How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized Error on Windows?

Are you getting the USB device not recognized error on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC? It usually means your computer could not connect properly to a USB device like a flash drive or an external hard drive.

So, how do I fix an undetected USB? Many people have asked me this question, and the good news for them is that in most cases, it is easy to fix with a few quick steps.

In this comprehensive guide, I will cover various proven solutions (tested by me) to fix the “USB drive no longer recognized” error and get your device working again.

Quick Glance: How to Fix the USB Not Recognized Issue?

Here’s a quick breakdown of simple steps you can follow to get your USB device working again on a PC:

• Try a Different USB Port or Cable
• Check for Malware
• Run the Built-in USB Troubleshooter
• Update or Reinstall USB Drivers
• Check for Windows Updates
• Turn Off USB Root Hub Power Management
• Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows
• Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
• Run SFC and DISM to Repair Your System
• Remove Hidden USB Drivers from Device Manager
• Update Your Motherboard’s Chipset Drivers

What Does USB Device Not Recognized Mean?

When you plug in a USB device and see the error “USB Device Not Recognized”, it means your computer tried to connect to the device but couldn’t. You may see the following pop up on your screen:

“USB device not recognized. The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”

So, why is your computer not able to recognize the USB device? This usually happens when something goes wrong with the connection, the drivers, or the device itself. Here are some possible causes of the issue:

• Faulty or loose USB connection
• Corrupt or outdated USB drivers
• Incompatible or outdated Windows updates
• Power management settings, turning off USB ports
• Motherboard or chipset driver issues
• The USB device is damaged or not supported
• File system errors on the USB device
• Malware or system corruption
• Power surges affecting USB ports

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a bad port or cable. Other times, you may need to update your system or reinstall drivers. In rare cases, the “USB storage not recognized” issue could be due to physical damage.

Quick Fixes to Try for the USB Device Not Recognized Error

Before diving into complex solutions to fix the USB Windows not recognized, try these basic steps. Let’s see how to fix the USB drive not showing up with some quick solutions:

1. Restart Your Computer

   A simple restart can clear minor system glitches that might be blocking USB recognition. Always use the proper restart option from the start menu.

2. Try a Different USB Port or Cable

   Test your USB device on another port. If that does not work, switch the USB cable. Damaged cables or ports are some of the major culprits of USB malfunction code 43.

3. Test on Another Computer

   Plug your USB device into a different computer. If it works there, the issue is with your system. If not, the device itself might be faulty.

4. Remove Other USB Devices

   Too many connected devices can cause conflicts in your system. Unplug other devices and check if your USB gets recognized.

5. Check for Malware

   Viruses or malware can interfere with how your devices are detected. Run a scan using your antivirus software to identify any issues.

Furthermore, you should also try a different operating system. If you are on Windows, try the USB on a macOS device. It can help you identify if the issue is OS-specific.

How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized on Windows? (9 Advanced Fixes)

How can I fix the USB device not recognized error, even after trying out the quick fixes? Don’t worry, just try these 9 advanced solutions to get your device working again:

Windows comes with a tool that can check and repair USB errors automatically. Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:

• Plug your USB device into your PC.
• Open File Explorer, right-click on the USB driver, and select Properties.
• Go to the Tools tab and click on Check.

  

• Select the Scan drive, and wait for the process to finish.

  

As mentioned earlier, outdated or faulty drivers often cause USB not recognized issues on Windows. Here’s how to update them:

• Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
• Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.

  

• Right-click on your USB device and choose Update Driver.

  

• Next, click on Search automatically for drivers.

  

If that does not work for you, right-click again and select Uninstall device, then restart your computer to reinstall the driver automatically.

We have already talked so much about the importance of Windows updates in issues like error 0xc0000005 and error 0x80070643. Sometimes, a simple update can fix USB issues as well:

• Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
• Next, click on Check for Updates.

  

• If available, review and install both required and optional updates for your Windows.

After the update is complete, just restart your computer and check if the issue exists.

Sometimes Windows turns off USB ports to save power, which can cause your USB device to stop working. Here’s how to stop that from happening:

• Open Device Manager on your computer.
• Scroll down and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Now, right-click on USB Root Hub and choose Properties.

