How to fix unrecognized usb device？​

USB devices have become an integral part of modern computing, offering convenience and efficiency in transferring data, connecting peripherals, and even booting operating systems. However, users sometimes encounter the frustrating issue of a USB device not being recognized by their computer. 

Common Causes of an Unrecognized USB Device

Before attempting fixes, it is crucial to understand why a USB device might not be recognized. The common causes include:

Hardware Issues: Faulty USB ports, damaged cables, or a malfunctioning USB device.

Driver Problems: Outdated, missing, or corrupted USB drivers.

Power Supply Issues: Insufficient power supply to the USB port.

USB Controller Malfunctions: Problems with the motherboard’s USB controllers.

File System Errors: The USB device may have a corrupted or incompatible file system.

Operating System Conflicts: Windows or macOS may not properly detect the device due to software conflicts.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Check the USB Device and Port

Test the USB Device on Another Computer

Plug the USB device into another computer to check if it is detected.

If the device works on another computer, the issue lies with the original system.

If it is still unrecognized, the USB device may be faulty.

Try a Different USB Port

Insert the USB device into another port on the same computer.

If it works in a different port, the original port might be defective.

If none of the ports work, try other fixes below.

Inspect the USB Cable (For External Drives)

If using an external hard drive or device that connects via a USB cable, try a different cable.

Ensure the cable is properly inserted into both the USB device and computer.

2. Restart the Computer

Unplug the USB device.

Restart your computer.

Plug the USB device back in after the system reboots.

This simple fix can often resolve temporary glitches.

3. Update USB Drivers

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.

Right-click on USB Root Hub or the unrecognized device.

Select Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Restart the computer after updating.

4. Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers

Open Device Manager.

Locate the unrecognized USB device under Universal Serial Bus controllers.

Right-click on it and select Uninstall device.

Restart the computer to allow Windows to reinstall the drivers automatically.

5. Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

Open Control Panel > Power Options.

Click Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.

Click Change advanced power settings.

Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.

Set it to Disabled and click Apply.

Restart the computer and check if the issue persists.

6. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Press Win + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter.

Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

Restart the computer if prompted.

7. Check Disk Management (For Storage Devices)

Press Win + X and select Disk Management.

Look for the USB device in the list.

If it appears without a drive letter, right-click and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.

Assign a new drive letter and click OK.

If the device is listed as Unallocated, right-click and select New Simple Volume to format it.

8. Format the USB Device (If Necessary)

Warning: Formatting will erase all data on the USB drive.

Open Disk Management.

Right-click the USB device and select Format.

Choose FAT32. exFAT, or NTFS as the file system.

Click OK to format.

9. Modify Registry Entries (Advanced Users)

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}

Look for UpperFilters and LowerFilters in the right panel.

If present, right-click and delete them.

Restart the computer.

10. Check for Windows Updates

Press Win + I to open Settings.

Click Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.

Restart the computer.

11. Use a USB Hub with External Power

Some USB devices require more power than what a single USB port can provide. A powered USB hub can help provide sufficient power to ensure recognition.

12. Try a Different Operating System

If all else fails, try booting from a Linux live USB or macOS system to check if the USB device is recognized.

13. Replace or Repair the USB Device

If none of the above solutions work, the USB device itself may be damaged beyond repair. Consider replacing it or seeking professional repair services.