Solving Windows USB Not Recognized Issues

Are you facing issues with your Windows computer not recognizing your USB device? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. This is a common problem faced by many Windows users. In this article, we will discuss various solutions that can help you fix the USB not recognized issue on your Windows computer.

Common Causes of USB Not Recognized Issue

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand the common causes of the USB not recognized issue on Windows computers. Some of the most common reasons for this issue are:

1. Outdated or missing USB drivers
2. Faulty USB cable or port
3. Incorrect USB settings
4. Corrupt USB controllers or devices
5. Malfunctioning USB ports on the computer

Solutions for USB Not Recognized Issue

Now that we know the common causes, let’s discuss various solutions that can help you fix the USB not recognized issue on your Windows computer.

Solution #1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue. Therefore, try restarting your computer and reconnecting the USB device to check if it’s recognized.

Solution #2: Check USB Connections

Before trying any other solution, ensure that the USB cable is correctly connected to both the device and the computer. Also, try connecting the USB device to another computer to check if it’s working correctly.

Solution #3: Reinstall USB Drivers

Outdated or missing USB drivers can cause the USB not recognized issue. Therefore, try reinstalling the USB drivers by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
3. Expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option.
4. Right-click on the USB device that’s not recognized and select “Uninstall device.”
5. Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the USB drivers.

Solution #4: Change USB Settings

Sometimes, incorrect USB settings can cause the USB not recognized issue. Therefore, try changing the USB settings by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Click on “Hardware and Sound” and select “Device Manager.”
4. Expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option.
5. Right-click on the USB device that’s not recognized and select “Properties.”
6. Click on the “Power Management” tab and uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
7. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

Solution #5: Update Windows

Sometimes, the USB not recognized issue can be fixed by updating Windows to the latest version. Therefore, try updating your Windows computer by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” and wait for Windows to download and install the updates.

Solution #6: Use Device Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can help you fix various device-related issues, including the USB not recognized issue. Therefore, try using the Device Troubleshooter by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Troubleshoot” and select “Hardware and Devices.”
4. Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution #7: Disable USB Selective Suspend

USB Selective Suspend is a power-saving feature that can cause the USB not recognized issue. Therefore, try disabling USB Selective Suspend by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Click on “Hardware and Sound” and select “Power Options.”
4. Click on “Change plan settings” next to the selected power plan.
5. Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
6. Expand the “USB settings” option and select “USB selective suspend setting.”
7. Change the setting to “Disabled” and click on “OK” to save the changes.

Conclusion

USB not recognized issue can be frustrating, but it’s not something that cannot be fixed. In this article, we discussed various solutions that can help you fix the USB not recognized issue on your Windows computer. By following these solutions, you can troubleshoot the issue and get your USB device recognized by Windows.