How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized (Windows 11/10/8/7)

These steps are what technicians generally follow to diagnose the "USB Device Not Recognized" error, unfortunately in many cases the device is damaged and repair isn't an economic option.

1. Basic Checks

• Try Different USB Ports: Sometimes the issue could be with the particular USB port. Try plugging your device into a different USB port on your computer.
• Try Different Device: Verify if the problem persists with other USB devices. This helps determine if the issue is with the device itself or your computer.

2. Restart Your Computer

• Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary issues with USB devices.

3. Check USB Device Connections

• Ensure that all cables are securely connected and there are no loose connections.

4. Update USB Drivers

• Windows OS:
  • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Right-click on each USB Root Hub and select Update driver.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to update the drivers.

5. Check Power Management Settings

• Windows OS:
  • In Device Manager, right-click on the USB Root Hub and choose Properties.
  • Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

6. Reset USB Root Hub

• Windows OS:
  • In Device Manager, right-click on USB Root Hub and select Uninstall device.
  • After uninstalling, restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the USB drivers automatically.

7. Check for System Updates

• Ensure your operating system is up to date, as updates can include fixes for USB-related issues.

8. Inspect for Hardware Issues

• USB Device: Check if the USB device itself is damaged or faulty by trying it on another computer.
• USB Cable: Test with a different USB cable to rule out cable issues.

9. Disable USB Selective Suspend (Windows)

• Windows OS:
  • Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
  • Click on Change plan settings next to your selected plan.
  • Click on Change advanced power settings.
  • Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.

10. Use Troubleshooter (Windows)

• Windows OS:
  • Type Troubleshoot settings in the Windows search bar and open it.
  • Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  • Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

11. Check for BIOS/UEFI Updates

• Ensure your motherboard's BIOS or UEFI firmware is up to date, as these updates can sometimes resolve hardware compatibility issues.

12. Reinstall USB Controllers

• Windows OS:
  • In Device Manager, right-click on each USB Root Hub and select Uninstall device.
  • Restart your computer to automatically reinstall the USB controllers.

13. Seek Professional Help

• If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there may be a hardware problem with your computer or USB device. Contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance.

Additional Tips:

• Check for Viruses: Malware can sometimes interfere with USB devices.
• Try USB Troubleshooting Tools: There are various third-party tools available for diagnosing and fixing USB-related issues.