How to fix “USB Device Not Recognized”. Free immediate support




How to fix “USB Device Not Recognized”. Free immediate support






How to Fix "USB Device Not Recognized" Error

If your PC displays the "USB Device Not Recognized" error, it may be caused by driver issues, hardware failure, or software conflicts. Simple solutions include unplugging power, switching USB ports, or updating drivers. Advanced troubleshooting involves formatting the USB device, recreating partitions, or using built-in diagnostic tools. This guide explains all steps in detail.

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Key Takeaways

  • Common Issue: “USB Device Not Recognized” error occurs due to software conflicts, hardware failures, driver issues, or improper system settings.
  • Quick Fixes: Unplugging the power source or switching USB ports often resolves the issue.
  • Advanced Fixes: Reinstalling or updating drivers, formatting USB drives, and running diagnostic tools like SFC or troubleshooting utilities.
  • Tools You Can Use:

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix “USB Device Not Recognized”

This step-by-step guide explains the most effective fixes for the “USB Device Not Recognized” error. Follow each fix carefully and gradually move to advanced troubleshooting if simpler steps do not work.


Basic Fixes to Try First

1. Unplug Computer from Power Source

  1. Turn Off Your Computer:

    • Shut down your PC completely.
    • Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
  2. Wait for 10 Minutes:

    • This allows residual electricity to dissipate.
  3. Replug and Restart:

  • Plug the power cord back into the outlet and restart your computer.
  • Check if the USB device is now recognized.

2. Try a Different USB Port

  • Connect the USB device to another port on your computer.
  • If your device works in a different port, the original port might have hardware issues. Keep using a healthy USB port for further operations.

3. Reinstall USB Device Drivers

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows Key + X → Choose “Device Manager.”
  2. Uninstall Corrupt Drivers:

    • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
    • Right-click on each USB driver and select “Uninstall Device.”
    • Restart your computer to let Windows reinstall drivers automatically.

💡 Expert Tip: For an efficient way to monitor and update all drivers automatically, consider using EaseUS DriverHandy.

4. Update USB Device Drivers

  1. Navigate to “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
  3. Right-click on the USB Hub → Select “Update Driver.”
  4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
    • If there’s no new update detected, visit the USB manufacturer’s support page to manually download the latest drivers.

USB Device Formatting and Partition Fixes

If the USB drive itself has issues, formatting it or creating a new partition might resolve the problem. Be sure to back up data first, as formatting will erase all files.

5. Format the Malfunctioning USB Drive

  1. Open Disk Management:
    • Press Windows Key + X → Select “Disk Management.”
  2. Right-click the USB device → Choose “Format.”
  3. Set file system to NTFS or FAT32.

6. Recreate the Partition

  1. Delete the existing partition:
    • In Disk Management, right-click the USB drive → “Delete Volume.”
  2. Create a new partition:
    • Right-click the unallocated space → “New Simple Volume.”
    • Assign a drive letter and file system.

💡 Recommended Tool: For advanced partition fixes or to recover data after formatting, try MiniTool Partition Wizard.


Additional Troubleshooting Options

7. Use Built-In USB Troubleshooter

  1. Go to Control Panel → Search “Troubleshoot.”
  2. Select “Hardware and Devices” and follow the prompts.

8. Install Latest Motherboard Chipset Drivers

Motherboard chipset drivers can impact USB functionality. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download the latest compatible drivers.

9. Disable Fast Startup

  1. Open Control Panel → Navigate to Power Options.
  2. Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
  3. Disable “Turn on fast startup.”

10. Run System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type: sfc /scannow → Hit Enter.
  3. After completion, restart your PC to verify if the fix worked.

💡 Affiliate Suggestion: If repair attempts lead to lost data, tools like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can help you recover files.


Pro Tips from Experts

  1. Avoid Overloading USB Controllers:

    • Connecting too many devices can drain power from USB ports. Use a powered USB hub to ensure adequate power supply.
  2. Scan for Malware:

  3. Backup Regularly:

  • USB failures can lead to data loss. Tools like EaseUS Todo Backup make it easy to backup your drives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my PC show “USB Device Not Recognized”?

  • Common reasons include corrupted drivers, USB port issues, or device malfunctions.

Can faulty hardware cause this issue?

  • Yes, worn-out USB cables, damaged ports, or failing USB sticks can trigger unrecognized device errors.

Will formatting a USB delete my data?

  • Yes, formatting erases all data. Always back up your files before proceeding.
  • Use reliable USB devices, avoid unplugging them while in use, and perform regular system updates.

What’s the best tool for recovering USB data?

By following these actionable steps, you’ll have your USB device recognized and working in no time. If the problem persists, it may require a technician’s intervention or replacing the problematic hardware.