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How to fix USB device not recognized

Windows & BSOD troubleshooting guide

What this error means

Windows shows "USB device not recognized" when you plug in a device, and the device does not work. In Device Manager it may appear as Unknown USB Device with a yellow warning sign. The exact cause is in the device's status code: for example Code 43 (Windows stopped the device because it reported problems, often shown as "Device Descriptor Request Failed") or Code 28 (no driver installed). Microsoft's own checks start with the port, the cable, a hub or dock in between, and whether the device gets enough power, before drivers.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Difficulty
Beginner
Before changes
Low

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's USB and Device Manager error code articles; not tested with every device.

Before you begin

Copy important data from the device elsewhere as soon as it works again, if it is a storage device that keeps disconnecting. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Read the status code in Device Manager

Microsoft's first step is to find the error code, which tells you what Windows thinks is wrong.

  1. Right-click Start > Device Manager.
  2. Find the device with a yellow exclamation mark (often under Universal Serial Bus controllers as Unknown USB Device), right-click it > Properties.
  3. Read the code under Device status.
What to expect

You know the code, for example Code 43 or Code 28.

If it does not help

Code 43 often means a hardware, cable or power problem (steps 2 and 3). Code 28 means no driver (steps 4 and 5).

Browse related errors
02Try another port and cable, without a hub

Microsoft recommends connecting directly to the PC rather than through a hub or dock.

  1. Unplug the device, wait a few seconds and plug it into a different USB port directly on the PC; on a desktop, use a port on the back.
  2. Try a different cable, preferably the one that came with the device.
  3. Remove hubs, extension cables and docks for the test.
What to expect

The device is recognized.

If it does not help

If it works only on some ports, the others or the hub may be faulty.

Browse related errors
03Give the device enough power

Microsoft says some USB devices need more power than a port provides and suggests external power.

  1. If the device has its own power adapter, connect it.
  2. On a laptop, plug in the charger instead of running on battery.
  3. Disconnect other USB devices you are not using, especially on hubs.
What to expect

The device is recognized and stays connected.

If it does not help

External hard drives and other power-hungry devices work best on a port directly on the PC, or with their own power adapter.

Browse related errors
04Uninstall the device and scan for hardware changes

This is Microsoft's fix for a missing driver (Code 28) and makes Windows set the device up again.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the device > Uninstall device > Uninstall.
  2. Click Action > Scan for hardware changes, or unplug and reconnect the device.
  3. If nothing changes, also restart the PC with the device unplugged, then plug it in again.
What to expect

Windows reinstalls the device and it works.

If it does not help

If it is still not recognized, install the maker's driver in step 5.

Browse related errors
05Install the device maker's driver

Some devices need their own driver, which Windows does not include.

  1. Download the latest driver or software for the device from its maker's website and install it.
  2. Run Windows Update, including Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates.
What to expect

The device is recognized with the correct driver.

If it does not help

If the maker has no driver for your Windows version, the device may not be supported.

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06Update the chipset driver and BIOS

The USB controllers belong to the chipset; outdated drivers or firmware can affect all USB ports.

  1. Install the latest chipset driver and, if offered, USB or Thunderbolt/USB4 drivers from your PC or motherboard maker.
  2. Install the latest BIOS/UEFI.
  3. Shut down fully (hold Shift while clicking Shut down), wait 30 seconds and start the PC again.

Do not switch off the PC during a BIOS update.

What to expect

USB devices are recognized on all ports.

If it does not help

If many devices fail on all ports, the USB controller or motherboard may be faulty.

Browse related errors
07Test the device on another PC

If the device is not recognized anywhere, the device itself is faulty.

  1. Connect the device to another computer.
  2. Check whether it is recognized there.
What to expect

You know whether the problem is the device or your PC.

If it does not help

If it fails on every PC, contact the device maker. If it works elsewhere, repeat steps 4 to 6 on your PC.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • Faulty cable, port, hub or dock
  • The device does not get enough power
  • A missing or damaged driver
  • A temporary error in the device or the USB controller
  • A faulty USB device

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

devmgmt.msc

Sources & further reading