One of the most common yet frustrating issues for Windows 10 users is the “USB Device Not Recognized” error. You plug in a USB flash drive, external hard disk, keyboard, or any other peripheral, and instead of it being detected, you receive a notification saying, “The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.” Sometimes, nothing happens at all, and the device doesn’t show up in File Explorer or Device Manager. Understanding why this occurs and how to solve it can save you time and potential data loss.
This error can happen for several reasons. A faulty USB port, corrupted driver, power supply issue, outdated chipset driver, or even a temporary glitch in the USB controller can prevent Windows from properly identifying the device. Sometimes, the USB device itself is to blame—it may be defective or drawing too much power. In rare cases, a Windows update or system corruption might interfere with USB recognition.
To fix the problem, start with basic hardware checks. Unplug the USB device and try a different port on the same computer. Preferably switch between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports if available. If the device works on another port, the issue is likely with the port itself, which might be damaged or loose. Also, try connecting the device to a different computer. If it fails there too, the device may be malfunctioning.
Next, open Device Manager (press Windows + X and choose Device Manager). Expand the section labeled Universal Serial Bus controllers. Look for entries with yellow warning symbols or names like “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed).” Right-click and select Uninstall device. After uninstalling, disconnect the USB device, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect it. Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
If that doesn’t work, perform a full system restart with the device unplugged, then reconnect it after boot. Restarting clears any power issues or temporary driver conflicts. Also, go to Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers and right-click each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub, then select Properties. Under the Power Management tab, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This setting sometimes causes USB ports to power down unexpectedly, especially on laptops.
Make sure your Windows system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and apply all pending updates. USB controller issues are often resolved with firmware or driver updates released by Microsoft or the PC manufacturer. You should also update your chipset drivers, especially if you’re using a custom-built desktop. Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest chipset and USB drivers.
In the case of external hard drives or USB storage, ensure the device itself is receiving enough power. Some portable drives require dual USB plugs or a powered USB hub to function correctly. If the device spins but doesn’t mount, try checking it in Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management) to see if it appears there. If visible but unallocated, the partition may be corrupted and require recovery.
For persistent problems, consider resetting the USB controller entirely. Open Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, and uninstall every USB controller and hub listed. Reboot your PC afterward—Windows will automatically reinstall default drivers on startup. This method is particularly helpful when none of your USB devices are recognized across all ports.
Sometimes, legacy support issues affect older USB devices. If the hardware is older, enter BIOS/UEFI and ensure that USB legacy support is enabled. Also, avoid using USB extension cables or unpowered hubs that may introduce instability or voltage drop.
If none of the above methods work, and only one particular USB device fails across all machines, it’s likely the device is damaged beyond repair. In that case, professional recovery might be needed if the data is important.
Overall, the “USB Device Not Recognized” message is usually resolvable through a combination of hardware testing, driver updates, power setting adjustments, and system restarts. Keeping your drivers current and your ports clean can prevent the majority of such issues.
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