Fix "USB Device Not Recognized" Errorin Windows 11 | Solutions

USB Device Not Recognized in Windows 11!

Don't worry if you are stuck in this error message: "USB device not recognized. The Last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize it". You can find the reasons why your computer does not recognize your USB drive and find proven ways to bring things back to normal. Most importantly, how to rescue your precious files if all else fails. Let’s find out the details.

Why Is the USB Device Not Recognized in Windows 11?

The "USB device not recognized" error in Windows 11 is fundamentally a communication failure. It happens when Windows detects that a hardware device has been plugged in but cannot identify what it is or load the correct software (called a driver) to communicate with it.

The most common specific causes are:

After knowing the reasons why, it’s easy for you to fix it. Try the following solutions.

8 Fixes for AUSB Not Recognized in Windows 11

To make your USB device detectable by Windows 11, you can try the following proven solutions:

Way 1. Restart Your Computer

Arestart remains one of the most powerful troubleshooting tools. A restart clears the computer's temporary memory (RAM), resets the USB controller, and stops any background processes that might be interfering with the connection. It’s a fresh start for the entire system. Simply save your work, click the Start menu, and choose "Restart" instead of "Shut down" to ensure a complete reboot.

Way 2. Check the Physical Connection

It sounds obvious, but it's the most overlooked step. We're talking about a physical connection, after all! Give the USB cable a gentle wiggle. Is it securely plugged into both the computer and the device? If you're using a USB hub, especially an unpowered one, bypass it and plug the device directly into a port on your computer. Hubs can often be the weak link. Also, inspect the USB port for any obvious dust or debris and the device's connector for any bent or damaged pins.

Way 3. Try a Different USB Port

This is a crucial diagnostic step. If your computer has multiple USB ports (e.g., both USB-A and the newer USB-C), try them all. If the device works in one port but not another, you've successfully isolated the problem to the original port itself, which could be a hardware failure. This simple act can tell you whether you need to focus on software/driver fixes or if you have a physical port that needs repair.

Way 4. Try Another Cable

If the device has a detachable cable, try using a different one to rule out a faulty cable. Many users report that they can use another cable to make the USB drive detectable.

Way 5. Test on another computer

Connect the device to a different computer to see if it works. If it does, the problem is likely with your original computer.

Way 6. Update Your USB Controller Drivers

Drivers are the essential software that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware. When they become outdated, corrupted, or conflict with one another, you get the dreaded unrecognized device error.

1. To manually check, right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager".

2. Look for sections like "Universal Serial Bus controllers" or, crucially, "Other devices" where you might see an "Unknown device" with a yellow exclamation mark.

3. Right-click on the USB controllers themselves or the unknown device and select "Update driver".

4. Choose "Search automatically for drivers" and let Windows do its thing.

If that doesn't work, you can visit your computer manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) for their specific chipset or USB driver packages.

Way 7. Uninstall and Reinstall Device Drivers

Sometimes you need a clean slate if the problem still exists.

1. Back in Device Manager, right-click on the unrecognized device (under "Other devices") or the specific USB controller you suspect is causing trouble and select "Uninstall device".

2. If a checkbox appears asking to "Delete the driver software for this device", check it. This action completely removes the current driver configuration.

3. Once uninstalled, simply unplug the problematic USB device and then plug it back in.

4. Windows will detect it as a new piece of hardware and attempt to reinstall the drivers from scratch.

This often clears up any corruption that was preventing a proper connection.

Way 8. Roll Back the Problematic Driver

This is a fantastic option if the problem started after a recent driver update. In Device Manager, right-click on the device driver, select "Properties", go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver."

If the button is grayed out, it means there's no previous driver version stored, but if it's available, this can instantly revert the system to a known-working state.

Way 9. Update Windows

Make sure your operating system is up to date, as Microsoft releases updates that can fix USB-related issues. So update Windows like this:

Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates".

Install any available feature or cumulative updates.

Sometimes, Microsoft releases a patch specifically for a widespread USB problem, and this could be the silver bullet.

Way 10. Disable USB Selective Suspend:

1. Search for "Power & sleep settings" in the Windows search bar.

2. Click on "Additional power settings".

3. Click "Change plan settings" next to your current power plan, then "Change advanced power settings".

4. Expand "USB settings" and then "USB selective suspend setting". Change both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to "Disabled".

