How to Fix "USB Device not recognized" Error

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Apr 10, 2023 • Filed to: USB Recovery • Proven solutions

Had you ever come across USB device not recognized Windows 10? You must be busy searching for effective strategies to fix the problem. Now you had landed on the right platform to know more about the solutions to overcome the annoying experience with unrecognized USB devices. Get ready to explore the related methodologies.


Part 1:  Why Is Your USB Device Not Recognized on Windows?

In order to solve computer not recognizing any usb devices problem, first you need to learn the most common reasons that lead to it. Take a quick look at the hidden causes for theusb not showing up on the Windows platform below.

1. Corrupted USB drive

The virus or any malware infect the USB drive causing the unrecognizing problems on Windows 10. This situation happens when you download any software with virus unknowingly from the internet platform or the virus attack may be due to the infected USB connected in the USB drive unit.

2. Outdated USB driver software

Due to outdated driver software, you may encounter the Win 10 USB flash drive not recognized problem frequently.

3. Missing files

Any supporting hardware and software files related to USB driver disappears due to unknown reasons. That missing information becomes one of the causes of the USB stick unrecognized issue. 

4. Selective suspension

Sometimes even without your knowledge, the USB could have entered into the ‘Selective Suspension’ option. This feature suspends the activity of a particular USB port leaving behind the other ports with proper functioning.


Part 2:  How to Fix "USB Drive not recognized"

You must be annoyed when you realize your USB devices become inaccessible at the time of emergencies. Immediately you have to Google it to figure out the right solutions to overcome this problem. It is enough if you follow the steps to handle this issue and you do not require any technical skills to resolve it. Basic knowledge in handling your PC is sufficient to tackle this type of flaws in your system effortlessly. This section addresses the various strategies to solve flash drive not recognize usb device Win 10 problem in a precise manner.

There are ample ways to solve USB devices not recognized issues. You have to carefully follow the below guidelines for quick access of the USB drive flawlessly.

Method 1 - Uninstall and Then Reconnect the External Hard Drive

You can try out to uninstall the hard drive and later on load the driver by reconnecting the USB device back at its respective ports. This solution rectifies any issues related to the USB driver software, and surely helps to solve flash drive not recognized issue.

Step 1: In the 'Device Manager' window, choose the drives listed as hardware.

toshiba usb

Step 2: Tap and hold the USB external hard drive from the list and hit the ‘Uninstall’ option. Remove the USB drive from your PC after a successful uninstalls process.

usb device uninstall

Step 3: After sometime plug-in the USB cable, and check for its presence at the Explorer window.

 connect usb device

You can go to the next solution if the same problem prevails again. In some scenarios, you should also consider if your USB drive is suffering from not showing up issue.

Method 2 - Install Hotfixes that Resolve Issues That May Exist on Windows 7

The term ‘Hotfix’ refers to a quick fix of the bug on the software. It is a cumulative package of codes to fix issues on specific problems. Few programs on your PC requires update process for proper functioning whereas some of the tools require ‘Hotfixes’ to resolve unexpected conflicts for optimal working in the long run.

How to use Hotfixes to computer not recognizing any usb devices problems?

Step 1: Look for the perfect package from the Microsoft website documentation page and choose the Hotfixes by tapping the listed links. Before downloading the package, you have to verify the system requirements to avoid future issues.

 hotfix install

Step 2: Grant permission to download and follow the instruction wizard to complete the procedure successfully. View the Hotfix and select the Hotfix by accepting its terms and agreements then precede the installation by entering your valid Email Address. Next, hit the Hotfix link in your Email to complete the installation process.

hotfix install wizard

Step 3: Finally, restart your system to save the changes in your PC.

restart system

Even after going through the above steps if you still cannot access the USB drive in your computer then go ahead with the next method.

Method 3 - Install the latest Windows Updates

You can look for Windows updates to resolve unrecognized USB drive issue. It is highly advisable to look for the Windows Updates now and then to get rid of unnecessary working issues. You can modify the settings in your PC to notify the latest Windows Updates when it is available for a download. It is a usual method and it is a well-known strategy for a common man.

Step 1: Reach out for the Windows Update screen by entering ‘Windows Update’ in the ‘Search Box’ from the ‘Start’ button

windows update

Step 2: You have to check for the updates and select ‘Review Optional Updates’ after successful completion of the scanning processes

scan updates

Step 3: Hit the checkbox and press the ‘Install Updates’ option. During the installation processes, you must accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’ of the updated software.

install update

Step 4: Travel through the installation wizard according to the displayed instructions and complete the process successfully. You can reboot the system if necessary.

reboot system

If you happen to meet any problems when updatng system, here is an article to help you fix windows 10 freezes or crashes when update.

You can proceed with the next solution when you find the same issue in your PC

Method 4 - Reinstall USB Controllers

A USB controller is a device that permits your PC to connect with the USB devices effectively. The generic term if HCL (Host Controller Interface). In the illustration, the host is your PC. You have to work on the USB controllers to handle the flash driver not recognized problem in your computer

Step 1: Go to the ‘Device Manager’ window by searching ‘Device Manager’ on the ‘Search Box’ in the ‘Start’ button. Alternatively, you can tap ‘Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sounds -> Device manager’.

device manager

Step 2: Click the 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers' option in the list and from the displayed items you have to tap and hold one by one to uninstall the controllers.

 uninstall usb controller

Step 3: After a successful uninstall process, you must reboot the system for the automatic loading of those controllers. 

restart system 13

Next, surf through the below method if the USB device not recognized Win 10 still prevails.

