USB Device Not Detected
If your USB device isn’t recognized, not showing up in File Explorer, or fails to power on, the issue could stem from power delivery, driver errors, or port damage. Follow this checklist to quickly diagnose and fix the problem.
💡 Applies to: Windows 10 & 11 (desktops, laptops, docking stations).
🔌 Step 1: Basic Checks
- Try the device on another USB port.
- Connect it directly to the PC (avoid hubs or docks).
- Test the device on another computer to confirm it works.
- If it works elsewhere, focus troubleshooting on your current PC’s USB controller.
⚡ Step 2: Check for Power Delivery
- Ensure the port is not loose or damaged — look for wobbling or bent connectors.
- For external drives or cameras, use the included power adapter if applicable.
- Try removing other USB devices — some laptops limit total USB power draw.
- Restart your PC and unplug power for 30 seconds to reset port power delivery.
🧰 Step 3: Use Device Manager
- Right-click Start → Device Manager.
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Look for yellow ⚠️ icons or “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)”.
- Right-click and select Uninstall device, then Action → Scan for hardware changes.
- If prompted, reboot your PC.
🔄 Step 4: Reinstall USB Controllers
- In Device Manager, under Universal Serial Bus controllers:
- Right-click each entry → Uninstall device.
- Reboot — Windows will reinstall them automatically.
⚙️ Step 5: Update Drivers
- Run Windows Update → Check for updates (includes USB fixes).
- For chipset drivers, go to your computer manufacturer’s support site.
- Intel systems: download Intel Chipset Device Software or Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
🔋 Step 6: Adjust Power Management
- In Device Manager → under Universal Serial Bus controllers:
- Right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management.
- Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
- Click OK and reboot.
🧩 Step 7: Check Disk Management (for Drives)
- Press Win + X → Disk Management.
- If the drive appears as “Unallocated” or “No drive letter,” right-click it → Change Drive Letter and Paths → Add → Assign letter.
- If it says “RAW” format, data recovery tools may be needed before reformatting.
💻 Step 8: Disable USB Selective Suspend
- Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings.
- Expand USB settings → USB selective suspend setting → set to Disabled.
- Click Apply → OK and reboot.
🧱 Step 9: Hardware or Port Failure
- Test all ports — if none work, it could be a motherboard or docking station issue.
- Check BIOS/UEFI → ensure USB Configuration is enabled.
- On laptops, update BIOS from the manufacturer’s support page.
- Persistent failures after software fixes likely mean a damaged USB controller.
✅ Most USB issues are resolved by reinstalling USB drivers or adjusting power management.
If devices still aren’t detected across ports, the controller hardware or motherboard may need servicing.