Way 11. Run System File Checker

System File Checker scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow.

Way 12. Check Disk Errors

You can check errors for your USB drive to fix it.

1. Open File Explorer and go to "This PC".

2. Right-click the USB device (if it appears) and select "Properties".

3. Go to the "Tools" tab and click "Check" under Error checking.

Way 13. Replace Another USB Drive

Inspect both the USB device and the ports for any signs of damage. If your USB drive is physically damaged, it can’t be detected; replace another USB drive for your tasks.

Recover Your Precious Files with MyRecover

What if your USB device is still not recognized in Windows 11? if there are important files on your USB drive, you have to recover files from that drive in case of data loss. Fortunately, here comes the powerful data recovery software MyRecover comes to the rescue. It's designed to deeply scan your storage device and reconstruct lost files, even from damaged or inaccessible partitions.

With MyRecover, enjoy the following strengths:

Deep Scan Capability: It performs a thorough, sector-by-sector scan of the drive, which is crucial for finding files when the drive is unrecognized, as the standard file system is often damaged or inaccessible.

File Preview Before Recovery: You can preview recoverable files (like photos, documents, and videos) before restoring them. This allows you to verify the files are intact and select only what you need, saving time and effort.

Preservation of Original Data: The software recover files with their original names, folder structures, and formats whenever possible, making it much easier to organize and use your data after recovery.

User-Friendly Interface: Despite its powerful scanning engine, MyRecover is designed with a clear and intuitive interface that guides you through the recovery process step-by-step, making it accessible for non-technical users.

Recovery from Various Scenarios: It is effective not just for logical errors causing the "unrecognized" error, but also for formatted drives, corrupted partitions, and accidentally deleted files, making it a versatile tool for data loss.

Here is how to recover files from a USB drive that is not recognized in Windows 11 with the help of MyRecover:

1. Download and install MyRecover on your Windows 11 computer, then launch it.

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2. Choose USB/SD Card Recovery, choose the USB drive that is not recognized, and hit Scan.

3. Wait for it to complete and hit OK.

4. Select the files you need, and hit Recover. Opt for a safe location to save these recovered files.

Notes:✎...

If the quick scan does not find your files, you can try a deep scan, which takes much more time (scan sector by sector) and finds more missing files.

You can browse the recoverable files as they are found, often with their original folder structure and filenames intact.

MyRecover provides powerful filters so you can search by filename, type, or date modified.

You can recover unlimited files if required.

To recover files from unlimited computers, MyRecover Technician is your best bet.

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FAQs About a USB Drive Not Recognized in Windows 11

Q: Why does my USB work on another PC but not my Windows 11 computer?

A: This confirms the issue is with your PC, not the USB device. The cause is typically outdated/corrupted drivers, a faulty USB port, or a power management setting on your specific machine.

Q: Can a faulty cable cause "USB device not recognized"?

A: Yes. A damaged cable may provide power (making the device light up) but fail to transmit data. Always try a different, high-quality cable first.

Q: I saw a "USB device over current status" error. What does that mean?

A: This is a serious hardware warning indicating a short circuit. Immediately unplug the device. If the error persists with nothing plugged in, the USB port itself is likely shorted and needs repair.

Q: Will I lose my data while trying these fixes to "fix USB device not recognized" in Windows 11?

A: Most fixes (driver updates, power settings) are safe. The biggest risk is accidentally formatting the drive. Never click "Format" if you need your data. Recover files first.

Q: What's the difference between "not recognized" and "not detected"?

A: "Not detected" means the PC doesn't see any connection (dead port/cable). "Not recognized" means it detects a device but can't identify it (driver/software issue).

Q: How can I prevent this "USB not recognized in Windows 11" error from happening in the future?

A: Keep Windows/drivers updated, always use "Safely Remove Hardware", invest in quality cables, and create system restore points before major changes.

Q: What to Do When Your Pen Drive is Not Detected in Windows 11?

A: If your pen drive isn't showing up in File Explorer, check Disk Management. Simply right-click it, select "Change Drive Letter and Paths," assign an available letter, and it should appear instantly if you see the drive listed as "Healthy" but without a drive letter.