How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized on Windows

What Causes This?

The USB Device Not Recognized error usually happens when Windows fails to properly communicate with a connected USB device. Common causes include corrupted USB drivers, power management settings that turn off USB ports, damaged temporary system files, or a faulty USB cable, port, or device. In some cases, a recent Windows update or driver conflict can also stop the device from being detected correctly.

Common Symptoms

• A pop-up says “USB Device Not Recognized”
• Your USB drive, phone, keyboard, or mouse does not appear in File Explorer
• The device connects and disconnects repeatedly
• Device Manager shows an Unknown USB Device
• The USB port seems to have power, but the device still does not work

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC and reconnect the device

   • Unplug the USB device from your computer.
   • Restart Windows normally.
   • After rebooting, plug the device back in.
   • If possible, try a different USB port, especially a port directly on the PC instead of a hub.

2. Test the device and cable

   • Try the same USB device on another computer.
   • If it works there, the issue is likely with Windows or your USB ports.
   • If it does not work, the device or cable may be faulty.
   • If you are using a phone or external drive, try a different USB cable.

3. Remove and reinstall the USB device in Device Manager

   • Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   • Look for entries such as Unknown USB Device, USB Root Hub, or anything with a warning icon.
   • Right-click the problematic device and select Uninstall device.
   • If prompted, confirm the uninstall.
   • Restart your PC. Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.

4. Turn off USB power saving

   • Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   • Right-click each USB Root Hub entry and choose Properties.
   • Open the Power Management tab.
   • Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
   • Click OK and repeat for other USB Root Hub entries.

5. Run the Windows Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

   • Press Windows + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter.
   • Click Next and let Windows scan for hardware problems.
   • Apply any fixes it recommends, then reconnect the USB device.

6. Update USB and chipset drivers

   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
   • Under Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click your USB device or controller and choose Update driver.
   • Select Search automatically for drivers.
   • You should also visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and install the latest chipset and USB drivers for your model.

7. Clean temporary system clutter

   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
   • Delete the files in that folder that Windows allows you to remove.
   • Then open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
   • Select unnecessary temporary files and click Remove files.
   • Leftover system clutter can sometimes interfere with driver installs and device detection.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you do not want to dig through Device Manager, power settings, and temporary files manually, Kudu can help. It scans for common Windows issues, clears system clutter that may interfere with hardware detection, and helps fix problems that can trigger USB recognition errors.

Download Kudu Free →