Windows 10 Not Recognizing USB Wi-Fi Adapter | How To Fix

Windows 10 is probably the most reliable operating system used by the majority of computers around the world. After its release, it has gone through several updates to be even more improved. However, in this promising operating system, several complications occur like the one we’re going to discuss today.

The issue that we’re talking about today is the Windows 10 Not Recognizing USB Wi-Fi Adapter Issue. In this article, we’ll try different troubleshooting tactics to solve this issue.

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How to Fix Windows 10 Not Recognizing USB Wi-Fi Adapter Error?

Today, we’re going to attempt several troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue. However, before starting this method, restart your computer first, so your operating system is refreshed and free of corrupt and temporary data that might be causing this problem, it might help our cause.

Several reasons might have caused this trouble; it may be because of your faulty USB port, or you might have out-dated drivers. Nevertheless, we have a list of suggested troubleshooting steps that might assist you in resolving this particular issue.

Update the USB Adapter Driver

The main reason that might be causing this problem is that you may have out-dated drivers installed on your computer. Make sure to update those drivers to see if it resolves the issue.

  • Connect your USB Adapter to a USB port on the computer
  • Right-click on the Start button
  • Select Device Manager from the list
  • Now navigate to Network Adapters
  • Right-click on the external USB Wi-Fi adapter and update drivers
  • After the update is finished, reboot your system

Check to see whether this method has solved the issue or not

Connecting the Wi-Fi Adapter to a different USB port

Another reason that might be causing this issue is your faulty USB port. The Wi-Fi adapter that you’re trying to connect through the USB port might have a fault in it. To make sure no such thing happens, try connecting the Wi-Fi adapter to a different USB port. If you connected the adapter to a USB 3.0 port, then try connecting it to a USB 2.0 port and the other way around.

Check to see whether this method has solved the issue or not

Change the Power Settings

Windows 10 has a tremendous power-saving feature that automatically turns off pointless services to save more power. In some cases, there might be a chance that it is interfering with how your connected devices function. To eliminate the risk, change the power settings to see if it resolves the issue.

  • Hover your mouse over the Battery symbol in the notification bar and right-click on it.
  • Select Power Options from the list
  • Select your desired plan and then click on Change plan settings
  • Now select the change advanced power settings options
  • Now click the USB settings option to expand the list and then choose USB selective suspend settings
  • Disable both the On battery and Plugged In alternatives
  • Save your modifications and reboot your system

Check to see whether this method has solved the issue or not

Install the exact Drivers

If you have installed the standard drivers for USB Wi-Fi adapters, then we suggest you to use the manufacturer drivers to see if it solves the issue.

  • Go to the Windows search bar
  • Type Device and press Enter to open Device Manager
  • Go to Network Adapters
  • Now right-click on USB Wi-Fi adapter
  • Open properties
  • Now select the Details tab
  • Select the Hardware Ids option using the drop-down list
  • Copy the first line from there and paste it into the search bar of your browser
  • Find the official/manufacturer drivers in results
  • Download and install the official drivers
  • Reboot your system

Check to see whether this method has solved the issue or not

Disable Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option

Every USB port has its own dedicated power setting, which the Windows 10 control. This might be the reason behind the problem, try disabling this feature to see if it solves the problem.

  • Go to your Windows search bar
  • Type Device and press Enter to open Device Manager
  • Now locate Universal Serial Bus controllers
  • Click it to expand the tab, now right-click on every USB hub to open properties
  • Now click the Power Management tab
  • Uncheck the box linked with Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
  • Do this for every USB hub in the tab
  • Reboot your system after modifying the settings

Check to see whether this method has solved the issue or not.

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Nick Miller

It's Nick Miller a 25 year old tech enthusiast and senior editor at Flexgate, i try to make tech simple for the everyday person. You will find review about tech, tools and Computer hardware here.

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