Why Does USB Device Not Recognized Keep Popping Up?

Let’s face it, technology can be finicky, and USB devices are no exception. But don’t worry; there are several reasons why your computer might not recognize your USB device, and there are ways to fix it. For example, there could be a concern with your USB port, a driver conflict, or a faulty device. No matter the cause, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s explore possible solutions to get your USB devices up and running again. From updating your drivers to checking for hardware malfunctions, we’ll explore all the options to ensure your USB devices are working smoothly again.

Why Does USB Device Not Recognized Keeps Popping Up?

When the “USB device not recognized” error message keeps popping up on your computer, it typically indicates an issue with the USB connection or the device itself. There are a lot of reasons why this error message may appear:

  1. Faulty USB port: Your USB port may be damaged or malfunctioning. Try connecting the USB device to a different port to see if the issue persists.
  2. USB driver issues: Your USB drivers might be outdated or incompatible. You can update them by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using a driver update tool. Trust me, and you don’t want your computer to be like that old grandpa who can’t keep up with the times, right?
  3. Power supply problems: There’s more! Another reason your USB devices might not be recognized is because of power supply problems. If you have a lot of devices plugged in at once, or if the power supply to your USB hub or computer is weak sauce, you might run into trouble. To avoid this, try connecting your device directly to a powered USB port or use a powered USB hub.
  4. Device driver conflicts: Conflicts between the USB device driver and other drivers or software on your computer can result in the “USB device not recognized” error. Updating or reinstalling the device driver may resolve the issue.
  5. USB device malfunction: The USB device itself may be malfunctioning or experiencing hardware issues. You could always try connecting it to another computer to see if it’s just being picky and choosy. Who knows, maybe the device just needs a change of scenery to start working properly again! 
  6. USB cable problems: A faulty or damaged USB cable can prevent proper communication between the device and the computer. Try using a different USB cable to rule out cable-related issues.
  7. Windows settings: Certain Windows settings, such as power-saving options or USB selective suspend, can interfere with USB device recognition. Adjusting these settings or disabling USB selective suspend may help resolve the problem.
USB Device Not Recognized Error

Fix Your Computer
and resolve Performance issues with
Outbyte PC Repair

DOWNLOAD

How to Fix “USB Device Not Recognized” Error Keeps Popping Up?

Fix 1: Restart the Computer or Reconnect the USB Device

You know what they say, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” Well, sometimes it works! So let’s try and see if it solves your USB device woes.

First off, try restarting your computer. If that doesn’t do the trick, unplug the USB device and plug it back in again. Maybe your computer needs to be reminded of who the boss is.

If that doesn’t work, try inserting the device into another USB port on your computer. If it works, the old port feels neglected and needs some attention. Make sure to clean it well – some dust bunnies might be hiding in there.

And if none of this works, you just might have a dead USB device.

Fix 2: Disconnect All Other USB Devices Except for the One Experiencing the Issue

Another tiny trick you can try is to unplug all other USB devices except the one causing problems. Sometimes having too many devices connected to a computer can cause conflicts and disrupt operations. So why not isolate the culprit and eliminate all the other useless devices? Your computer will thank you for it. 

Fix 3: Run the Built-In Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Ah, the trusty Hardware and Devices troubleshooter! It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of computer repair. Have you tried using it to fix your pesky USB device problem? It’s super simple, just follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R key to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type in “control” and tap Enter key to open up the Control Panel.
  3. Click on “Troubleshooting”. Troubleshooting in Control Panel
  4. And then “Hardware and Sound.” Hardware and sound
  5. Under “Device and Printers,” select “Hardware and Devices.”
  6. Follow the on-screen points to let the troubleshooter work its magic!

And voila! Your USB device not recognized problem should be solved in no time. Who needs

Fix 4: Disable the USB Selective Suspend

Did you know that enabling the USB selective suspend feature on your computer can sometimes cause irritating problems like your USB device not being recognized? Fear not, and we have a solution for how to fix it.

