherboard chipset drivers. To do the same, follow these steps:
- Look for the name of the motherboard manufacturer.
- Go to the computer manufacturer's website to find the correct drivers.
- If possible, you can also contact your computer manufacturer.
