by The Computing Australia Group | Fix USB device errors in Windows fast
A USB device that suddenly stops working can be frustrating, especially when you need access to an external hard drive, backup drive, keyboard, mouse, printer, phone, headset or security key. One moment the device works normally, and the next Windows displays a message such as “USB device not recognised”, “The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned”, or “Unknown USB Device” .
The good news is that this problem is often fixable without replacing the device. In many cases, Windows has temporarily lost communication with the USB hardware, a driver has become unstable, the USB port is not supplying enough power, or a power-saving setting is causing the device to disconnect.
In this 5-Minute IT Helpdesk guide, we explain the most common reasons USB devices are not recognised in Windows and walk you through practical fixes for Windows 11 and Windows 10. These steps are suitable for home users, small businesses and office teams that rely on USB devices every day.
Important note: Microsoft has ended free software updates, technical assistance and security fixes for Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025. Windows 10 devices may still work, but businesses should plan a move to Windows 11 where possible.
Why does Windows say “USB device not recognised”?
Windows relies on drivers to communicate with connected hardware. A driver is the software layer that allows Windows to understand what a device is, how it should behave and how data should move between the computer and the device. Microsoft explains that drivers are required for devices such as mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, external drives and video cards to work properly with Windows.
When Windows cannot communicate with a USB device correctly, the issue may be caused by:
- A loose, damaged or low-quality USB cable
- A faulty USB port
- A USB hub that does not provide enough power
- A corrupted or outdated device driver
- A Windows Update issue
- USB controller problems
- Power management settings that suspend USB devices
- Outdated chipset or motherboard drivers
- Physical damage to the USB device
- Drive corruption or file system errors
- A device that requires vendor-specific software
The first step is to work out whether the problem is with the USB device, the port, the cable, the Windows driver or the computer itself.
Before you begin: quick checks that often fix the issue
Before changing Windows settings, try these simple checks. They only take a few minutes and can save unnecessary troubleshooting.
1. Unplug the device and restart the computer
Unplug the USB device, restart your computer, wait until Windows has fully loaded, and then plug the device back in. This clears temporary device states and forces Windows to detect the device again.
2. Try a different USB port
Move the device to another USB port on the same computer. If it works in one port but not another, the original port may be damaged, underpowered or disabled.
For desktop computers, try a USB port on the back of the machine rather than the front panel. Rear USB ports are usually connected directly to the motherboard and may provide more stable power.
3. Avoid unpowered USB hubs
If you are using an external hard drive, USB dock, portable SSD or any device that draws significant power, plug it directly into the computer. A non-powered USB hub may not provide enough power for the device to operate correctly.
4. Test the device on another computer
Connect the USB device to another Windows computer. If it fails on multiple computers, the problem may be with the device or cable rather than your PC.
5. Try another cable
USB cables can fail, especially charging cables that are frequently bent, pulled or carried in laptop bags. Some USB-C cables are designed only for charging and may not support data transfer. Try a known working data cable.
6. Check whether the device appears in File Explorer
For storage devices such as USB drives and external hard drives, open File Explorer and select This PC. If the drive appears there, Windows has recognised it. If it does not appear, the issue may be driver-related, power-related or linked to disk management.
Solution 1: Uninstall and reconnect the USB device
This method is useful when Windows has stored a faulty device state or the current driver has become unstable. Reinstalling the device forces Windows to detect it again.
Steps for Windows 11 and Windows 10
1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Look for the device category that matches your USB device. For example:
- Disk drives for USB storage devices
- Keyboards for USB keyboards
- Mice and other pointing devices for USB mice
- Universal Serial Bus controllers for unknown USB devices
4. Right-click the affected device.
5. Select Uninstall device.
6. Confirm the uninstall.
7. Unplug the USB device.
8. Restart the computer
9. Plug the USB device back in.
After the restart, Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically. Microsoft’s Device Manager guidance confirms that, after uninstalling a device and restarting Windows, Windows attempts to reinstall the driver for that device.
If the device is an external hard drive or USB flash drive, open File Explorer > This PC and check whether the drive is visible.
When this fix works best
This solution is most effective when:
- The device previously worked on the same computer
- The issue started suddenly
- The device appears as Unknown USB Device
- You recently unplugged the device without using Safely Remove Hardware
- Windows plays the connect/disconnect sound repeatedly
Solution 2: Install Windows updates and optional driver updates
Windows Update often installs driver updates automatically. However, some driver updates are listed as optional and need to be selected manually. Microsoft states that Windows 11 can install recommended drivers automatically through Windows Update, while optional driver updates are not installed automatically.