Method 5 - Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

This type of selective suspension may occur automatically even without your knowledge, which leads to windows does not recognize memory stick problem. You can check out this setting to ensure the USB drivers do not power down for unknown reasons. You can accomplish it by working on the ‘Power Plan’ settings on your PC:

Step 1: Hit the ‘Start’ button and enter ‘Power Plan’ in the ‘Search Box’

power plan 14

Step 2: Now, near the currently selected power plan click ‘Change Plan Settings -> Change Advanced Power Settings’

Step 3: A new window pop-up with ‘Power Options’ as a title and on this screen you have to hit the ‘USB Settings’. From the expanded list, choose ‘USB selective Suspend Settings’.

Step 4: If you are using a laptop, then choose ‘On Battery’ option and select ‘Disable’ from the drop-down menu. Similarly, you can repeat this action for the ‘Plugged in’ menu. Finally, press the ‘Apply’ button to save the changes.

usb selective suspend

Method 6 - Install Your Motherboard's Latest Chipset Drivers

In this method, you have to update the Motherboard’s latest chipset Drivers using the below guidelines

Step 1: Read through your computer documentation and find out the Motherboard manufacturer name. You can also use Command Prompt to identify the Motherboard serial number and its related manufacturer details of your system.

motherboard details

Step 2: Visit the manufacturer’s website and look for the perfect drivers for your Motherboard. Download and update it to overcome the USB unrecognizing problems.

driver download 

Method 7 - Update Generic USB Hub

The Generic USB hub is a tool, which divides a single USB port into multiple ports. You must be aware of four USB ports in your systems and the count extends up to nine.

Now, you have to update this device to get rid of inaccessible issues with the USB devices

Step 1: Go to the ‘Device Manager’ window by tapping ‘Start -> enter ‘Device Manager’ in the Search box’.

Device Manager

Step 2: Click ‘Universal Serial Bus Controller’ and from the expanded lists you have to select ‘Generic USB Hub’. Then right-click and choose ‘Update Driver’ from the pop-up list.

Update Genetic Hub

Step 3: In the next screen select ‘Search automatically for updated Driver Software’. After this step, you must follow the instructions to complete the driver updating procedure.

Search Drivers Automatically

Method 8 - Uninstall Hidden Devices

Finally, you can try out this solution if the thumb drive not recognized by Win 10. The procedure is simple and you can complete it merely following the below instructions.

Step 1: Reach out for the ‘Device Manager’ in your PC. You have to type ‘Device Manager’ on the ‘Search Box’ from the ‘Start’ menu.

Device Manager

Step 2: Now, press the ‘View’ menu on the Device Manager screen and select ‘Show Hidden Devices’ from the displayed list.

Hidden Devices

Step 3: The unavailable devices appears as a grey in the list. You have to right-click those devices and choose the ‘Uninstall’ option. This action will remove the drivers of the unnecessary devices in your PC.

Hidden Devices List

Every solution discussed above is unique and tackles the windows usb device not recognized issue optimally. You can try out the methods one by one if you encounter a similar issue related to USB devices. The steps are very clear and guide you towards successful outcomes.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Read this article to learn more solutions to why flash drive not recognized.

Part 3: Further Troubleshooting - Recover Lost Data

It is the perfect time to learn about rescue platforms to recover the lost data to enhance your troubleshooting scenario. When you make changes in your system, there are chances to lose files and data without your knowledge. How do you recover the lost data quickly and effortlessly? This question strikes your mind immediately after surfing through the above content. There are possibilities to lose your data when you work with drivers, software, and hardware in your PC, etc. Here, comes the Recoverit Tool from Wondershare to catalyst your data recovery process precisely in an effective manner.

The Recoverit software is a prestigious product of Wondershare, which plays a vital role in restoring the lost data. The remarkable features of Recoverit tool are

Quick Synopsis on Recoverit procedure

Step 1: Launch the tool

You have to step into the official website of Wondershare Recoverit and download the appropriate product based on the OS version of your system. You can go for either Windows version or Mac version according to your needs. Install the tool by following the instruction wizard and after successful installation launch the software immediately. Tap the tool icon to view the home screen of Recoverit.

Step 2: Choose the location

In this platform, you have to select the location where you want to perform the data recovery process. It can be on Hard drives, external devices etc. It depends on your needs and then hit the ‘Start’ button.

 Select Location

Step 3: Trigger scanning process

Soon after the location selection process, the app simulates a scan and it takes few minutes to complete. If you want to go for deep scanning, then hit ‘Enhanced Recovery’ option at the left bottom of the screen.

Scan Process

You can wait for the entire scan to complete or stop the scanning process once you find the lost data on the screen. Then, hit the ‘Recover’ button to ignite the data restore process.

Step 3: Preview and Recover the desired file 

You can have a preview of the file before initiating the recovery process. View the file and tap the ‘Recover’ button. Store the recovered file at your desired storage location in your computer.

 Computer Data Recovery Preview

 

Using Recoverit software from Wondershare, you can recover the lost data flawlessly. It is a three-step process and you can complete the procedure without any difficulties.


Conclusion

Now you are in the last lines to conclude the discussion. In this article, you had a clear idea of how to fix USB flash drive not recognized problems. You can follow the listed solutions to overcome the unrecognizing issues with USB. In the end lines, you had an idea about effective data recovery process using the incredible software Recoverit. You need not require any technical skills to work with Recoverit it is enough if you are comfortable with the basic operating knowledge on the computer. Few clicks are sufficient to bring back the lost files in no time on this platform. Many professionals recommend Recoverit for its flawless performance while handling complex files. Do not hesitate to try Recoverit software as it retrieves important data effortlessly within a fraction of second.

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