USB Device not Recognized Windows 10 – It is impracticable to search someone who doesn’t use external drives like USB, external hard disks or mouse. Anyone who has ever used an external drive must have come across some error messages like “USB device not recognized”.
The problem persists irrespective of which operating system the user is using. Generally, as the external drive is attached to the computer, a pop-up box comes saying “The last USB device connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”
Seldom it gets annoying when we wanted to do something meaningful with the external drive. There are various troubleshooting options ready to fix the issue.
Why does the “USB not detected” message arises?
The “USB not detected” message arises because of a variety of causes:
The computer stops the discrete port, which might be why the error message after the USB is safely extracted from the dock.
- Outdated drivers.
- Presently loaded device driver is corrupt or unstable.
- The external drive is getting into selective suspend.
- The USB controllers are corrupt or unstable.
- Outdated hardware.
How to Solve a “USB device not recognized” Problem
Method 1 – Reboot your PC
Whatever the problem may be, the first step is to reboot your PC. This is because, in most cases, a simple restart of your PC resolves the issues. Therefore, remove the external drive, which is causing the problem and restart. Reinsert the external drive, and it will be fixed.
Method 2 – Reinstall the external USB driver
If the issue occurs due to the external hard drive’s corrupted or unstable nature, you will be required to reinstall and reconnect again. To do that, follow these steps:
- Unplug USB device from the computer.
- Go to the search box and search device manager in windows 10.
- Tap on Disk Drives—Right-click on the USB driver, which is causing the problem. Tap Uninstall.
- When the driver is uninstalled, Tap on Action and then click on Scan for hardware changes. The driver will get reinstalled.
- Plug the USB again.
Method 3 – Update PC drivers
One of the leading causes why “USB not recognized” trouble occurs is an outdated driver.
Search for device manager of Windows 10 search box.
If you search a driver with an error message like “Unknown Device” or “Unidentified USB device”, then right-click the particular driver and click update.
Method 4 – Disconnect a removable disk to avoid the issue
Using multiple USB connections simultaneously can cause problems. It is safer to remove all other links and use a single USB connection at a time to avoid the issue.
Method 5 – Scan for Hardware changes
Scanning for hardware changes will fix the problem of USB not getting recognized. Follow the steps to scan for hardware changes:
- Go to Control Panel and then locate the Device Manager.
- Select the drive that is causing the issue. Tap on Action menu and tap on Scan for hardware changes if the hardware update appears complete.
Method 6 – Run Hardware and Device troubleshooter
- Go to https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/17614/automatically-diagnose-and-fix-windows-usb-problems
- Tap on Download for WinUSB.DiagCab (Windows USB troubleshooter)
- Run troubleshooter on PC to automatically detect and fix USB problems.
Method 7 – Repair “USB not recognized” problem with Hotfix
Microsoft does have an official repairing program known as Hotfix. A Hotfix is a default troubleshooting tool in Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8/8.1 and Server 2012 R2. The Hotfix will most probably solve the problem. Follow the steps to use Hotfix :
- For Windows 8:
- Visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/2830154 to get Hotfix. Tap on Hotfix Download Available.
- If a user account control permission appears, tap on Continue > click Yes. Accept the license agreement. Check the box beside Windows 8 RTM. Enter an email address, tap on Request Hotfix.
- An email with the download link to the requested Hotfix will be emailed.
- For Windows 7:
- Go to the link https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/974476 and follow the steps similar as above.
Method 8 – Disabling USB Selective Suspend Setting
There is a USB selective suspend setting that might be causing the trouble. Follow the steps to disable the USB Selective Suspend Setting :
- Go to Control Panels and get “Power options”.
- Tap on Change plan settings.
- Press on Change advanced power settings.
- Go to USB settings and tap on [+] expand button. Expand the USB selective suspend setting.
- Tap on Plugged in and get it disabled as the option.
- When you are using a laptop, choose disabled as the option under on Battery too. Tap Apply then on OK.
Method 9 – Install motherboard chipset drivers
The last method to fix “USB not recognized” is to install motherboard chipset drivers. Follow the steps:
Find the name of the motherboard manufacturer.
Go to the computer manufacturer website to search the appropriate drivers.
You can contact the computer manufacturer if it is possible.
Hope the above methods will help solve USB Device not Recognized Windows 10 issue.