Steps for Windows 11
1. Select Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Windows Update.
4. Select Check for updates.
5. Install any available updates.
6. Select Advanced options.
7. Under Additional options, select Optional updates.
8. If driver updates are listed, select the relevant updates.
9. Select Download & install.
10. Restart your computer.
Steps for Windows 10
1. Select Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Update & Security.
4. Select Windows Update.
5. Select Check for updates.
6. Open View optional updates if it appears.
7. Select relevant driver updates.
8. Select Download & install.
9. Restart your computer.
Microsoft recommends restarting the Windows device after updates are installed, even if Windows does not specifically request a restart.
Why this helps
USB recognition issues can be caused by outdated or corrupted drivers. Updating Windows may install fixes for USB controllers, chipset drivers, storage devices or device-specific drivers.
This is especially important after:
- A major Windows update
- A motherboard replacement
- A new docking station installation
- A laptop BIOS or firmware update
- Connecting new USB-C devices
- Using USB devices with a business laptop managed by IT policies
Solution 3: Reinstall USB controllers in Device Manager
If several USB devices are not working, the problem may not be with one device. It may be with the USB controller. The USB controller is the part of the system that manages USB ports and connected USB devices.
Reinstalling USB controllers can resolve problems caused by unstable or corrupted USB controller drivers.
Steps
1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Select Universal Serial Bus controllers.
4. Right-click a USB controller or USB hub entry.
5. Select Uninstall device.
6. Repeat for other USB controller entries if needed.
7. Restart your computer.
After the restart, Windows should automatically reinstall the USB controller drivers.
Be careful when doing this remotely
If you are using a USB keyboard or mouse, uninstalling USB controllers may temporarily disconnect them until the computer restarts. On a desktop computer, make sure you can restart using the power button if needed. On a business computer, contact your IT team before making changes if you are unsure.
When this fix works best
This solution is helpful when:
- Multiple USB ports are failing
- Different USB devices are not recognised
- A USB keyboard and mouse disconnect randomly
- A USB dock or docking station is unreliable
- Device Manager shows USB controller warnings
- Windows repeatedly shows Unknown USB Device
Solution 4: Disable USB selective suspend
USB selective suspend is a Windows power-saving feature. It allows Windows to suspend individual USB ports to save power, which can be useful on laptops. However, it can also cause external drives, docking stations, printers or other USB devices to power down unexpectedly.
Disabling this setting can help when a USB device disconnects after the computer sleeps, wakes or sits idle.
Steps
1. Select Start.
2. Type power plan.
3. Select Choose a power plan.
4. Next to your current plan, select Change plan settings.
5. Select Change advanced power settings.
6. Expand USB settings.
7. Expand USB selective suspend setting.
8. Change Plugged in to Disabled.
9. On a laptop, also changeOn battery to Disabledif the issue occurs while using battery power.
10. SelectApply.
11. SelectOK.
12. Restart your computer.
When this fix works best
This fix is especially useful when:
- An external hard drive disappears after sleep
- A USB device works at first and then disconnects
- A USB dock stops working until it is unplugged and reconnected
- USB devices fail after the laptop wakes from sleep
- The issue happens more often on battery power
For business laptops, your organisation may control power settings through device management policies. If the setting keeps changing back, speak with your IT provider.
Solution 5: Update chipset, motherboard or manufacturer drivers
If Windows Update does not fix the issue, install the latest drivers from the computer manufacturer. Microsoft recommends checking the hardware manufacturer’s website when Windows Update cannot find a driver or updated driver for a device.
This is particularly important for USB-C ports, Thunderbolt docks, business laptops and newer hardware.
What is a chipset driver?
A chipset driver helps Windows communicate with the motherboard and its built-in components, including USB ports, storage controllers, PCIe lanes and power management features. If chipset drivers are outdated, USB ports may behave unpredictably.
Steps
1. Identify your computer or motherboard model.
- On a laptop, check the manufacturer label or system information.
- On a desktop, check the motherboard model or the PC manufacturer’s support page.
2. Visit the official manufacturer website.
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- ASUS
- Acer
- Microsoft Surface
- Intel
- AMD
3. Search for your exact model.
4. Download the latest chipset, USB, Thunderbolt, BIOS or firmware updates where relevant.
5. Install the updates following the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Restart your computer.
Avoid random driver updater tools
Do not download drivers from unknown websites or “free driver updater” tools. These can install incorrect, outdated or unwanted software. Always use Windows Update, Device Manager or the manufacturer’s official website.
Solution 6: Check Disk Management for USB storage devices
Sometimes Windows recognises a USB storage device but does not assign it a drive letter. When this happens, the drive may not appear in File Explorer even though Windows can detect it.
Steps
1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Disk Management.
3. Look for your USB drive in the lower section of the window.
4. If the drive appears but has no drive letter:
- Right-click the partition.
- Select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
- Select Add.
- Choose an available drive letter.
- Select OK.
