How to Fix an Unrecognized USB Device on Windows 11

What to do when your PC won't recognize your USB device

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: July 30, 2026 Fact Checked

Plugging your USB device into your PC only to get a "USB device not recognized" error can be both frustrating and worrying. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to fix this error. In this article, we'll cover 10 ways to fix the "USB device not recognized" error on Windows 11.

Ways to Fix an Unrecognized USB on Windows

Try restarting your computer or the USB device (if possible).
Make sure your USB device or port isn't damaged or dirty.
Try a different USB port or switch to a different USB cable.
Update or reinstall your device drivers, if necessary.

1

Reboot your computer.

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This is a simple fix, but restarting your PC can fix a lot of issues, including a USB device that won't connect. Make sure to remove the USB device from your computer before restarting it, then insert the device back into your computer once it's back on, and you're logged in again.^{[1]
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2

Restart your USB device.

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If you're trying to plug in a device that you can turn off, try restarting it. Just like your computer, restarting your device (such as a camera or phone) can help refresh it and clear out any bugs that are keeping it from connecting.
- If your device can't be restarted (such as a USB drive), try the other methods in this article.

3

Try a different USB port.

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The USB port you're trying to use may be broken. If you have another USB port on your computer, try plugging the device into the other port. Otherwise, you may need to try plugging it into a laptop or ask a friend if they can try it out.^{[2]
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- If you learn that one of your USB ports is broken, you can usually get along without it, but you'll need to remember that you can't use that port. Ports can also be repaired, but the cost varies.
- If you only have one USB port, you may want to consider getting your computer repaired, or you may need to replace it entirely.

4

Check the USB device for damage or debris.

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If your USB device or your USB port on your computer shows visible signs of damage or is dirty, then you'll likely run into the "USB Device Not Recognized" error.
- If the USB device or port is dirty, brush away any dirt you can reach with a cotton swab or toothpick, then use compressed air to blow away the rest of the debris.
- If you use a USB cable to connect the device to your computer and it's broken, you'll need to replace it with a different cable.
- If the USB device itself is broken, you will also need to replace it. However, if the device is a storage device (like a flash drive), you'll need to contact a data retrieval specialist to get your data off the drive.
  - Some computer repair shops also offer data retrieval, but you may need to use Google or your favorite search engine to find a data retrieval expert near you.
  - Data retrieval can be expensive, so if there's nothing useful on the flash drive (or it's just backups), it's cheaper to buy a new one and start over.

5

Try a different USB cable (if possible).

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There are a couple of other reasons you may need a new USB cable:
- The USB cable you're trying to use is the wrong type of cable. Some USB cables only charge devices, while others transfer data and charge. If you need to plug your device into your computer to get something off of it, make sure your USB cable supports data transfer, too.
- Your cable may be broken. Make sure to check both of the ports to make sure they don't have any broken pieces inside, but also check the rest of the cable. If there are any worn spots with exposed wiring, that could cause the cable to not work—and even if it does work, it could be dangerous, as this could start a fire.^{[3]
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6

Wiggle or adjust the USB connector.

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Sometimes, if the USB plug doesn't make a proper connection, it can give you a "USB Device Not Recognized" error. If you've determined that the USB plug and ports are all functioning, try giving the USB plug a little wiggle. This can help the plug seat firmly in the port so your computer can read it.

7

Update your USB device's drivers.

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If your USB device's drivers are outdated, the device may not work properly when you plug it in. While these drivers should update themselves, sometimes you may need to do it manually. If you have a USB flash drive, you can skip this step. Here's how you can do it:
- Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar and click Device Manager.
- Locate your device. You'll have to expand sections until you find it. For example, if your USB device is a Bluetooth dongle, you'd expand the "Bluetooth" section.
- Right-click on the device.
- Click Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers.
- Wait for your computer to find any drivers. If drivers are found, you can install them.

8

Reinstall the USB device's drivers.

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If your device's drivers are corrupt, they won't work properly, which will cause issues when you try to use the device. If this is the case, you'll need to reinstall your drivers. Here's how to do it:
- Make sure the device is unplugged before beginning.
- Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar and click Device Manager.
- Locate your device. You'll have to expand sections until you find it. For example, if your USB device is a Bluetooth dongle, you'd expand the "Bluetooth" section.
- Right-click on the device.
- Click Uninstall device.
- Check the box next to "Attempt to remove the driver for this device."
- Click Uninstall. After a few moments, the device will be removed.
- Plug the device back into your computer. Once you do, the device will automatically reinstall its drivers.

9

Update Windows.

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Sometimes, USB devices stop working due to a bug with Windows itself. If this is the case, you'll have to update Windows to get the fix. To update Windows, type update into the taskbar search bar, then click Check for updates in the Start menu that pops up. If an update is available, you'll be able to install it from here.

10

Check power management settings.

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Depending on your power management settings, your computer may be turning off your USB device, which can lead to an error when you try to use it.^{[4]
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Research source} Here's how to fix it:
- Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar and click Device Manager.
- Locate your device. You'll have to expand sections until you find it. For example, if your USB device is a Bluetooth dongle, you'd expand the "Bluetooth" section.
- Right-click on the device.
- Click Properties.
- Click the Power Management tab at the top of the window.
- Uncheck the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
- Click OK to save your changes.