Fix The Last USB Device You Connected Malfunctioned on Windows 10/11

When you connect a USB device (such as a flash drive, keyboard, or external hard drive), Windows may show this error: “USB Device Not Recognized. The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.”

This error means Windows cannot properly recognize or communicate with the connected USB device. It may be caused by USB port issues, outdated drivers, power settings, or device failures.

In this guide, we will show you how to fix the “the last USB device you connected malfunctioned” error on Windows 10/11.

Here is video guide:

Why Is My USB Device Not Recognized

The “USB Device Not Recognized” error may occur due to driver problems, USB port issues, power settings, or hardware failures. Here are the common causes and fixes:

The exact solution depends on the cause of the error. Follow the fixes below in order until your USB device is recognized again.

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Fix 1. Troubleshoot the USB Port

Step 1: Unplug the USB device and restart the computer.

Step 2: Insert the USB drive gently. Do not insert it too tightly, as this may cause the pins to misalign, resulting in the error message. If the issue is not solved, go to the next step.

Step 3: If you have another PC or another USB port, connect the USB device to this PC or port and check if the issue persists. If so, you need to check the USB device, especially its USB port or cable, to see if there is a problem.

Step 4: If the issue disappears when connecting the USB device to another PC or USB port, you can try the following methods to troubleshoot the problematic USB port.

Fix 2. Update the USB Driver

Although the USB device is not recognized, it will also be shown in Device Manager, just as an unknown USB device. You can update its driver to see if this can solve the issue. Here is the guide:

1. Press Win + X and then select Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click the Unknown USB Device and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Fix 3. Change USB Power Settings

Sometimes, the reason why a USB port doesn’t work is an insufficient power supply. This problem often occurs at the USB ports on the front of the computer case.

To solve this issue, you can use the rear USB ports (directly connected to the motherboard) on the chassis or use a USB hub with an independent power supply.

Of course, you can also try changing the USB power settings. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Change the USB Root Hub Power Management setting.

1. Open Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
2. Right-click each USB Root Hub and select Properties.
3. Go to the Power Management tab.
4. Uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
5. Click OK to save changes.

Step 2: Disable the USB selective suspend setting.

1. Press Win + R to open Run.
2. Type “powercfg.cpl” and press Enter to open the Control Panel Power Options window.
3. Click Change plan settings of your preferred power plan.
4. Click Change advanced power settings.
5. On the pop-up window, expand the USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.
6. Click OK to save the changes.

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Bottom Line

To fix the “the last USB device malfunctioned on Windows 10” issue, try restarting your computer, connecting the device to a different USB port, updating the USB drivers, and disabling USB selective suspend in your power settings.

If these methods don’t work, the USB device may be damaged, or the USB port on your computer may be faulty.

The Last USB Device You Connected Malfunctioned FAQ