5. If the drive shows as Offline, right-click it and select Online.
6. If the drive shows as Unallocated, do not format it unless you are certain you do not need the data.
Important data warning
If the USB drive contains important files and appears as RAW, Unallocated or asks to be formatted, stop troubleshooting and contact IT support or a data recovery specialist. Formatting the drive may make recovery harder.
Solution 7: Turn off USB power management for individual devices
Windows may turn off USB hubs or devices to save power. This can cause intermittent USB failures, especially with external drives, docks and network adapters.
Steps
1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
4. Right-click a USB Root Hub, Generic USB Hub or similar entry.
5. Select Properties.
6. Open the Power Management tab.
7. Untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
8. Select OK.
9. Repeat for other USB hub entries if needed.
10. Restart the computer.
This setting is particularly useful for desktops, workstations and laptops that remain plugged in most of the day.
Solution 8: Run Windows troubleshooting and system checks
If the problem continues, Windows system files or device services may be contributing to the issue. You can try built-in repair tools.
Run System File Checker
1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Type: sfc /scannow
4. Press Enter.
5. Wait for the scan to complete.
6. Restart the computer.
Run DISM
If System File Checker reports problems it cannot repair, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Then restart and run sfc /scannow again.
These tools can help repair Windows component issues that may affect device detection.
Solution 9: Check for hardware failure
If none of the above fixes work, the problem may be hardware-related.
Possible hardware issues include:
- Damaged USB port
- Broken USB cable
- Faulty USB drive
- Failing external hard drive
- Damaged USB-C connector
- Insufficient power from a hub or dock
- Faulty docking station
- Motherboard USB controller failure
Signs the USB device may be failing
A storage device may be physically failing if:
- It clicks, buzzes or spins repeatedly
- It disconnects during file transfers
- It appears and disappears in File Explorer
- It becomes very hot
- It asks to be formatted unexpectedly
- It works only when held at a certain angle
- Faulty docking station
- It fails on multiple computers
If the data is important, do not keep reconnecting the device repeatedly. Seek professional help before the drive deteriorates further.
When should you contact IT support?
Contact your IT helpdesk if:
- The USB device contains important business data
- The issue affects multiple staff or workstations
- The device is used for backups
- You are using a managed business laptop
- You are unsure which driver to install
- You see errors in Device Manager
- The USB drive asks to be formatted
- A USB security key or authentication device is not working
- You rely on a USB dock for monitors, keyboard, mouse or network access
For businesses, USB problems can quickly affect productivity, backups, printing, scanning and remote work setups. A professional IT team can test the device, review Windows event logs, check drivers, confirm whether the device is failing and prevent accidental data loss.
Final checklist: USB device not recognised in Windows
Use this quick checklist before escalating the issue:
- Restart the computer
- Try a different USB port
- Avoid non-powered USB hubs
- Try another USB cable
- Test the device on another computer
- Uninstall and reconnect the USB device
- Install Windows updates
- Check optional driver updates
- Reinstall USB controllers
- Disable USB selective suspend
- Update chipset and manufacturer drivers
- Check Disk Management
- Disable USB power management
- Run Windows repair tools
- Contact IT support if data is at risk
Need help with USB issues in Perth?
If your USB device still is not recognised, or if the device contains business-critical files, our Perth IT helpdesk team can help. We provide practical troubleshooting, device support, backup advice, data protection guidance and managed IT support for businesses.
For fast support, contact Computing Australia Group or email:
Jargon Buster
Motherboard – a printed circuit board, which contains the principal components of a computer or any device.
USB Driver – a file that lets a hardware device communicate with a computer’s operating system.
Gordon Murdoch
FAQ
Why does Windows say “USB device not recognised”?
How do I fix “USB device not recognised” in Windows 11?
Start with the simple checks first. Unplug the device, restart your computer, try another USB port, avoid USB hubs, and test the device with another cable. If it still does not work, open Device Manager, uninstall the affected USB device, restart the computer, and reconnect the device. You should also check Windows Update for optional driver updates.
How do I fix “USB device not recognised” in Windows 10?
The process is similar to Windows 11. Try a different USB port, restart the computer, reconnect the device, update Windows, and reinstall the USB device through Device Manager. You can also disable USB selective suspend in the advanced power settings if the device disconnects after sleep or idle time.
What does “The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned” mean?
This message means Windows detected a connected USB device but could not identify or communicate with it correctly. The issue may be temporary, but it can also point to a damaged cable, failing USB port, unstable driver, or faulty device.
Why is my USB drive not showing in File Explorer?
A USB drive may not appear in File Explorer if Windows has not assigned it a drive letter, the drive is offline, the file system is damaged, or the device has not been recognised correctly. Open Disk Management to check whether the drive appears there. If the drive shows as RAW, Unallocated, or asks to be formatted, avoid formatting it if you need the data.
