USB Device Not Recognised in Windows

by | Feb 17, 2017 | Microsoft

USB devices are used on every single PC, they are a fundamental method of how we interact with a machine. Everyday we use a mouse and keyboard, maybe use a memory stick or even connect a phone charger to our PC. We use USB devices so often and become dependent on them. When they stop being recognised by your PC, this can cause much frustration.

If your mouse and keyboard are no longer being recognised, for now, try plugging them into an alternative port to follow the steps below:

 

 

Instructions to resolve “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed”, “USB device not recognised” or similar errors

 

Solution 1: Uninstall any unknown device drivers
  • Press on the Start button on the bottom-left of your screen
  • Start typing on your keyboard “device manager” and select Device Manager from the search results
  • Under “Universal Serial Bus controllers”, you should see a USB device with a yellow exclamation mark. It may include keywords such as “Unknown USB Device” or similar.
  • Right-click on this device and click on Uninstall and then press OK
  • Restart your PC and the USB device driver will automatically be reinstalled and this should resolve your USB issue.

 

Solution 2: Disable USB Selective Suspend
  • Press on the Start button on the bottom-left of your screen
  • Start typing on your keyboard “power options” and select Power Options from the search results
  • Click on Change plan settings beside the plan that is currently selected
  • Now click on Change advanced power settings
  • Click on the arrow or plus symbol beside USB settings
  • Click on the arrow or plus symbol beside USB selective suspend setting
  • Disable both On battery and Plugged in
  • Click Apply

 For more information, please click here

 

Solution 3: Unplug Power Supply

If you own a laptop, please do the following:

  • Shutdown your laptop and then unplug your laptop’s power supply.
  • Leave the power supply unplugged for 5-10 minutes
  • Plug the power supply back in
  • Power on your laptop

If you own a desktop PC, please follow these steps:

  • Shutdown your PC
  • Unplug the power supply to your PC and leave unplugged for 5-10 minutes
  • Plug the power supply back in
  • Power on your PC