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    A common problem that arises for computer users is dealing with the USB Device not recognized error. This error is thrown after an electronic device is connected to the computer or USB hub but is not automatically detected. When the error occurs, the Windows Device Manager may also list the component as an “unknown device” depending on the nature of the error. Although more commonly encountered on Windows computers, Mac OS X users can also experience the equivalent error when connecting new or legacy peripheries to their computer(s).

    What Are the Common Causes of the USB Device Not Recognized Error?

    There are several factors that can contribute to the USB device not recognized error. These include:

    The computer does not support USB 2.0 or USB 3.0

    Incorrect USB drivers installed on the computer

    A malfunction in the host controller hardware has occurred

    Attached devices or hubs may have created the conflict

    Host controller hardware malfunction

    Additional system hardware or configurations that may change the timing of the device.

    Methods to Correct the USB Device Not Recognized Error

    Some of the common methods to use to correct issues with a USB device not being recognized include: initiating recognition of the USB device using the Windows Device Manager, disabling power management of the USB hub, restarting the computer, conducting a system file check, checking for loose connections, and running the Windows System Restore utility. All of the methods can be attempted by end-users who have administrator privileges on their computer without having to pay a computer professional to troubleshoot the error.

    Steps to Initiate Recognition of the USB Device by the Device Manager

    Step 1 – Unplug and then plug the USB device back into your computer.

    Step 2 – Select the “Start” menu button and enter “Devmgmt.msc” in the search text field followed by pressing the “Ok” button on the computer’s keyboard. On older versions of Windows, you will need to select the “Run” menu button after “Start” to enter the command.

    Step 2 – Click on the Device Manager window to select the computer you are using as the location for the hardware scan.

    Step 3 – Click the “Scan for hardware changes” on the “Action” menu.

    Step 4 – Wait for the scan to complete. Windows will display a message similar to, “Windows XP recognizes the new device” if the Device Manger has been successful in correcting the USB device not recognized error.USB Device Not Recognized

    Disable Power Management of the USB Hub

    Step 1 – Reseat the USB device in the computer by unplugging and plugging back into the USB port.

    Step 2 – Select the “Start” menu button and enter “Devmgmt.msc” command in the search text field followed by clicking the “Ok” menu button to launch the Windows Device Manager.

    Step 3 – Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers menu option. Then, right-click a USB Root Hub on the listing and choose the “Properties” menu option. This action will display the USB Root Hub Properties dialog menu box.

    Step 4 – Choose the “Power Management” menu tab.

    Step 5 – Select the menu option to allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box. Click the “Ok” menu button.

    Step 6 – Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each USB hub listed in the application.

    Step 7 – Select the “Scan for hardware changes” menu choice on the “Action” menu.

    Step 8 – If the USB device error has been fixed, Windows will display a message that it recognizes the new device.

    Restart the Computer to Recognize the USB Device

    A method commonly overlooked when troubleshooting a USB device error is to restart the computer to force the Operating System to recognize the device.

    Step 1 – Unplug the USB device.

    Step 2 – Restart the computer. Wait about 10 seconds after the computer has completed the restart.

    Step 3 – Plug the USB device into the hub or computer.

    Step 4 – If successful, Windows will display a message that the device is now recognized.

    Fix Errors Using Windows System File Check

    If the USB device has previously worked on your computer, there is a possibility that a configuration file has become corrupted. The Windows System File checker can be used to identify and correct corrupted files.

    Step 1 – Select the “Start” menu button followed by choosing the “All Programs” and “Accessories” menu options.

    Step 2 – Right click the “Command Prompt” and choose the “Run as Administrator” menu option.

    Step 3 – Select the “Continue” menu button. Some configurations of the Windows OS will require that you enter the administrator login and password on this step.

    Step 4 – Enter “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt window followed by pressing the “Enter” key.

    Step 5 – Windows will initiate a full scan of the computer. The following message will be displayed to indicate the scan status:

    Beginning the system scan. This process will take some time.

    Beginning verification phase of system scan.

    Verification XX % complete

    Step 6 – View the Windows System File Check results after the scan has completed on the screen. The application will either: 1 – find no integrity violations, 2 – find corruption(s) and repair them, or 3 – find corruptions and fail to repair them. The results of the scan will also be saved to the CBS.log file that is stored in the %windir%LogsCBS folder.

