If your computer is not detecting new hardware on Windows, it can be due to a variety of reasons. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem.
1) Check the device manager: One of the first things you should do is to check the device manager. To open the device manager, press Win+R, type ‘devmgmt.msc’ and hit Enter. Look for any devices with an exclamation mark or question mark next to them. If you find any, right click on them and select ‘Update Driver’ or ‘Uninstall’. After uninstalling or updating the driver, restart your computer and see if the new hardware is detected.
2) Check the hardware’s compatibility: You should also make sure that the hardware you’re trying to install is compatible with your operating system. Check the hardware’s specifications and make sure that it will work with your computer. If it’s not compatible, you may need to purchase a compatible version.
3) Check the cables and connections: Make sure all the cables and connections are properly attached and functioning. Double check to make sure no pins are bent or broken and that the ports are working properly.
4) Disable and re-enable the power management for USB controllers: Disabling and re-enabling the power management for USB controllers can sometimes help the operating system detect new hardware. To do this, open Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers, and right click on each USB Root Hub and select Properties. Go to the Power Management tab, uncheck the box next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power,” and click OK. Repeat this process for every Root Hub listed.
5) Run a scan for hardware changes: A scan for hardware changes can refresh the list of hardware connected to the PC and can sometimes detect new devices. To run a scan for hardware changes, go to Device Manager, right click Computer and select Scan for hardware changes.
6) Install the latest device drivers: The latest device drivers can sometimes help the operating system detect new devices. Use the manufacturer’s website or another reliable source to find and download the appropriate device drivers for the hardware you’re trying to install. Once the drivers are installed, restart the computer and see if the device is detected.
7) Reset the BIOS settings: Resetting BIOS settings to their default values can sometimes fix errors with device detection. To reset the BIOS settings, enter the BIOS setup menu (to do this, restart the computer and press the appropriate key when prompted). Once in the BIOS Setup menu, locate the Restore Default Settings or Load Default Settings option and select it. Restart the computer and see if the device is detected.
8) Update Windows: Outdated Windows versions can lead to problems with device detection. To update Windows, press Win+I, select Update & Security, and click Check for updates. If any updates are available, select them and follow the on-screen instructions to install them. After the updates are installed, restart the computer and see if the device is detected.
9) Unplug and reconnect the hardware: Sometimes, unplugging and reconnecting the hardware can help the operating system detect the device. Unplug the device from the computer and reconnect it to another USB port. Make sure the port is functioning properly before plugging the device in. Also, try connecting the device to a different computer and see if it’s detected.
10) Try a different USB cable: If you’re using an external device, try using a different USB cable. The cable may be damaged or malfunctioning and could be causing the device to be undetected.
11) Contact the manufacturer: If the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer and ask them for assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem or provide you with a replacement device if your original is defective.