On Windows 11, when I insert a USB drive, I hear the sound but it doesn't appear anywhere.

Salvador Solé 10 Reputation points
2026-01-18T12:28:38.5166667+00:00

My Windows 11 computer doesn't recognize my USB drive. I hear the sound when I plug it in, but it doesn't appear anywhere, neither in File Manager nor Disk Management. In Device Manager, under Universal Serial Bus controllers, there's an error message saying "Unknown USB drive." I've tried DiskPart, but it doesn't show up there either. I've tried EaseUS Data Recovery and AOMEI Partition, and neither of them finds or displays it. I have two USB drives with the same problem. The computer recognizes them by the sound they make when inserted, but it doesn't show them in any way.

Moderator: Moved from System Center Service Manager

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. S.Sengupta 32,831 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-01-18T14:13:15.43+00:00

    Open Device Manager > Unknown USB Device > Right click to uninstall > Disconnect the drive > Reboot > reconnect.

    Get the USBView app-USBView is a Windows application that lets you examine all USB controllers and any connected USB devices on your system. The tool is compatible with all Windows versions.

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    3 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Salvador Solé 10 Reputation points
    2026-01-21T18:29:11.7733333+00:00

    In the end, I'm going to throw away both USB drives I have because they must be faulty; none of the solutions work for me.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. DaveM121 938.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-18T14:49:35.52+00:00

    1

    Connect those USB drives to another PC and check if they are working correctly there.

    2

    If they are working correctly in another PC, go to the support page for your PC or Motherboard on the manufacturers website, then from there, download and install the version of Chipset drivers they recommend and while there, if you do not have your drive encrypted with Bitlocker, check for any BIOS update that may need to be installed

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