Fix USB Device Not Recognized (Error Code 43)

Problem overview

When you plug in a USB device, Windows displays a notification saying “USB device not recognized.” In Device Manager, the device shows a yellow warning triangle and reports Error Code 43, indicating the device reported a problem and was stopped by Windows.

Common causes

• Aggressive USB power saving settings shutting down the port
• Corrupted or outdated USB controller drivers
• Static charge build-up on the motherboard or laptop chassis
• Using weak front-panel USB ports instead of direct motherboard ports

Solution 1: Disable USB Selective Suspend

1. Press Win + R, type control panel, and press Enter.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan, then click Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend setting.
5. Change the setting to Disabled and click Apply, then OK.

Solution 2: Uninstall the device and scan for changes

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
3. Locate the device with the yellow exclamation mark (often labeled as Unknown USB Device).
4. Right-click it and select Uninstall device.
5. At the top of Device Manager, click Action > Scan for hardware changes. Windows will attempt to reinstall the correct driver.

Solution 3: Perform a power drain

1. Disconnect all USB devices from your computer.
2. If you are using a laptop, turn it off, unplug the charger, and remove the battery if possible.
3. Hold the power button down for 30 seconds to drain any residual static charge.
4. Reconnect the power (and battery), turn the PC on, and try plugging the USB device back in.