8 Ways To Fix “The Last USB Device Malfunctioned” Error

Sometimes, when you connect your USB flash drive to Windows PC, you might receive an error message “The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned”. This error is quite frustrating as it prevents you from accessing the data stored in your USB drive. Now the question is why this error occurs and how do you get rid of it?

Here in this post, I’ll show you how to fix USB drive malfunction issue using 8 quick and easy ways. However, in case of any data loss you can use the reliable USB Drive Data Recovery Tool to recover your lost data.

So, let’s proceed ahead……!

Something About USB Device Malfunction Error

“The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned” is an error message that you often receive when connected your USB drive to PC. This error message simply implies that the USB drive you have lastly connected to your computer is malfunctioning due to which Windows fails to recognize your connected device.

When this error occurs, you won’t be able to open or access your storage device anymore. This error message can take place due to several reasons such as – corrupted USB device, damage USB port and many more.

To know more causes, you need to scroll down to the next section.

Why USB Drive Malfunction Issue Occurs?

These are some of the possible causes of USB drive malfunctioning issue. Have a look upon them:

• Your PC needs an update for errors or issues due to which there can be a conflict with a USB external hard drive and the PC
• The USB driver loaded currently has become corrupt or unstable
• USB controllers may have become corrupt or unstable
• PC motherboard may require drivers that are updated
• Some updates whether hardware or software related may be missing in Windows
• USB flash drive may be entering selective suspend

How To Fix USB Drive Malfunction Error?

Here are the few troubleshooting fixes for pen drive malfunction repair. So, just go through all of them one by one:

Method #1: Disconnect & Reconnect Your USB Drive

The first solution that you can try to fix USB drive malfunctioned error is, unplug and re-plug the USB drive. However, if the error is not solved even after re-connecting the USB drive then simply try out the next method.

Method #2: Clean the USB Port

Sometimes, a lot of dust, dirt and lint gets jammed into the USB port that make the drive ineffective. This blocks the connection between your USB drive and PC.

Hence, cleaning the USB port can help you to fix this error. All you need to do is, gently blow the air inside a port and remove the common dust particles.

Method #3: Change the USB Cable/Port

You can also try to fix USB drive malfunction error by changing the USB port or cable. Sometimes, a faulty USB port or cable can messed up with the drive and could lead to such kind of errors and issues.

After changing the USB port or cable, check whether the error is fixed or not. If not then simply move to the next solution.

Method #4: Reinstall USB Drivers

When the disk drivers gets corrupted or outdated, it can cause “the last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned” error. However, you can easily fix this problem by reinstalling the disk drivers.

Here’s how to do so:

• Right click on the Start menu (Windows icon) & choose Device Manager.
• Once the device manager window opens, find Universal Serial Bus Controllers and expand this option by double clicking on it.

• Now, locate the problematic drive, right click on it > select Uninstall.

Also Read – [Complete Guide] Fix ‘USB Drive Detected But Not Accessible’ Issue

Method #5: Download & Install Latest Windows Update

If the latest version of Windows OS is released and you are still using the older version then it’s likely to face such kind of minor issues.

Try downloading and installing the latest update of Windows to avoid such issues by following these easy steps:

• Firstly, you need to press Windows + I keys to open the Windows settings.
• Then, click on Update & security > Windows Update > Check for Update.

• Now, your system will check for updates. If any update is available, it will be downloaded automatically.

Method #6: Repair USB Root Hub

Another method you can try for USB drive malfunction repair is, repairing the USB root hub. You can fix USB root hub with the help of these below steps:

• Right click on Start menu and choose Device Manager.
• After that, find and expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers.

• Here you’ll get USB Root Hub option, right click on it & choose Properties.
• Navigate to Power Management tab, uncheck the option “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
• Finally, click on OK to save the changes made. Now you can check if the USB drive malfunction error is fixed.

Method #7: Remove the Power Supply & Reconnect USB

The next solution that you can try to fix the USB drive malfunctioned issue is – Remove the power supply and re-connect your USB.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Shut down your PC and remove the power supply from it.
• Now, restart your PC and connect your USB device to it via USB ports.
• After connecting your USB device to your PC, simply plugin the Power Supply.

Now, you can check whether your PC identifies your USB device and the USB device malfunctioned error is solved or not.

Method #8: Disable The USB Selective Suspend Settings

You can also try to modify the USB Selective Suspend settings in order to fix USB drive malfunction issue in no time. To do so, follow the below steps:

• Right click on the Windows icon then choose Power Options
• After that, click on Additional Power Settings > Change plan Settings.

• Now, in the Edit Plan Settings window, you have to Change Advanced Power Settings.

• After this, you have to find and expand USB settings then expand USB selective suspend settings. Here you need to Disable both on battery and Plugged in USB settings options.

• After this, click on Apply and then OK so that the changed can be saved easily.

How To Recover Data From Malfunction USB Drive?

After fixing a USB drive malfunctioned error, if you ever find any of your data have been lost from USB drive, you can try USB Drive Data Recovery Tool to retrieve them back.

This tool can recover the deleted, lost, missing or inaccessible data from all data storage devices such as – USB/Pen drive, memory cards, external hard drives etc. It is very easy to use and doesn’t require any technical skills.

The best thing about this software is that, it is available for both the OS – Windows & Mac. So, without any delay, just quickly download and install this tool on your PC and get back your lost data from malfunctioned USB drive with ease.

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* Free version of the program only scans and previews recoverable items.

Here is the step by step guide on how to use this program.

 Error Messages You May Get When USB Drive Malfunctions?

Here is the list of some error messages that you may get on your screen when USB drive malfunction error takes place:

• The device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it
• USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting
• Drive did not load successfully
• USB flash drive showing no media
• Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) error
• One of the devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. For assistance in solving this problem, click this message.
• USB flash drive I/O device error

Conclusion

USB drive malfunction is one of the common issue that is faced by several users. But whenever you face “the last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned” error, you can try any of the aforementioned fixes to get rid of this problem.

All the solutions are very effective and surely give you a desired result. However, you face a data loss situation after resolving this issue then simply use the USB Drive Data Recovery tool to retrieve your deleted data.

Besides that, if you found this post helpful enough then do shared it….

Taposhi

Taposhi is an expert technical writer with 5+ years of experience. Her in-depth knowledge about data recovery and fascination to explore new DIY tools & technologies have helped many. She has a great interest in photography and loves to share photography tips and tricks with others.