    Step 7 – Restart your computer if errors were discovered and repaired and the USB device not found error should be corrected.

    Use System Restore to Fix the USB Device Not Found Error

    If the USB device has previously worked on the computer, Windows System Restore can be used to restore the operating system to a previous condition. For this method to work, a Restore Point will have to be selected prior to the issues with device recognition occurring.

    Step 1 – Select the “Start” menu button followed by the “All Programs,” “Accessories,” and “System Tools” menu options.

    Step 2 – Click the “System Restore” menu choice followed by the “Continue” menu button. Windows may require you enter the administrator login and password for the computer before you can select the “Continue” button.

    Step 3 – Select the “Choose a different restore point” menu option followed by clicking the “Next” menu button.

    Step 4 – Choose a date and time prior to the issues being experienced with the USB device. If it has been greater than 5 days since you have had the problems, you will need to select the “Show restore points older than 5 days” check box.

    Step 5 – Continue with Windows System Restore and restart your computer if it does not do so automatically.

    Step 6 – Insert the USB device after computer restart and it should now be recognized.

    **Note: Use System Restore with caution. If you have installed any computer programs, updates, or made major configuration changes to the computer since the restore point you choose they will be lost. Personal files, documents, emails, and photos will not be affected through using the System Restore application.

    Disable USB Hub Power Management

    If you are using a USB hub, the power management utility can interfere with the proper operation of a USB device. Disabling this feature can fix the USB device not found error in some cases.

    Step 1 – Select the “Start” menu button and enter “devmgmt.msc” in the search text field followed by clicking the “Ok” menu button.

    Step 2 – Expand the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” menu node.

    Step 3 – Right click the “USB Root Hub” menu item and then click the “Properties” menu choice.

    Step 4 – Select the “Power Management” menu tab. Then, clear the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” check box followed by clicking the “Ok” menu button.

    Step 5 – Restart the computer and the error should be corrected. Note that if the procedure is accomplished on a laptop the battery life will be reduced.

     

    Remove the Computer from the Power Supply

    If you do not have time to take the basic troubleshooting steps to fix the USB device not found error, or they do not work, a quickfix that you can attempt is unplugging the power supply from a laptop.

    Step 1 – Unplug or remove your computer from its power supply. (note these steps are for laptops).

    Step 2 – Remove the USB device from the computer.

    Step 3 – Turn off the computer using the power button or the “Shut Down” command found by selecting the “Start” menu button or pressing the “CTRL” + “ALT” + “DEL” keys simultaneously.

    Step 4 – Restart the computer. Insert the USB device after the computer has restarted to correct the USB device not found error.

    USB Device Not Recognized on a Mac

    Although the USB device not recognized is a common error that is seen on computers that run the Windows OS, it can also be encountered on those running Mac OS X. Since Mac OS 9, Apple has designed the OS to not require special drivers to detect USB devices which helps minimize the issues previously seen with external peripheries on the OS; however, this has still not proven to be full-proof against errors arising.  The steps to troubleshoot the error on a Mac are similar to those taken on a Windows computer.

    Step 1 – Ensure the connection between the device and USB port is secure. Remove the device throwing the error from the computer’s USB port and then plug it in again. The connection should be secure, but take care not to force the connection as damage to the port could result.

    Step 2 – Remove other devices that are connected to the computer via USB ports. After removing all accessories, start plugging them in one at a time. Ensure the device is recognized and functioning properly before moving to the next device. Sometimes on Mac OS X computers, two devices will interfere or conflict with each other. If you discover this is the case on your computer, you will have to deconflict usage of the two devices and seek software fix(es) from the respective device manufacturer(s).

    Step 3 – Determine if the USB device that is throwing the error is new or one that you have had for a while which has stopped working. If it is a legacy device, the error(s) are likely resulting from new software or computer configuration changes. If you have recently installed a new application on the computer, consider uninstalling the program to see if there is an incompatibility with the USB device. If the issue is with a new periphery, visit the manufacturer’s website to see if there is new software to install to help correct the problem.

