How to fix USB Device not recognized error on Windows?

If you face issues like the USB driver not working, the USB not responding, failure to detect the pen drive, printer, mouse and keyboard not detecting, delay in responding to the USB port, or the USB port working slowly. Or if you have seen an error message like:

“USB Device not recognized: One of the devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”

Then you are in the right place. Today we will be talking about an easy fix for these issues. You don’t need to worry about Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 or 11.

Common Causes of USB Not Recognized or Not Responding Issues

If you’ve ever experienced the dreaded notification popping up on your screen, indicating that your USB device is not recognized or not responding, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some of the common culprits behind these problems:

Faulty USB Ports or Connectors

One of the simplest explanations could be a faulty USB port or connector. Over time, these components can wear out or become damaged, causing communication errors with your USB device.

Outdated or Incompatible Device Drivers

Operating system updates often arrive with improvements and bug fixes, including updated device drivers. If you’re using outdated or incompatible drivers, your USB device may not be recognized or may fail to respond.

Corrupted or Incorrect USB Controller Driver

The USB controller driver acts as a bridge between your USB devices and the operating system. If this driver becomes corrupted or is incorrect, it can lead to challenges in recognizing or responding to USB devices.

Physical Damage to USB Cable or Device

Physical damage to the USB cable or device itself can hinder proper connection and communication, preventing your USB device from being recognized. This can occur due to accidental yanking, bending, or exposure to excessive wear and tear.

Now we have identified some of the reasons why your USB device may not be recognised by your Windows system, let’s know some solutions to fix the issue. Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s essential to perform some basic troubleshooting steps. Try these simple methods to regain recognition or responsiveness for your USB device:

Method 1: Easy and Basic Procedures

Reconnect the USB Device

One of the first steps to take is to disconnect and reconnect the USB device. A loose connection may be the root cause of the issue, and a simple reconnection can re-establish communication effectively.

Restart the Computer

Sometimes, a temporary glitch in your computer’s system can cause USB connectivity issues. Restarting the computer allows the system to reset and potentially resolve the problem.

Try on Different USB Ports

By testing your USB device on another computer, you can determine if the problem lies with the device itself or the computer you’re currently using. If it works on another computer, you may need to focus on troubleshooting your computer’s settings or drivers.

Try to remove and insert your device again. Make sure to wipe out any dust, as it might block some part of the USB port. Try connecting with other USB ports if you have other free ports.

If this doesn’t work, try to restart your computer. Sometimes, a bug might appear in USB software; hence restarting your computer might fix the issue.

Method 2: Advanced Procedures

The Device Manager in your computer’s operating system allows you to identify drivers that are causing issues. Locate your USB device in the Device Manager to proceed with the driver update.

Open This PC or My Computer. You can also do a quick search by pressing the windows key.

On the left side of the screen, right-click on This PC –> click on properties –> and then select Device Manager.

You can directly search the USB Menu option, click on start and search devmgmt.msc

You can also directly search the device manager on the start menu. Double-Click on the USB option and manually right-click and select Update Driver. Do this process for every USB port.

Wait for a few minutes during the updation process. After this, remove every device from the USB port and restart your system. By now, your USB port will be working.

Update the Drivers Manually

To manually update a driver, first, visit the manufacturer’s website and locate the most recent driver for your USB device. Download and install the driver by following the provided instructions. This can help ensure compatibility and resolve any bugs or issues present in previously used drivers.

Use Third-Party Driver Updating Software

If manually updating drivers seems daunting, you can consider using third-party driver updating software. These applications scan your system, identify outdated or incompatible drivers, and automatically update them to their latest versions. Be sure to choose a reputable software program to avoid any potential negative impact on your system.