Sometimes, when you plug a USB device into your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer, you may receive a USB Device Not Recognized, The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned pop-up message. If your USB device is not detected, then this post will show you how you can troubleshoot the issue. You may follow these suggested solutions in any order you think is best suited for your version of Windows OS.
USB Device Not Recognized
On a Windows 11/10 computer you may see the following message:
The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize it. Try reconnection the device. If Windows still does not recognize it, your device may not be working properly.
The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned
1] Restart the computer
A simple restart of the Windows computer can sometimes solve this problem. Unplug your USB, restart your computer and plug it in and see if it works now.
If it does not, shut down your computer, wait for a few minutes, and then start your computer again.
2] Disconnect other USBs
To avoid a possible conflict between two connected USB Devices, disconnect your other USB’s, connect this one, and see if it helps.
3] Scan for hardware changes
Run devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager. Under the Action tab, select Scan for hardware changes and see if it helps.
4] Update drivers
Check if you need to update your drivers. Open Control Panel > Printers and devices. Check if you can see any entry for Unidentified USB device or Unknown Device. Open its Properties and update its driver, if an update is found to be available.
5] Check USB Properties
From the Device Manager, under USB Root Hub Properties, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. See if this helps. If not check it back again.
5] Run Troubleshooters
Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter or the Windows USB Troubleshooter and check if it helps.
The automated tools check the hardware or USB that is connected to the computer for any known issues and fix them automatically.
6] Get this Hotfix
If you are using Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2012, there is a specific issue that affected this version of Windows. This could happen if your USB port gets disabled after you safely remove the device from the port. Download and request a hotfix from KB2830154 if you face this issue.
7] USB 3.0 device?
If it’s your USB 3.0 device that is not being recognized, see this post on USB 3.0 External Hard Drive not recognized in Windows.
Other posts that may help you:
Hope something helps.
Have more tips on this? Let us know them via the comments section below.
