How to Resolve the USB Device Not Recognized Issue?

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Nothing is more frustrating than plugging in a USB device only to see the dreaded “USB device not recognized” error. Whether it’s a flash drive, external hard drive, or any other USB device, this issue can disrupt your workflow and leave you searching for a solution. Fortunately, there are several quick fixes to troubleshoot and resolve this problem. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of USB recognition failures and provide step-by-step solutions to get your device working again. Keep reading to restore your USB connection in no time!

Reasons Why the Flash Drive is not Recognized on the Computer:

There are various reasons a flash drive may not be recognized on your computer. These issues must be resolved swiftly to maintain operation and prevent data loss. Some important explanations are:

1. Faulty USB Port

The port may be damaged or have dust/debris blocking the connection.

2. Corrupt or Outdated Drivers

Missing or outdated USB drivers can prevent recognition.

3. Flash Drive Corruption

A corrupted or improperly formatted flash drive may not be detected.

4. Power Supply Issues

Insufficient power from the USB port can cause recognition failures.

5. Incorrect File System Format

If the drive is formatted in an incompatible file system (e.g., exFAT on an older OS), it may not be recognized.

6. USB Connection Issues

A loose or damaged USB connector can disrupt communication.

7. Conflict with Other USB Devices

Other connected devices may cause interference.

8. Virus or Malware Infection

Some malware can corrupt USB drive files, making them unreadable.

9. Operating System Errors

Software glitches or outdated OS versions can cause detection issues.

10. Physical Damage

A physically damaged flash drive may fail to function properly.

11 Ways to Fix USB Device Not Recognized Issue in Windows

One or more of the following solutions may be needed, depending on the cause. Follow these procedures carefully to fix usb device not recognized issue.

Fix 1. Restart your computer: 

Sometimes a restart fixes performance bugs.

Fix 2. Try another USB port or device: 

Try connecting the flash drive to another computer or USB port to check the driver or port. 

Fix 3. Scan flash drive for problem:

  • Enter the flash drive into the USB port
  • Right-click on the flash drive in “My Computer” and select “Properties”.
properties
  • Go to the “Tools” tab and click “Check Now”.
  • Complete the scan and save the specified problem.

Fix 4. Uninstall Drive Device: 

If the driver flash is corrupt, uninstalling the USB device may solve the detection problem. Follow these steps carefully.

  • Type “Device Manager” in the search box and open it.
  • Search and click on the “Disk Drivers” section.
  • Right-click on the USB device and select “Uninstall device”.
  • Restart your computer and re-connect the USB device to check if the problem has been fixed.

Fix 5. Disable USB hold option settings:

Disabling this feature can help solve problems with usb device not recognized.

  • Go to “Settings” on your computer, then go to “system” > “power and sleep” > “additional power settings”.
  • Click “Change Plan Settings” > “Changes Advanced Power Configuration”
  • Extend the “USB Settings” menu
  • Disable “USB Uncheck Settings”
  • Apply Change

Fix 6. Update drivers. 

Updating the USB controller can fix unknown USB device issueusb device not recognized.

  • Press “OK” after typing “msc” in “Run.”
  • Device Manager shows “Controlers Universal Serial Bus”.
  • Select “Generic USB Hub” and “Right-Click.”
  • Click “Update driver software” and follow instructions.

Fix 7. Reinstall the USB controller if updating doesn’t work.

  • Find “Device Manager” and launch.
  • Select your drive’s USB controller on the “Controlers Universal Serial Bus” tab.
  • After clicking “Uninstall Device,” restart your computer and attach a USB device.

Fix 8. Operating System Update: 

Upgrading your Windows system is critical for solving the problem of unknown USB drivers.

  • Type “Windows Update” in the front search box of the Start menu
  • Select “Windows Update” and click “Check for Updates” to view existing updates.
  • Install the desired update and restart your computer.
windows-update

Fix 9. Repair Windows System:

 If USB device repair fails, a corrupted Windows OS may be to blame. Follow these procedures to uncover viable solutions.

  • To access “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admine)” right-click the startup icon.
  • To scan the OS file, type “sfc /scannow”.
  • Restart your computer to resolve the unrecognised USB device.
  • Fix Windows Component Store if the issue persists: 

Fix 10. Run “Windows Terminal (Admin)” / “Windows PowerShell (admin)”

  • Scan the component store with “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth”.
  • Print and type “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and “DISM /Online”.
  • Check the PC after restarting.

If everything else fails, replace the flash drive.

  • Just right-click the flash drive and choose “Style”
  • Convert NTFS to FAT32 in format.
  • Click “Start” to restart creation. 

Fix 11. Update Chipset drivers for your motherboard: 

Regularly updating the chip set drivers is crucial in keeping the motherboard working properly. Go to the official website to check existing updates and install them in order.

Conclusion

Dealing with a USB device not recognized error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue quickly. Whether it’s updating drivers, checking hardware connections, or adjusting system settings, these solutions can help restore your USB functionality. If none of the fixes work, your USB device may be faulty and require replacement. Keeping your system updated and using high-quality USB cables can prevent future issues. Hopefully, this guide has helped you get your USB device working again!

[Bonus] Recover data from unknown flash drive

To fix usb device not recognized, formatting the disc will erase all data. WinfrGUI, a free flash drive data recovery software, can help avoid this perilous circumstance. It restores data from corrupted, virus-infected, and failing file systems.

Use WinfrGUI to recover data from an unknown USB device in these simple steps:

  • Install WinfrGUI on your computer.
Download WinfrGUI Free
  • Open WinfrGUI and select the scan mode.
  • Ensure the computer detects the USB device, then click “Start” to begin scanning.
  • Data will be scanned and refreshed by the software.
  • Checks recovered files and picks needed data.
  • Click “Recover” to retrieve lost files.

By following these steps, you can recover critical data from unrecognized USB devices easily to ensure the storage of critical files.

USB Device Not Recognized: FAQs

1. Why isn’t my flash drive recognized on my computer?

  • The flash drive may not be recognizable due to port-related problems, USB formatting problems, drivers problems, hard drive complications, or operating system conflicts.

2. How do I fix an unknown USB device error in Windows 10/11?

  • To fix an error of an unknown USB device in Windows 10/11, you can open the file scanner. Go to “This PC”. Right-click on the USB device. Select “Properties”. Go to the “Tools” tab and click “Scanning and scanning drives”.

3. How do I fix a USB device that works on one computer but not another?

  • Check if the USB device requires special drivers for the second computer.
  • Try different USB ports.
  • Disable USB power saving in Device Manager (Windows).
  • Test the device on another computer to confirm if it’s working.

4. Can a faulty USB cable cause recognition issues?

  • Yes, a damaged or low-quality USB cable may prevent proper connection. Try using a different cable.

Note: It is important to follow the recommended solution and decide the appropriate approach depending on the underlying cause of the problem.