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To update USB drivers in Windows 11, start with Settings > Windows Update. If that does not find the driver you need, use Device Manager to search for the specific device, then check the device or computer manufacturer’s official support site for a matching driver.

If a USB device is not recognized, check its status and error code in Device Manager before reinstalling or rolling back a driver. These steps can help with driver problems, but they cannot fix every connection, configuration, or hardware issue.

Compare the ways to update a USB driver

Method When to use it What to know
Windows Update Start here for driver updates. Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the preferred route.
Device Manager automatic search When you want to check a particular device. Windows searches for a suitable driver; it may not find a newer one.
Manufacturer’s official driver When the built-in options do not provide the driver you need. Choose a package that matches the device and your Windows version and architecture.

Before updating a USB driver

USB-connected devices can appear under different Device Manager categories depending on their function. Identify the device by its name rather than assuming every USB device will appear under one universal USB category. Save open work before restarting Windows.

Method 1: Check Windows Update

  1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates.
  3. Install any offered updates.
  4. Restart the PC if Windows prompts you to do so.

Windows Update is Microsoft’s recommended first route for driver updates. If it does not provide the driver you need, check the specific device in Device Manager.

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Method 2: Search for a driver in Device Manager

  1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
  2. Find the USB-connected device in the category where it appears.
  3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

If Windows does not find a newer driver, check Windows Update or the official support site for the device or computer model. Device Manager’s search may not locate every available driver.

Method 3: Install a driver from the manufacturer

Use the device or computer manufacturer’s official website. Avoid third-party driver-download sites. Confirm that the driver matches the device, your Windows version, and your system architecture.

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  1. Download the matching driver from the manufacturer’s official support site.
  2. If the manufacturer provides an installer, follow its instructions.
  3. Otherwise, open Device Manager, locate the device, and right-click it.
  4. Select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
  5. Browse to the downloaded driver files and follow the prompts.
  6. Restart if needed to complete installation.

Check a USB device that is not recognized

  1. Open Device Manager and locate the device, including any entry marked with a warning symbol.
  2. Right-click the device and select Properties.
  3. Read the message under Device status and note its error code.
  4. Use Microsoft’s guidance for that specific error code; the right fix depends on the code and the problem.

For USB recognition problems, Microsoft directs readers to check the Device Manager error code and use its code-specific troubleshooting guidance. Code 28 indicates that a driver is not installed.

Reinstall or roll back a driver when appropriate

If updating does not resolve the issue, you can uninstall the device in Device Manager and restart Windows. Windows will attempt to reinstall the device driver after restart. Save open work first.

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  1. In Device Manager, right-click the affected device.
  2. Select Uninstall device and confirm.
  3. Restart Windows so it can attempt to reinstall the driver.

If the problem began after a recent driver update, open the device’s Properties > Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver if available. Administrator permissions are required, and the option may not be available for every device.

FAQ

How do I update USB drivers in Windows 11?

Start with Settings > Windows Update. If that does not provide the driver, locate the device in Device Manager and search automatically, or get a matching driver from the manufacturer’s official site.

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Why can’t I find my USB device under Universal Serial Bus controllers?

USB-connected devices can appear under different Device Manager categories depending on their function. Find the device by its name and check its properties if you are unsure which entry to use.

What should I do if Windows says the best driver is already installed?

Check Windows Update and the official support site for the exact device or computer model. Device Manager’s automatic search may not find every newer suitable driver.

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Should I uninstall a USB driver before updating it?

Not as a routine first step. Try updating first. Consider uninstalling and restarting if updating does not resolve the problem; Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver after restart.

Where should I download a USB driver?

Use Windows Update or the device or computer manufacturer’s official support site. Avoid third-party driver-download websites.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

The Bottom Line

Start with Windows Update, then use Device Manager to search for the specific USB-connected device. If needed, install a matching driver from the manufacturer’s official site. For a device that is not recognized, check its Device Manager status and error code before reinstalling or rolling back the driver.

Microsoft: Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

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Microsoft: Fix USB-C problems in Windows

Microsoft: Error codes in Device Manager in Windows

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