Seeing the “USB device not recognized” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating—especially when your mouse, keyboard, flash drive, or external hard drive suddenly stops working.
The good news? In most cases, the problem is software-related and easy to fix.
This guide covers all proven solutions, from quick checks to advanced fixes, so you can get your USB device working again—fast.
What Does “USB Device Not Recognized” Mean?
This error appears when Windows 11:
- Can’t identify the USB device
- Fails to load the correct driver
- Detects a power or port issue
- Encounters corrupted USB settings
It may also show as:
USB device malfunctioned and not recognized
Quick Checks Before Advanced Fixes
Before changing system settings, try these first:
- Unplug the USB device and plug it back in
- Try a different USB port
- Restart your PC
- Test the USB device on another computer
If it still fails, move on to the fixes below.
Fix 1: Restart Windows Explorer (Surprisingly Effective)
This refreshes USB detection instantly.
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Open Task Manager
- Right-click Windows Explorer
- Click Restart
Reconnect the USB device and check again.
Fix 2: Update or Reinstall USB Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are the #1 cause of this error.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Right-click devices marked with a warning icon
- Select Uninstall device
- Restart your PC
Windows 11 will automatically reinstall fresh drivers.
Fix 3: Disable USB Power Saving (Very Important)
Windows may turn off USB ports to save power.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Right-click USB Root Hub
- Click Properties → Power Management
- Uncheck
“Allow the computer to turn off this device” - Click OK
Repeat for all USB Root Hubs.
Fix 4: Fix USB Device Malfunctioned and Not Recognized in Windows 11
This method targets the exact error message.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Find Unknown USB Device
- Right-click → Uninstall
- Shut down the PC
- Unplug power cable for 2 minutes
- Restart and reconnect the USB device
This resets USB hardware communication.
Fix 5: USB Mouse Not Recognized in Windows 11
If your USB mouse is not recognized:
- Plug it into a USB 2.0 port (black port)
- Use keyboard shortcuts:
- Alt + Tab
- Windows + X
- Enable HID-compliant mouse in Device Manager
This specifically fixes
👉 how to fix usb device not recognized windows 11 mouse
Fix 6: USB Drive Not Showing Up (Windows 10 & 11)
This fix applies to both versions.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Disk Management
- Look for the USB drive
- If visible but unallocated:
- Right-click → New Simple Volume
- Assign a drive letter
This also solves:
👉 how to fix usb drive not showing up windows 10
Fix 7: Update Windows 11
Sometimes the issue is a known Windows bug.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Install all pending updates
- Restart your PC
Why USB Issues Are More Common on Older Systems
Older hardware may struggle with newer OS updates.
You may find this useful:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/windows-7-minimum-requirements-complete-guide-for-old-new-pcs
USB Networking & Device Conflicts
USB network adapters can cause conflicts.
Check your system’s identifiers here:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-find-mac-address-in-windows-11-all-methods-explained
Language & Region Can Affect Drivers (Rare but Real)
Incorrect system language may prevent proper driver installation.
Fix it here:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-change-language-in-windows-11-10-and-7-complete-guide
Quick FAQs (Optimized for Featured Snippets)
How do I fix USB device not recognized in Windows 11?
Update or reinstall USB drivers, disable USB power saving, and restart your PC.
Why does my USB device say malfunctioned?
It usually means driver corruption, power issues, or a faulty USB port.
Can a USB device be damaged permanently?
Yes, but most USB errors are software-related and fixable.
Conclusion
If you’re facing USB device not recognized in Windows 11, don’t panic. In most cases, the issue is caused by drivers, power management, or system bugs—not hardware failure. Follow the steps above in order, and your USB device should work again without spending a single $.