How to Fix the Unknown USB Device, Port Reset Failed Error in Windows 11?

Windows 11 has its fair share of issues when it comes to external hardware detection. This results in an annoying Port Reset Failed Error in Windows 11.

Since this error has the term “Port” in the title, many think there is an issue with their motherboard ports, but most often, this is just a software bug that can be fixed easily by following our guide.

How Can I Fix the Unknown USB Device, Port Reset Failed Error in Windows 11?

1. Search for Hardware Changes

The first thing to do when attaching an external device to your PC is to search for hardware changes. Most of the time, this is done automatically by your computer, but there are times you need to do it manually.

• Right-click on the Start menu and choose Device Manager.

• Select the Universal Serial Bus controllers category to expand it and choose Scan for hardware changes option from the top bar (the monitor and the magnifying glass.)

2. Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

To fix Port Reset Failed Error in Windows 11, you can run a hardware troubleshooter that comes with Windows and is an automated process where your system scans itself and fixes the USB problems or guides you to fix the Unknown USB Device error.

• Press Windows key and R simultaneously, type in msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in Run box, and press Enter.

• In the newly opened window, select the Advanced hyperlink and select Apply repairs automatically.

• Start the troubleshooting process by clicking Next.

3. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is usually a problem than a feature since it keeps some parts of your PC on when you shut down your computer and is notorious for replenishing laptop batteries when the device is off. For this scenario also, this feature may be a problematic factor for your USB ports.

• In the taskbar’s search box, type in Control Panel and select the best result.

• Click on View by and choose Large icons.

• Select Power Options and then click on Choose what the power button does.

• On top, click Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck Turn on fast Startup in the list of Shutdown Settings below.

4. Download the Latest Driver Update

The best way to encounter any incompatibility issues is to update your computer’s drivers.

• Right-click on the Start menu and choose Device Manager.
• Select the Universal Serial Bus controllers category to expand it.
• If you see any devices with caution signs, right-click on them and select Update.

• In the newly opened window, choose Search automatically for drivers option.

5. Reinstall All the USB Controllers drivers

An alternative to updating your drivers is reinstalling them from scratch. To do this, you first need to Uninstall the incompatible driver and then restart your computer so it can identify the missing driver and download and install it automatically.

• Once again, as explained above, head into Device Manager and Universal Serial Bus controllers category.
• Right-click on the devices with a caution sign and select Uninstall.

• Once the system uninstalls the driver, restart your device, and see if the problem persists.

6. Disable the USB Selective Suspend Setting

There is an option in your PC’s power setting called USB Selective Suspend Setting. Many users have pointed out that disabling this setting will solve the Port Reset Failed Error in Windows 11.

• In the taskbar’s search box, type in Control Panel and select the best result.

• Click on View by and choose Large icons.
• Select Power Options and then choose Change plan settings.

• Click on Change advanced power settings option.

• In the new window, click on USB settings and click on the USB selective suspend setting.
• Choose Disabled for each on Battery and Plugged-in options.

7. Update BIOS

BIOS upgrades are scary; if something goes array, your computer will be rendered unusable. But don’t worry. Most manufacturers provide BIOS updates in .exe format so you can run the Update with minimal effort. Nevertheless, you can still get back your data using Stellar Data Recovery Professional if something goes wrong.

• Download the latest BIOS (UEFI) from your PC’s motherboard manufacturer’s website.
• Most BIOS Update files are in .exe format now, so you can update your BIOS by launching the downloaded update package.

Note: If you are using a laptop, make sure that your laptop Is fully charged since as soon as the update process starts, the device will switch to battery power.

How Do I Recover My Files if the Bios Update Goes Wrong?

Stellar Data Recovery Professional will help you create bootable media on your USB to access your lost data even if your PC is unbootable. It also guarantees up to 100 percent data recovery and data consistency. They also have thorough documentation and tutorials on their website, so you wouldn’t have a hard time finding your way through the software.

BIOS updates are necessary to keep your PC in working condition, so go ahead and start the update without any fear.

Conclusion

The solutions above are verified and user-proven methods, but if they fail to solve your issue, take your PC to a technician. There is a chance that your PC ports are problematic. As mentioned before, this chance is slim, but it is still possible for your USB ports to malfunction.

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About The Author

Farhad Pashaei

As a technophile, Farhad has spent the last decade getting hands-on experience with a variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, accessories, laptops, wearables, printers, and so on. When he isn't writing, you can bet he's devouring information on products making their market foray, demonstrating his unquenchable thirst for technology.