If your computer isn’t recognizing a peripheral device, there are a few things you can do to try to troubleshoot the problem. Before attempting any of these solutions, make sure that the device is correctly connected to the computer, either via USB or other port, and that all cables and connections are properly installed and secure.
1) Unplug the peripheral device and plug it back in
The first thing you should do is unplug the peripheral device from the computer and plug it back in. This simple step can often fix connection issues. If you’re using a USB device, also make sure that you’re connecting it to an active USB port on your computer, as some ports may not be active or working properly.
2) Check your device manager
Your device manager may show you if the peripheral device has been detected or is having trouble being recognized. To check the device manager, open the Start menu, type “Device Manager” into the search bar, and click the entry for Device Manager. The peripheral device should appear under one of the categories. If it does not, it may not be properly connected or installed. If it does appear, but with a yellow exclamation mark or other warning sign, then it means Windows may be having difficulty recognizing the device or its drivers.
3) Update your drivers
Outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers can prevent your computer from properly recognizing a peripheral device. If your device manager shows any problems with the device’s drivers, you should update them. To update the device’s drivers, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the driver for your specific device. Some devices may have a built-in updater, or your computer may have pre-installed software from the manufacturer you can use to update the device’s drivers.
4) Check for hardware conflicts
If the peripheral device is still not being recognized, it may be conflicting with other hardware devices. To check for hardware conflicts, open the Start menu and type “msinfo32” into the search bar. This will open the System Information window. Click on System Resources > Conflicting Device List. If any devices are listed under this heading, right-click each one and select “Disable.” Then restart your computer. After restarting, check to see if your peripheral device is being recognized.
5) Reconnect the peripheral device
If the device is still not being recognized, try disconnecting and reconnecting it again. Shut down your computer, disconnect the peripheral device from the computer, and restart your computer. Once your computer has restarted, connect the device back to the computer and check to see if it is being recognized.
6) Use another port or cable
If you’re still having trouble getting your peripheral device to work, try connecting it to a different port or using a different cable. For instance, if you’re using a USB device, try a different USB port or a different USB cable. This can help identify if there is a problem with the port, cable, or device itself.
7) Reset your computer
If none of the above solutions have worked, you may need to reset your computer. Before you do this, make sure to back up any important files or data. To reset your computer, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under the Advanced Startup section, select “Reset this PC.” This will reinstall Windows and erase any files you have saved, so remember to back up your data first. After resetting your computer, check to see if the peripheral device is now being recognized.
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your computer still isn’t recognizing the peripheral device, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance. You can also take your computer to a professional for help.