In the digital age, USB devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, serving as a means to connect and transfer data between devices. However, encountering the “USB Not Recognized” error can be a frustrating and disruptive experience.
This error message often appears when you plug a USB device into your computer, only to find that it isn’t detected or recognized by the system.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the “USB Not Recognized” error, its significance, potential causes, and effective solutions to help you resolve this issue and regain control over your USB devices.
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Understanding the “USB Not Recognized” Error
The “USB Not Recognized” error is a common issue that occurs when your computer fails to identify and acknowledge the presence of a connected USB device.
This error can manifest when plugging in various USB peripherals, such as flash drives, external hard drives, printers, or even smartphones.
It signifies that there is a problem preventing your computer’s operating system from properly communicating with the USB device, leading to a lack of functionality.
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Common Symptoms of the USB Not Recognized Error
Before we delve into the causes and solutions, let’s take a look at some common symptoms associated with the “USB Not Recognized” error:
- Error Message: The primary symptom is the appearance of an error message that explicitly states, “USB Device Not Recognized.”
- Device Malfunction: The connected USB device may not work as expected or may not function at all.
- Frustration with USB Connectivity: This error can disrupt various tasks that rely on USB connectivity, such as data transfer, device charging, or peripheral usage.
Now that we understand the symptoms, let’s explore the potential causes of the “USB Not Recognized” error.
Possible Causes of the USB Not Recognized Error
To effectively troubleshoot and resolve this error, it’s crucial to identify its underlying causes. Here are some common reasons behind the “USB Not Recognized” error:
- Faulty USB Port: The USB port you are using may be damaged or malfunctioning, preventing proper communication with the connected device.
- Corrupted or Outdated USB Drivers: Outdated or corrupted USB drivers can hinder the computer’s ability to recognize and interact with USB devices.
- USB Device Issues: The USB device itself may be malfunctioning, damaged, or incompatible with your computer.
- Power Supply Problems: Insufficient power supply to the USB port can lead to the error, especially with power-hungry devices.
- Driver Conflicts: Conflicts between device drivers or software can disrupt USB communication.
- Physical Damage: Physical damage to the USB connector or the USB device can prevent proper connection and recognition.
- USB Hub Issues: If you are using a USB hub, it may be defective or incompatible with certain devices.
Now that we’ve identified the potential causes let’s explore the solutions to fix the “USB Not Recognized” error:
What Can I Do If My USB Device Isn’t Recognized?
There are several techniques and processes for correcting this type of error, which are listed below:
1. Disconnect the Power Supply
The simplest way to deal with a mistake is to turn off your computer’s power supply. To restart your computer, follow these steps. It will also be updated from the previous load.
To turn off the power, you must properly shut down or restart your device so that it can resume normal operation. Try refreshing your computer by right-clicking on the desktop and then inserting USB again to check if it works before shutting it off.
2. Remove and Reconnect
This procedure should only be used if the USB device has become obsolete and corrupt. To delete and reconnect your external USB device, follow these steps:-
Step 1: From the Search Box menu, pick ‘Device Manager’ from the Start button.
Step 2: A list of results will appear; choose Device Manager from the list.
Step 3: From the hardware list, choose disc drives.
Step 4: Locate an external USB device and right-click it to uninstall it.
Step 5: Unplug the USB cable at the end of the procedure. Then reconnect the cable and see whether the problem still exists. If it doesn’t work, try again.
3. Install the latest USB Device Drivers
This approach is commonly used when a USB disc is not responding and reading and connecting takes a long time. It usually occurs when numerous devices are connected to the same hub.
It causes the system to read the USB device at a slower rate than usual. To resolve this issue, follow the procedures outlined below to upgrade your existing USB Device Drivers:
Step 1: The first step is to see if your system or operating software needs to be updated. If that’s the case, make the necessary changes right away.
Step 2: Now it’s time to talk to the Device Manager. To do so, go to the Start button and look for the Device Manager option.
Step 3: When you click on it, a drop-down menu with numerous options displays.
Step 4: Find ‘Disk Drives’ by scrolling down. When you click on it, the option ‘HGST’ appears.
Step 5: Select Update Driver from the context menu by right-clicking on it. This will update your driver, and you should try inserting the USB again to check whether it now works.
4. Repair the USB Root Hub
If you get the issue “USB device not recognised,” you can usually fix it by using the Fix USB Root Hub option, which you may get by following the steps below:
Step 1: Select ‘Device Manager’ from the Control Panel by pressing the Start button.
Step 2: When you click on Device Manager, you’ll be presented with a choice of alternatives.
Step 3: Now, go down the list and select Uninstall Device, which will delete the device from your device.
Step 4: Restart your computer or mobile device. After the test machine has completed an auto-scan of your hardware changes, go back to device manager and reinstall USB Root Hub to see if it is still connected.
5. Turn Off the USB Selective Suspend Feature
This feature may assist you in resolving the identify error as well as allowing you to plug in the USB even if your device’s battery life is low. Use the procedures below to disable the USB Selective Suspend setting:
Step 1: Select ‘Control Panel’ from the ‘Start button.’
Step 2: From the Control Panel, go to ‘Hardware and Sound,’ and then to ‘Power.’
Step 3: Select ‘Change the plan settings’ from the ‘Power option,’ and then select ‘Advanced power setting option.’
Step 4: Look for ‘USB settings’ in there. Expand that, and a new option called ‘USB Selective Suspend Setting’ appears; expand it, and select ‘Disable’ from the drop-down menu. As a result, your USB settings have been deactivated.
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Conclusion
The “USB Not Recognized” error can be a frustrating obstacle when trying to use USB devices with your computer. However, with a clear understanding of its causes and the appropriate troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve this issue and regain seamless connectivity.
Remember to regularly update your USB drivers, inspect your USB devices for physical damage, and maintain a clean and secure computing environment to minimize the risk of encountering this error in the future.
By following these solutions, you can efficiently troubleshoot and resolve “USB Not Recognized” errors, ensuring the smooth operation of your USB peripherals and devices.
