Fix USB Device Not Recognized Error In Effective Ways

How to fix USB device now recognized error in an easy way? This guideline will give you detailed information and operation steps.

By @Zoey Last Updated September 13, 2024

When you insert your USB into your Windows computer, instead of accessing your files, you're greeted with the frustrating message, "USB not recognized." Don't panic; this is a common issue. We will discuss how to fix USB device now recognized error and how to recover data from such a USB device directly.

Causes Behind the "USB Device Not Recognized" Problem

Determining the root cause of this error can be challenging, as it can stem from various factors. Here are some prevalent reasons why your USB flash drive not showing up on your computer:

  • Outdated Drivers: Ensuring your devices have the latest drivers is crucial for seamless functionality. Obsolete drivers can lead to compatibility issues and error messages.
  • Hardware Issues: Physical damage to the USB drive or the USB port itself can impede proper functioning. To pinpoint the problem, test the USB in multiple ports.
  • Corruption: USB corruption extends beyond files; it can affect the entire device, triggering error messages.
  • Pending Windows Updates: Windows frequently releases updates with crucial fixes. If your system runs on an outdated version, this could be contributing to the issue.

Fix USB Device Not Recognized Error: How to Do It?

Most solutions are straightforward to implement. Follow the numbered steps associated with each solution until you find the one that fix problem USB device not recognized.

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer, often the initial troubleshooting step can surprisingly help detect previously unrecognized devices. Before attempting other solutions, ensure you perform a complete shutdown of your computer and then power it back on.

To achieve a full shutdown, right-click the Start button, hover over "Shut down or sign out," and click "Shut down" while holding the SHIFT key. To be certain your computer is entirely powered down, unplug the power cable after shutdown, and then plug it back in. If you're using a laptop, simply holding the SHIFT key while clicking "Shut down" suffices.

Method 2: Directly Connect the USB to Your Computer

While USB hubs offer expanded connectivity, insufficient power supply can hinder their effectiveness. You can plug your USB device directly into your computer. If this resolves the problem, consider replacing your regular USB hub with a powered one, designed to provide adequate power to connected devices. Additionally, if you're using a USB 3.0 port, attempt testing it in a USB 2.0 port to check for detection.

Method 3: Force Reinstallation of USB Drivers

Corrupted or damaged USB drivers may be the issue. Uninstalling the drivers and reconnecting the device can prompt the reinstallation of functional drivers.

1. Go to the Windows search page for Device Manager.

2. Expand "Portable Devices," right-click your USB device, and choose "Uninstall device."

3. Reconnect your device to trigger driver reinstallation. Windows will handle the rest.

Method 4: Update Your Drivers

Your devices rely on drivers for communication. Outdated drivers can lead to hardware-related problems like this error. It's essential to check the status of both your USB and motherboard drivers.

1. Go to the"Device Manager" page by right-clicking on the Windows Start button.

2. Click on the"Disk drives" tab and right-click on your USB drive to press "Update Driver" on the pop-up menu.

3. Opt for "Search automatically for drivers." Alternatively, if manual driver installation is needed, choose "Browse my computer for driver software" and follow the prompts.

Method 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend Settings

Laptops often come with power-saving features to conserve energy. One such feature is the USB Selective Suspend, which deactivates unused USB ports. Unfortunately, this can lead to erratic performance if it deactivates ports unnecessarily.

1. Click Start > "Edit power plan".

2. Select "Change advanced power settings."

3. Double-click on "USB settings" > "USB selective suspend setting." Choose the Disabled option here.

Method 6: Adjust USB Root Hub Power Management

As mentioned earlier, Windows includes features for power conservation, including the USB Root Hub, which supports your computer's USB ports. Prevent accidental disabling by instructing Windows to leave the USB Root Hub alone.

1. Right-click Start and open "Device Manager."

2. Expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers." Right-click "USB Root Hub" (or "USB Root Hub (USB 3.0)") and select "Properties."

3. Head to the "Power Management" tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Click "OK."

Recover Data From a USB Displaying "USB Device Not Recognized"

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need to focus on USB file recovery. Data recovery software has advanced significantly over the years, offering efficient solutions for various data loss scenarios. One such tool is MyRecover, renowned for its robust features and user-friendly design.

You can see many shining points of MyRecover:

📌 Recover a wide range of data types, including Word, Excel, PPT, PDF, photos, videos, audio, folders, and more from HDDs, USB drives, SD cards, and portable devices.

📌 Organize recovered files based on their original paths, filenames, and formats.

📌 During Quick Scan and Deep Scan, use the search bar to locate specific files or wait for the software to find all deleted and lost files on your computers.

📌 Support for NTFS, exFAT, FAT32, and ReFS file systems.

To use MyRecover:

1. Connect your USB drive to your computer and run the tool.

2. Hover the mouse over your connected drive and click Scan.

3. Search for and select the files you want to recover in the "Deleted Files/Recycle Bin/Other Missing Files" folder.

4. Click "Recover x files" and save the restored files in another location.

In more complex data loss scenarios or if you lack confidence in your technical skills, consider professional data recovery services. These experts utilize specialized equipment and tools to recover data from damaged drives andrecover deleted files from corrupted USB devices.

Prevent Future USB Errors

While you can't guarantee a USB's error-free lifespan, you can take proactive steps to maintain its health:

  • Keep Software and Drivers Updated: Regularly updating USB drivers and your operating system reduces the risk of issues stemming from outdated firmware or software.
  • Safely Eject Storage Media: Prioritize safe ejection of storage devices to minimize the risk of drive corruption or damage.
  • Secure USB Storage: Protect your USB by using a shock-proof case rather than tossing it loosely into your backpack.
  • Create Backups: Prepare for accidents by regularly backing up your data. Having a copy of your files can let you restore files from backup with ease.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to fix USB device not recognized error, this article has provided you with insights into potential causes and their respective solutions. When it comes to USB data recovery, utilizing top-tier data recovery software like MyRecover is your best course of action.