My USB-C ports are not recognizing a connected device

Question

My USB-C ports are not recognizing a connected device

Steve Macari 0

When I plug an external device into either of my USB ports, the device isn't recognized. Should I just reset the ports in device manager?

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3 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

EmilyS726 267.9K Independent Advisor

First of all, you need to tell us what type of external devices are these?

If they are external audio devices, then this is a known issue. It is documented here: https://learn.microsoft.com/ms-my/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-24h2#4984msgdesc As of today, the issue is not fully resolved yet and they are still working on it.

If this is not specifically regarding audio devices, please tell me what type of external device you refered to here.

Steve Macari 0 Reputation points

2026-09-16T16:36:32.5566667+00:00
It's a 3rd party audio device from Yamaha/Line 6. I also tried a USB-C storage stick that did not work. These were both direct connect, with no adapter.

Both devices are recognized and work when connected to my Surface dock. The dock only has standard USB ports. I did not use an adapter for either device on the Surface Dock.

I did see this build note on MSFT Support site: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/servicing/os/windows-11/2026/09/kb5124008-windows-11-24h2-25h2-security-update

I believe it's the similar to the one you noted.

I'm running: Device information:

Surface model: Surface Pro 9 Model 2038 i7

SAM: 6.603.139

UEFI: 24.103.143

App version: 76.5120.174.0

BIOS Version/Date: Microsoft Corporation 24.103.143 07/01/2026

Wi-Fi driver: 23.160.0.4

Edition: Windows 11 Home

OS build: 26340.9482
EmilyS726 267.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-16T16:56:48.5933333+00:00

Yeah, this is due to the recent update known issue. I am afraid you will have to wait for the complete fix to be rolled out yet.

Answer 2

You can try resetting the USB controllers in Device Manager, but I'd check a few simpler things first. Try the device in another USB port and, if possible, test the same device on another computer to rule out the device itself.

In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers and look for any warning icons. You can also restart the PC and install any available Windows and manufacturer chipset/USB drivers. If both USB-C ports stopped recognizing devices at the same time, a driver, firmware, or hardware issue is more likely than both ports failing independently.

If you want to reset the USB controllers, you can uninstall the USB controller entries from Device Manager and restart Windows. Windows should detect and reinstall them automatically. Avoid uninstalling anything if you're unsure which entry controls the ports.

Answer 3

Do not start by resetting ports in Device Manager.

Try this order first:

Disconnect the USB-C device and connect it directly to the PC.
- If a hub or dock is in use, bypass it.
- Some USB-C devices have limited functionality when connected through an external hub or dock.
Reconnect the device.
- Unplug it, then plug it back in.
Use the cable that came with the device.
- Not all USB-C cables support all features.
- If the device is USB4, use the manufacturer-provided cable or a certified USB4 cable.
Make sure the device is connected to the correct USB-C port.
- Some USB-C ports do not support every feature such as DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, MHL, or USB4.
- If the device needs one of those features, try the other USB-C port.
If the device has its own power supply, connect it.
- Some USB devices need more power or may not be recognized if underpowered.
Check for a Windows USB-C notification.
- In Windows 11, select Search, type usb, and open USB settings.
- Turn Connection notifications on if needed.
- Windows may show whether the issue is limited functionality, wrong port, power, or device recognition.
If the device still is not recognized, check Device Manager for an error code.
- Select Start, type device manager, and open Device Manager.
- Find the problem device marked with a yellow exclamation point.
- Right-click it, select Properties, and note the code under Device status.
- Then follow the troubleshooting for that specific Device Manager error code.

If this is a Surface device, also do this reset:

Unplug the USB-C device.
Select Start > Power > Shut down.
Wait 10 seconds.
Press and hold the Power button for about 20 seconds until the Windows logo appears, disappears, and appears again.
Reconnect the USB-C device.

If this is a Surface, also check driver and firmware updates in the Surface app under Help & support > Check for updates.