    Step 4 – Check the device status in the System Profiler. The Mac OS X System Profiler can be found by opening the “Applications” and “Utilities” folder. Once launched, select the “Contents” column then the “USB” menu option beneath the “Hardware” menu header. If the device is displayed in the “System Profiler” the issue is likely due to software incompatibilities. This will require updating the software drivers, reinstalling the system software, or creating a new computer user to resolve. If the device does not display in the System Profile, the issue has likely occurred with the hardware.

    Step 5 –  If the USB device that is throwing the “not recognized” error is plugged into the computer’s keyboard or a USB hub, remove it. Then, plug the device directly into one of the computer’s USB ports. If the device now works, the hub or keyboard ports are likely not providing sufficient power to the device.

    Step 6 – Take a working USB device and test each USB port on the computer. Many times, one or more of the USB ports on a computer will stop functioning. If this is the case, it could be a sign that the computer needs servicing, but will help you understand if you have issues with the USB device or the computer.

    Step 7 – If the USB device has an external power cord, reseat it. This means that you need to unplug and replug the external cord into the power source. Sometimes, there can be issues with the wall socket or power strip being used, so also change the source of power that the cord is using for the test.

    Step 8 – Verify the USB device is mounted properly. To do so, select the “Hard Disk” and then “Applications” menu options. Click the “Utilities” and “Disk Utility” menu options. Highlight the name of the USB device. If the display indicates “Mount on top,” click the “Mount” menu options sot that it changes to unmount. Then, remount the device as required.

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    24 comments
    1. 1dennis3

      22 September, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      I have a PC that is using a USB to CAT 5 extender for the printer. The printer is about 130 feet away from the PC. It has been working great for years until today. Now it gives me an error “USB device not recognized”. I have tried 5 different CAT 5 cables and 1 CAT 6 cable all with the same result. I had the networking department come in and test the cables and they all tested fine. I have swapped out the extenders with 2 other pairs of known working extenders, same results. I have changed the USB cable on the printer, same results, I swapped out the printer, same result. I moved the printer into the same room as the PC and connect it to the PC using the same extenders and USB cable but using a 7 foot CAT 5 patch cable, the printer worked fine. I tried it with a 55 foot CAT 6 cable and it worked fine. I moved the printer back to its original location, same error. The ONLY difference is the connecting CAT 5 cable.

      I deleted the printer and cleaned the registry of every mention of the printer. Rebooted the PC then plugged in the USB to the printer, it recognized the printer, installed the drivers and set up the printer completely and then gave the error “USB device not recognized”.
      What am I missing?

      Reply
    2. Barry D

      12 September, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      We had tried all of these suggestions and more. Nothing worked. The lower-level error was “Port Reset Failed”. I discovered that using a POWERED USB hub between the phone and the computer would eliminate the problem. Later we found that one of the three cables we had would work without going thru the hub. My speculation is that the amount of power the device can pull from the USB port is dictated by the Samsung cables somehow. Those that ask for more power can only be used when the power is drawn from the hub instead of the computer.

      Reply
    3. Queena Deboever

      29 December, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Thanks very much! Only Disable USB Hub Power Management worked to stop the annoying constant pop-up.

      Reply
    4. chakralimbu

      29 December, 2014 at 8:56 am

      I tried everything as u suggested, but my bad luck didnot work.
      Tried new cable too, my cable is working in another external hard drive.
      now everytime i put the usb cable, the computer is asking for formatting for use.
      I have lots of important files in the external device, can you tell me how can i restore them ?
      FYI: the computer and macbook doesnot show this drive and in the device manager USB controller shows up with yellow colored sign.
      please help me, i really need those files. 🙁

      Reply
    5. Dan Walker

      15 November, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      i tried everything listed above….nothing has worked…

      Reply
    6. Devi Sree

      1 October, 2014 at 4:41 pm

      Thank you, just changed the USB Cable and it worked.

      Reply
    7. Prafulla Swain

      21 November, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      usb malfunction or computer does not reconise it.plz help

      Reply
      • H3llas

        21 November, 2013 at 8:01 pm

        Try it on another computer. If USB device is not working on another computer replace your USB device.

        Reply
      • Prafulla Swain

        22 December, 2013 at 3:08 am

        it working in an another com. but not in my pc. why so plz help

        Reply
        • H3llas

          23 December, 2013 at 12:18 pm

          Did any other USB device worked or work on that usb port? Which device you are connecting?

