How to Fix the “USB Device Not Recognized” Error on Windows 10 & 11
The “USB Device Not Recognized” error message is a widely reported issue on the Windows support forums. That error’s full message says, “The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.” Some users see this error message appear around the system tray area after connecting USB devices with their PCs.
Users can’t utilize their USB devices when this error occurs. Is the same error preventing you from using a USB device on your PC? If that’s a yes, this is how you can resolve the “USB device not recognized” error on Windows 10 and 11.
1. Utilize the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is designed to fix issues with utilizing hardware on Windows PCs. So, that could be useful for fixing the “USB Device Not Recognized” error. That troubleshooter isn’t accessible within the Settings or the Control Panel anymore, but you can still open it from the Command Prompt like this:
2. Plug the USB Device Into an Alternative Port
Some users have fixed the “USB Device Not Recognized” error by plugging their devices into alternative USB ports. Your PC will almost certainly have at least one alternative USB port with which you can connect your device. So, try plugging the USB device into one or more of your PC’s different USB slots.
3. Connect the USB Device With a Different Cable
Other users have confirmed that connecting their USB devices with different cables fixed the “USB Device Not Recognized” error on their PCs. So, try doing that if you have an alternative USB cable with which to connect your USB device to your computer. At least check the condition of the USB cable you’re currently utilizing to consider whether you need a new one.
4. Reinstall the Driver for the Connected Device
The “USB Device Not Recognized” error message suggests users reconnect devices. That potential resolution will more likely be effective if you take the additional step of uninstalling the affected device’s driver for the sake of reinstalling it. Follow these steps to reinstall the connected device’s driver:
5. Disable the USB Selective Suspend Setting
USB selective suspend is a feature that can suspend individual USB ports when enabled. So, it’s not surprising disabling that feature is a widely confirmed fix for the “USB Device Not Recognized” error. This is how you can disable USB selective suspend in Windows 11/10:
6. Deselect the Power-Saving Option for the USB Root Hub
This error can also occur because of a USB root hub power management setting that enables your PC to disable a connected USB peripheral when selected. Disable thatAllow the computer to turn off this device to save powersetting as follows:
7. Update Drivers for USB Serial Bus Controllers
The “USB Device Not Recognized” error can arise because of outdated or faulty USB controller drivers on your PC. You might even see an exclamation mark beside a device within theUSB Serial Bus Controllerscategory of Device Manager highlighting as such. If you do, try updating the driver for the malfunctioning USB controller device. You can do that as covered in our guide tofinding and updating outdated Windows drivers.
If you can’t manually find a suitable web source for downloading a new USB controller driver, try utilizing a reputable third-party driver updater tool. We recommend using one of the software packages in ourbest free driver updaters for Windowspost. Those utilities will scan your PC’s current device drivers and enable you to update them.
8. Roll Windows Back to a Previous Restore Point
If your affected USB device used to work okay when connected, some kind of system change must have generated the “USB device not recognized” error on your PC. In this case, rolling Windows back to a previous restore point with System Restore could feasibly resolve the issue. Applying such a potential resolution will undo any recent system changes.
Much depends on whether you’re able to select a restore point that predates the “USB Device Not Recognized” error on your PC. If you can, restoring Windows to an earlier time is worth a shot. However, note that performing a system restoration will also remove software installed after the selected date.
To apply this potential solution, check out ourguide to creating and utilizing restore points on Windows.
Utilize Your USB Device Again on Windows
Many users have confirmed those troubleshooting methods can fix the “USB Device Not Recognized” error. So, applying them will probably resolve the “USB Device Not Recognized” error for most users. With that error fixed, it’s possible to utilize your USB peripheral with Windows PC as required.
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