Top 8 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Not Recognizing USB Devices

The USB port remains the preferred method for transferring files, connecting accessories, and more on Windows 11. Nothing beats the convenience of using a USB port over wireless connections. But what if the operating system fails to detect the connected USB device in the first place? Here are some tricks to fix Windows 11 not recognizing USB devices.

1. UNLOCK AND TRUST device

Some devices, such as the iPhone, come with an extra layer of authentication to verify the user's identity. When youConnecting your iPhone to a computer for the first time , you need to unlock it.

iOS will ask you to trust the connected device. Once authenticated, you'll see your iPhone content appear on your computer.

When it comes to Android phones, when you connect your Android device to your computer, it switches to charging mode. You need to change the status to transfer files from Settings to display the Android file manager on your computer.

2. Clean the USB port

Over time, dust and other particles can build up in your computer's USB port. When you connect a USB device, Windows 11 will continue to have problems recognizing connected devices.

Use a microfiber cloth or paintbrush to clean the USB port and try again.

3. Try another USB port.

While laptops these days have one or two USB ports, your computer may have three or four. If Windows 11 doesn't recognize USB devices from one port, you can always try a different one.

If you're dealing with a Type-C port on a laptop, you can use a dongle and connect a USB device.

When your Windows 11 computer fails to recognize your wired mouse, try using a USB hub to connect it.

4. Change power management settings

By default, Windows 11 suspends USB device operations in the background to save power, especially on laptops. You can disable the drive from the Device Manager menu.

Step 1: Right click on Windows key and open Device Manager menu.

Step 2: Look for USB device From the list, right-click on it.

Step 3: Locate The properties from the context menu.

Step 5: Disable option Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power..

Click OK and you are ready to use the connected USB device on your computer.

5. Reinstall USB drivers

Buggy USB drivers on your Windows 11 computer can cause issues with USB device recognition. You need to uninstall the USB drivers from the Device Manager. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Right click on Windows key and select Device Manager.

Step 2: When it opens, scroll down to Universal Serial Bus Controllers section to find “USB Root Hub device” Right click on it.

Step 3: Locate Uninstall Drivers And choose "Yes".

Restart your computer Wait for Windows 11 to automatically install the required drivers after connecting the USB device.

6. Disable USB suspend settings

This is another setting change that can affect USB operations on Windows. To reduce battery usage, Windows 11 stops USB operations after a while. Let's change the behavior.

Step 1: Click on Windows key , And type “Modify the energy plan” , And press Enter. will open Windows Energy options in Control Panel.

Step 2: Select Change Advanced power settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to USB settings and select Setting up USB selective suspend.

Step 4: Disable the service from the drop-down menu and click on OK.

7. Wipe Windows PC

Malicious files on your Windows 11 computer can cause problems with USB devices. You can run the Windows Security tool to scan and remove these files.

Step 1: Click on Windows key , And type Windows Security , And press Enter to open the application.

Step 2: Go to List Protection from viruses and dangers.

Step 3: make Quick check.

You can minimize the app and continue your work.

8. Windows 11 Update

Windows 11 not recognizing USB devices may be a bug with the operating system installed on your computer. You can go to Windows Settings (use Windows + I keys) Open menu Windows Update. Download Latest version Available from the release and install. After that, Restart your computer To perform a successful installation.

Use USB devices on Windows 11

Although we have a wireless keyboard and mouse in the office, we prefer a USB connection for a lag-free experience. The same holds true when transferring files from an iPhone or Android to a PC or vice versa. Offline file transfer via USB is superior to cloud solutions like OneDrive Or Google Drive.

Windows 11's failure to recognize USB devices can be confusing, and you may end up resorting to unconventional methods to accomplish the task. The above tricks should help you resolve the issue within five to ten minutes.