How to fix Windows 11 not recognizing USB devices

The USB port remains one of the much-loved solutions for transferring files, connecting accessories and more on Windows 11. Nothing can compare to the convenience of using a USB port over the methods. wireless. 

But what if the operating system fails to detect the connected USB device in the first place? Here are the tricks to fix Windows 11 not recognizing USB devices.

Trusted Unlock Device

Some devices like the iPhone have an extra layer of authentication to verify the user's identity. When you connect your iPhone to your computer for the first time, you need to unlock it. iOS will ask the user to trust the connected device. Once authenticated, you'll see your iPhone content appear on your computer.

If it is an Android phone, when you connect the Android device to the computer, the device will enter charging mode. You need to change the status to Transfer Files from the Settings app to see the Android file manager on your computer.

Clean the USB port

Over time, a computer's USB port can become clogged with dust and other particles. When you plug in a USB device, Windows 11 continues to have trouble recognizing the connected devices. Use a microfiber cloth or paintbrush to clean the USB port and try again.

Try another USB port

New generation laptops now have at least one or two USB ports, while older, thicker computers used to have three or up to four USB ports. If Windows 11 doesn't recognize the USB device from one port, you can always try another.

If your computer uses a USB-C port, a docking adapter can be used to connect a USB device. When your Windows 11 computer does not recognize the wired mouse, try using a USB hub to connect.

Change power management settings

By default, Windows 11 suspends USB device activities in the background to save power, especially on laptops. You can turn off tweaks from the Device Manager menu.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows key and select the Device Manager option in the menu that appears.

Step 2: Find the USB device from the list and right-click it.

Step 3: Select Properties from the displayed menu.

Step 4: In the new window displayed, select the Power Management tab.

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

Step 6: Click the OK button and you are ready to use the connected USB device on the computer.

Reinstall the USB driver

Faulty USB drivers on Windows 11 computers can also lead to USB device recognition problems. You need to uninstall the USB driver from the Device Manager menu. Proceed as follows:

Step 1: Activate the Device Manager window as above. 

Step 2: In the displayed Device Manager window, scroll down to the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section to find the USB Root Hub device entry and right-click.

Step 3: Select the Uninstall Drivers option, click the Yes button when asked for confirmation. 

Restart the computer and wait for Windows 11 to automatically install the necessary drivers after plugging in the USB device.

Disable USB hang setting

This is another setting tweak that can affect USB performance on Windows. To reduce battery usage, Windows 11 suspends USB operations after a while. So you can change this setting to fix the problem.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type edit power plan in the search box, and then press the Enter key. Windows will open the Power Options option in the Control Panel.

Step 2: Click the Change advanced power settings option.

Step 3: Scroll down to USB Settings, select USB selective suspend setting. 

Step 4: Turn off the service from the drop-down menu and press the OK button.

Windows Update

Windows 11 not recognizing USB devices could be a bug in the build of your computer's operating system. You can go to the Settings menu (Windows + I) and access the Windows Update option. Download and install the latest build version available. Then, restart the computer for successful installation.

Kareem Winters

Update 08 March 2022