[Solved] How to Fix “USB Not Recognized” Error in Windows 10

One of the most annoying errors while using USB drive is “USB Device Not Recognized” error. Sometimes the error can be solved by just reconnecting the device but if the error persists then you should consider it and take necessary action on the same.

I recently faced the same issue while connecting my external hard drive to PC. I removed the hard drive and plugged it again and guess what? It started working normally. Nonetheless, if you are unlucky enough to get this error, again and again, read the below to find out some solutions for these errors.

Try Restarting the PC:

1. First, unplug your USB drive from PC.
2. Turn off your PC and unplug it from the wall socket (remove the battery if you are using a laptop).
3. Wait for some time and plug your PC back to the wall socket (or insert the battery).
4. Boot your PC/laptop and check if the error is gone.

If you are still getting the error, then read the next solution.

Update your Windows:

This error often shows up if your Windows is not updated. So, if your Windows still have some pending updates, make sure to update your Windows.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7:

1. Click on Start > All Programs, open Windows Updates.
2. Windows will start to search for new updates.
3. If you see any updates there, select the critical updates and click on Install Updates“.

For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:

1. Open Settings app.
2. Navigate to “Update and Security and click on Check for updates.
3. Windows will start downloading and installing updates automatically.
4. After updates get installed, restart your PC.

Try to insert your USB drive now, your PC should detect it. If not, then there’s the possibility of your drive being faulty. To check that, connect your USB drive to another PC and see if it detects it without any issues.

Try Reinstalling the USB drivers:

USB drivers might also create problems in detecting USB drives. So, it’s always good to check for updates at specific intervals of time.

1. Click on “Start then search for “Device Manager and open it.
2. On Device Manager Window, expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers and uninstall the drivers for each of the devices listed below.
3. When you uninstall the drivers for all the devices, restart your PC.
4. After restarting, your PC will reload the drivers for USB ports.
5. Try connecting the USB drive again.

Conclusion

These were the best possible ways to remove the “Device not recognized” error. Do let us know your preferred method for fixing the issue mentioned above in the comments below. Stay tuned for more such articles.