  

• Next, go to the Power Management tab.
• Here, uncheck the box that says, “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.

  

Finally, just click on OK and repeat this process for other USB Root Hubs (if you see more listed).

Fast Startup can sometimes prevent USB devices from loading properly. This triggers the USB drive no longer recognized message on your PC screen. Here’s how to disable Fast Startup to fix the issue:

• Type Control Panel in the search bar and open it.
• Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

  

• Next, click on “Choose what the power buttons do” from the left menu.

  

• Then click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.

  

• Here, uncheck the Turn on fast startup option.

  

Now, just click on Save changes and restart your PC to check the results.

This feature puts USB ports to sleep when not in use. Turning it off might help your device stay connected:

• Open Control Panel > Power Options.
• Click on Change plan settings (next to your selected plan).

  

• Then choose Change advanced power settings.

  

• Find USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.

  

• Now, set it to Disabled, then click on Apply and OK.

  

This should fix your USB storage not recognized error. If not, please consider other options mentioned in this article.

If the “USB could not be recognized” error occurs only on one computer with the same USB device, the issue might be with Windows itself. You can try fixing it using the built-in tools:

Here’s how to run System File Checker:

• Right-click the Start button and run Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type the “sfc /scannow” command and hit Enter.

  

• Now, just wait for the scan to finish, and then restart your PC.

If the issue is not fixed, here’s how to repair system health using DISM:

• Open Command Prompt again.
• Run these commands one at a time and press Enter: 
  • dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  • dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

    

Now, just restart your Windows computer and plug in your USB to test again.

Old or hidden USB drivers can sometimes conflict with new devices. Here’s how to clean them up:

• Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and click on OK.

  

• In the Command Prompt, type these commands one by one and hit Enter after each:
  • set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
  • cd
  • cd windows\system32
  • Start devmgmt.msc

    

• This will open Device Manager, showing hidden devices.
• Expand all categories and delete any faded or greyed-out entries (these are your unused drivers).
• Restart your PC and reconnect your USB.

Outdated chipset drivers can prevent Windows from recognizing your USB driver. Here’s what you can do:

• Check your PC or motherboard brand and model number (you will find it in your device’s manual or on the system info page).

  

• Visit the official support website of the manufacturer (like Dell, HP, Asus, etc)
• Now, download and install the latest chipset drivers for your system.

  

• After installing, restart your PC and plug in your USB device.

These 9 simple and effective fixes are enough to resolve the USB not recognized issue. However, in some rare cases, you might have to take additional help.

What to Do If Nothing Fixes the USB Not Recognized Error?

If none of the usual fixes (like changing ports, updating drivers, or resetting settings) work, the issue might be with the hardware. This could mean the USB port controller or the device itself is damaged.

You should start by looking out for signs like:

• No USB ports are working across different devices
• Physical damage (like bent pins or burn marks)
• No response even after trying advanced steps

At this point, it is best to get help from a professional technician. If the USB drive has important files, it might also help you recover your data. You should also try to contact Microsoft or your device manufacturer for further support.

Tips to Avoid USB Storage Not Recognized Issues in the Future

While all USB drives and external hard drives have a limited lifespan, you can extend their life and also avoid common errors like USB malfunction code 43 by taking a few simple precautions:

• Before unplugging the device, use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option to prevent data corruption.

• Keep your device on a stable surface, away from pets or places where it can be bumped. Also, avoid bending the USB plug or damaging the cable.

• Use a surge protector to keep your PC and USB devices safe during sudden power spikes.

• Dust and dirt can cause poor connections or short circuits, so clean the ports gently if needed.

• Keep your Windows OS and drivers up to date to ensure compatibility and avoid glitches.

• Use multiple storage options like external drives and cloud services to protect and back up your files.

These simple habits reduce the chances of your device not being recognized and help keep your data safe in the long run.

Final Takeaway

Now, you are informed enough to take the required measures against the “USB Device Not Detected” error. A quick fix is to update your USB port and BUS controller drivers; this usually gets things working again.

While troubleshooting can take a few minutes, the effort is worth trying to get everything back to normal. If you like the solutions provided, please share this article with those who may need to know this.