Logo

5 Minute HelpDesk – USB Device not Recognised in Windows

Do you see an error message like this “USB device not recognised”? In the next article from our IT helpdesk team in Perth, we give you five solutions to resolve the problem.

Ways to fix USB device not recognised or malfunctioned error in Windows

Most of us have faced ‘the USB device not recognised or malfunctioned error’ at some point. The USB device mentioned by Windows includes not only USB hard drive or flash drives but also other devices like a USB mouse or keyboard, which both use a USB port for connection. So, let’s see the different methods you can use to fix this problem.

Solution 1 – Uninstall and reconnect external hard drive – resolves issues where the current USB driver has become unstable or corrupt.

USB Device not Recognised in Windows -Computing Australia Group
Note – Plug the USB external hard drive directly to the computer. A non-powered USB hub may lack enough power to operate an external drive.

Solution 2 – Install the latest device drivers

USB Device not Recognised in Windows -Computing Australia Group

Solution 3 – Reinstall USB controllers – resolves issues where the current USB driver has become unstable or corrupt.

USB Device not Recognised in Windows -Computing Australia Group

Solution 4 – Disable USB selective suspend setting – prevents USB external drive from powering down.

USB Device not Recognised - Computing Australia Group

Solution 5 – Install the latest chipset drivers for your motherboard.

If none of the above work use this method. This method lets your computer recognise the USB external hard drive.

Any of these methods should get you to access your USB and use the saved data again. If you still cannot get your USB to work, our IT helpdesk in Perth is 24/7 ready to assist you. Contact us or e-mail at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group for IT support.

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.