          Reply
    8. shiva

      5 October, 2012 at 10:54 am

      COMPUTER START OF USB DEVICE IS WORKING
      AFTER SOME TIME PRINTER, MOUSE SCANNER (USB) IS DISABLE
      THREE TYPES CHANGE WINDOWS XP
      ANTI VIRUS QUICK HEAL, KESPERSKY, ESET NOD32
      WHAT CAN I DO ???

      Reply
    9. Liona

      18 November, 2011 at 3:04 pm

      Hi,
      I just purchased a new keyboard for my PC and my computer doesn’t seem to recognize the device. I tried all the troubleshooting I could and the message in the Device Status box reads ‘ 
      No drivers are installed for this device’.  I have no idea what that means but it didn’t come with any installation cd just the keyboard on it’s own. I think it’s faulty but just wanted to get someone who knows a bit more about it to tell me. lol      

      Reply
      • Ricky

        12 June, 2012 at 7:07 am

        Liona what OS are u using…?
        basically in windows usb drivers are already installed maybe your bios have not been set for PnP (by pressing delete key while starting your system) go 2 d bios setting & find PnP option enable it may be this helps u. if it is enabled then go 2 d manufactures site for support.

        Reply
    10. ghetto19

      27 September, 2011 at 4:04 pm

      I have a ScanDisk Cruzer USB Memory Stick Slice 32 GB that I used for data transfer (only music and movies).
      My USB worked well until two days ago, but now no longer recognized by my PC.
      Every time you connect to PC, I get the message “USB device not recognized”. It is a problem with my PC or my stick? Thanks!..:(

      Reply
    11. Ishan

      19 August, 2011 at 9:41 am

      Hello ji 
      Problem -Usb not recognised
      My Problem is solved trough changing the usb Connector
      Thatz final but sometimes If it shows itz system fault but ifit occurs every time thatz the Usb Connector problem 

      Reply
    12. Sammy Tan

      25 June, 2011 at 6:25 am

      Thanks a lot…………….it works……it really works!
      I have been looking for a solution with this problem for quite sometime. It turned out the solution is just very simple!
      I appreciate it very much…….. thanks a lot again
       
       
       

      Reply
    13. Vincente

      21 June, 2011 at 4:42 am

      Hi, I’ve inserted the usb device to the usb port on my laptop and the windows did not deteced the device even the device manager shows that the device driver is working properly…

      would appreciate your asistance.

      Reply
    14. Das

      1 June, 2011 at 7:37 am

      I used USB block software to restrict unauthorized  pen-drive access.  After few days I uninstalled it.  After uninstalling my USB ports are not working, it is not recognized.  And few days later now my USB Lan also not working.  I tried — My comp – manage – device – usb – right click and enable (it showing red cross in all five usb).  This attempt hangs my system …

      Please help me sort out this problem…

      Reply
    15. bertha

      29 May, 2011 at 12:46 pm

      holas amigos ayudente porfavor.
      acabo de comprar uma impresora canon PIXMA MP250 multifuncional. bien el problema radica cuando conecto la impresora me sale un mensaje en cual dice “windows no reconoce el dispositivo o presenta conflictos” bueno mas o menso asi. la verdad no se que hacer ya que a acusa de eso no puedo instalar la impresora, ya probe de todo instale los drivers de usb y nada. instale los controladores que vienen en el cd me descargue los controladores de la pagina oficial de canon pero nada. la verdad ya no se que hacer.
      y no quiero preder la inversion que realize al comprar este equipo.
      espero sus respuestas gracias.

      Reply
    16. otto

      27 February, 2011 at 1:02 am

      I know why this happened. I attached a knock-off tablet and tried to connect it to my laptop. I returned the tablet, not an easy task. Now I get the USB error message all the time and I cannot reconnect what caused it. There must be a way to get rid of this error. I even tried system restore but no luck.
       
      Any help would be appreciated!

      Reply
    17. Nand k

      18 February, 2011 at 11:58 am

      Thank You very much. Its working.

      Reply
    18. Steve Lomax

      14 January, 2011 at 10:21 am

      Tried everything on this site and others without success. I changed the USB device cable (HTC HD2) and presto- Problem solved.

      Reply
      • Anthony Darlington

        24 September, 2016 at 11:00 pm

        I tried it with another wire and it worked a absolute charm, thank you very much! 😀

        Reply
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