USB devices are among the most versatile pieces of hardware that connect to your computer. From external hard drives to USB flash drives, printers, and smartphones, these devices facilitate seamless data transfer and expand your computer’s functionality. However, one issue that many users encounter is the “USB device not recognized” error. This problem can be especially frustrating because it may prevent you from accessing files, using peripherals, or even performing simple tasks.
1. Error Message
The “USB Device Not Recognized” error typically occurs when your computer cannot detect or communicate with a connected USB device. The error message might appear on your screen or as a notification in the system tray, and it could read something like:
“USB device not recognized. The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”
“One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”
This issue could stem from various causes, including faulty hardware, incorrect device drivers, or Windows settings that prevent proper recognition of USB devices.
2. Checking Hardware Connections
Before diving into complex software troubleshooting, start with the simplest step: check the hardware. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a loose connection, which is often overlooked.
Inspect the USB cable and device: If you’re using a USB cable, ensure it’s intact and not damaged. Check for frayed wires, bent pins, or any visible signs of wear.
Try different USB ports: If your Toshiba laptop or desktop has multiple USB ports, try plugging the device into a different one. It’s possible that the port you’re using is faulty or not supplying enough power.
Check the USB device on another computer: If possible, connect the USB device to another computer. This will help determine if the issue is with the USB device or the Toshiba computer itself.
3. Restarting the Computer
One of the quickest solutions for various Windows issues, including the “USB Device Not Recognized” error, is simply restarting your computer. This helps refresh your system and can resolve temporary glitches in the operating system or hardware interactions.
4. Reconnecting USB Device
If you haven’t already, disconnect the USB device from your Toshiba computer, wait for about 30 seconds, and then reconnect it. Ensure that the connection is firm and that the device is securely plugged in. Sometimes, a loose connection can result in the device not being recognized.
5. Updating Windows and Device Drivers
Outdated or incompatible device drivers are a common cause of USB recognition issues. Both your Toshiba laptop’s USB drivers and the specific drivers for the USB device need to be up-to-date.
Update Windows 10: Keeping Windows 10 updated ensures that your system has the latest patches, security updates, and drivers that may resolve compatibility issues with USB devices.
To update Windows 10:
Press the Windows key and I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
Update USB Drivers:
Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Scroll down to the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section and expand it.
Right-click on the USB host controller, USB Root Hub, or USB device that’s causing the issue, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows search for and install the latest driver.
Update the USB device driver:
If you know which USB device is causing the problem, locate it under Device Manager, right-click, and choose Update driver.
You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for the device and download the latest drivers manually.
6. Running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common issues with hardware devices.
To run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:
Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Scroll down and select Hardware and Devices, then click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to allow Windows to detect and repair any issues.
7. Uninstalling and Reinstalling USB Controllers
If updating drivers doesn’t work, uninstalling and reinstalling USB controllers can often resolve deeper issues. This action will force Windows to reset the USB drivers and re-detect connected devices.
To uninstall USB controllers:
Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Scroll down to Universal Serial Bus Controllers and expand the list.
Right-click on each item and choose Uninstall device.
After uninstalling all USB controllers, restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the necessary drivers.
8. Checking Power Management Settings
Windows 10 has power management features that can sometimes interfere with USB device recognition. Specifically, Windows may turn off USB devices to save power, causing them to not be recognized when reconnected.
To disable USB power saving:
Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section.
Right-click each USB Root Hub and select Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck the box that says, Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Click OK and repeat for all USB Root Hubs.
9. Disabling USB Selective Suspend Setting
The USB Selective Suspend setting in Windows 10 can cause USB devices to enter a low-power state, sometimes leading to recognition issues. Disabling this setting may help resolve the issue.
To disable USB Selective Suspend:
Press Windows key + X and select Power Options.
Click Additional power settings on the right side.
Choose Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
Click Change advanced power settings.
Scroll down to USB settings and expand it.
Set USB selective suspend setting to Disabled.
10. Performing a System Restore
If the issue began recently and none of the above solutions worked, you can perform a System Restore to return your Toshiba laptop to a previous state when the USB devices were recognized.
To perform a System Restore:
Press Windows key + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point before the issue started.
11. Checking for Malware or Virus
In rare cases, malware or a virus may cause USB devices to malfunction or become unrecognized. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus program to rule out any infections.
12. Testing the USB Device on Another Computer
If you’ve tried all the steps and still face the error, test the USB device on a different computer. If it works on the other system, the issue likely lies within the Toshiba computer itself. On the other hand, if the device is unrecognized on all systems, the problem could be with the USB device.
13. Examining the USB Port and Device for Physical Damage
Sometimes, the issue could be related to physical damage to the USB device or port. Inspect the USB port on your Toshiba laptop or desktop for any debris, bent pins, or visible damage. Similarly, check the USB device itself for signs of wear and tear.
14. When to Contact Toshiba Support
If none of the above solutions work, and your Toshiba computer is still under warranty, consider reaching out to Toshiba’s customer support team. They can offer advanced troubleshooting, repair options, or replacement of the hardware if necessary.
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