  1. Go to the Start menu, type “power plan” in the search box, then select Choose a power plan.
  2. Next to your currently selected power plan, select Change Plan SettingsChnage plan settings
  3. Select Change advanced power settings. power plan advance settings
  4. Find “USB Settings” and expand it, then expand “USB selective suspend settings.” USBsettings in power options
  5. Select “Plugged in,” choose “Disabled” from the drop-down menu, and then do the same for “Battery” if you’re using a laptop.
  6. Finally, select Apply and then OK.

Fix 5: Adjust Your System Settings

If you’re tired of seeing that pesky “USB device not recognized” error message popping up all the time, then have no fear! You can easily change your system settings to prevent those annoying messages from ruining your day. Just some periodic clicks here and there, and voila! No more bothersome USB errors to deal with!

  1. Press the key with the Windows logo and “I” keys simultaneously to open the Settings window.
  2. Click on “Devices.” Devices in Settings
  3. Choose “USB” from the options.
  4. Uncheck the box “Notify me if issues connect to USB devices. USB uncheck

Fix 6: Update Your USB Driver in the Device Manager

You know what they say, outdated drivers are the worst! But don’t you worry; we’re here to help you out. Let’s update that USB device driver and see if we can fix the issue. That’s right, and we’re going to kick that outdated driver to the curb and bring in the fresh new driver, ready to recognize all your USB needs. Get ready for some fast and furious USB action.

  1. Open the Device Manager by right-tapping on the Start menu.
  2. Expand the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” category. Universal Serial Bus Controller
  3. Look for any devices labelled as “Unknown devices.”
  4. Right-click on the unknown device, select “Properties,” and then choose “Update Driver.”

Fix 7: Update Generic USB Hub

If you spot one or more of those Generic USB Hubs listed under Universal Serial Bus Controllers in your Device Manager, let me tell you a little secret. Updating those bad boys might do the trick! So why not try giving it an attempt and see if it helps? 

  1. Open the Device Manager by right-tapping on the Start menu.
  2. Right-click on the first “Generic USB Hub” and choose “Update Driver Software.” Generic USB Hub
  3. Pick “Browse my computer for driver software.” Browse my computer
  4. Pick “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.”
  5. In the given “Select the device driver you want to install for this hardware” column, select “Generic USB Hub.” If no options are listed, uncheck “Show compatible hardware” and select the appropriate manufacturer from the left list, then choose the correct driver from the right list.
  6. Click “Close” when the update is finished.
  7. Refresh the Device Manager to check if the device is now recognized. If not, update the next “Generic USB Hub” following the same steps.

Conclusion

Facing the “USB device not recognized” error message can be frustrating, but with the proper troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue. You increase the likelihood of successfully resolving the issue by following the suggestions, such as checking USB connections, updating drivers, adjusting Windows settings, and ruling out device or cable problems. Remember to start with the most straightforward solutions and gradually progress to more complex ones if needed. If all else fails, seeking professional technical assistance may be necessary. By addressing the “USB device not recognized” error, you can regain the functionality of your USB devices and ensure a smooth and uninterrupted computing experience.


Can power supply problems cause the “USB device not recognized” error?

Yes, insufficient power supply to the USB port can prevent proper device recognition. Ensure you have enough power available; try connecting the device directly to a powered USB port, or use a powered USB hub if you’re using multiple devices.

What should I do if the USB device is still not recognized after updating drivers? 

If updating drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, try uninstalling the USB device driver from the Device Manager, disconnect the device, restart your computer, and then reconnect the device. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon restart.

How can I check if the USB device itself is malfunctioning? 

To check if the USB device is malfunctioning, try connecting it to another computer. If the device works on another computer, it indicates the issue is with your computer. If it doesn’t work on any computer, the device may be faulty and require repair or replacement.

Leave a Comment