New Laptop doesn't recognize USB devices

Hello,

I just got a new laptop today and it doesn't recognize any USB devices on File explorer. It recognizes a mouse but not the USB drives that have all my stored files on it (my previous laptop was a Dell, which had no problem recognizing the USB drives).

I watched all the Youtube videos and none of them helped. "USB settings" also doesn't show up on my Power options. I read solutions on how to change that and still no luck.

I'm not very good at technical jargon so this is the best way I can describe it.

Please help.

Welcome

Now said:

I'm not very good at technical jargon so this is the best way I can describe it.

Click to expand...

But surely you’d be able to read the model number and laptop brand that is printed under your laptop?

Please open your system specs and type the manufacturer & model number where it says Manufacturer/Model

Go into your Windows 11 settings and check in the following section for any updates/drivers that may be waiting.

Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Settings > Optional Updates

antspants said:

Go into your Windows 11 settings and check in the following section for any updates/drivers that may be waiting.

Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Settings > Optional Updates

Click to expand...

None involving USB devices.

Now said:

None involving USB devices.

Click to expand...

Please update your specs to include the Manufacturer/Model of your laptop.

Now said:

I just got a new laptop today

Click to expand...

Is this laptop just new to you or is it new off the shelf? If it’s new off the shelf, I’d take it back. Not a good sign, in my opinion.

Alternatively, as it’s “new” you could reset or repair install Windows 11 with an in-place upgrade to see if the issue corrects itself.

Agree. If you let Windows do all available updates and its still the same, then take it back for a refund. Does seem a bit fishy if no usb ports work at all.

Is it brand new?

Not brand new, sorry. New to me.

HP 15.6 inch Windows Laptop Intel Core i3-N305 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Natural Silver​

Install the chipset drivers. You still did not give the full laptop model so I can not direct you to the HP support page for your device.

glasskuter said:

Install the chipset drivers. You still did not give the full laptop model so I can not direct you to the HP support page for your device.

Click to expand...

"Now" didn't mention which Win11 version is installed. I imagine that the drivers are the same for all.

I don't know what failure would allow the USB ports to recognize a mouse, but not an external USB drive.

Are the USB ports flagged in Device Manager?

Does an external drive show up in Disk Manager?

glasskuter said:

Install the chipset drivers. You still did not give the full laptop model so I can not direct you to the HP support page for your device.

Click to expand...

The OP's My Computer has: HP Laptop 15-fd0133wm. Is that enough?

last one here https://support.hp.com/lv-en/drivers/hp-15.6-inch-laptop-pc-15-fd0000/model/2102764694?sku=B4KT4UA

glasskuter said:

last one here https://support.hp.com/lv-en/drivers/hp-15.6-inch-laptop-pc-15-fd0000/model/2102764694?sku=B4KT4UA
View attachment 137723

Click to expand...

As in post 9.

bobkn said:

Are the USB ports flagged in Device Manager?

Does an external drive show up in Disk Manager?

Click to expand...

1.) Yes

2.) No

If not a new pc, there may be a bios restriction set that disables usb devices - this is common on pcs that were previously owned by companies.

Check your bios settings - unfortunately all bioses are different so I cannot give a more accurate reply.

The model page is here


And the drivers are here


However - did you buy it on ebay? I wouldn't try fixing it if you did - just open a case and ask to return it. If you change anything they might refuse a refund. If all you've done is turn it on and switch it on and the usb's aren't working then you can just ask for a refund.

However, you would still need to reset to factory settings before returning so it could be worth trying to add some drivers first

HP drivers should be supplied by Windows update though, so if they haven't been it does suggest it's faulty. I know when I've had usbc ports go, they have been shorted at the motherboard level. It could be drivers though, but that would be unusual for usb ports.

Before trying to instal any drivers though, probably best to go to device manager (right click on the start button) and go through one by one checking to see which drivers are installed. As it may already have the up to date drivers.

Personally I'd do a reset first - let it all install - let Windows do any updates. If it's still not working, check the drivers installed in device manager (and which versions.

As the model seemed to come with Windows 11 installed - then what you could do is install HP Support assistant (after the reset) and let that scan and download any missing drivers.

It's easier to install it directly from here rather than from that drivers page as that tends to fail IME


Edit: Sorry I just noticed Glasskutter already linked the model page.

Now said:

1.) Yes

2.) No

Click to expand...

By "flagged" I meant with a yellow mark indicating a problem.