Solved Win11 Pro not connecting to external device over USB

Greg_M · Aug 8, 2024

I have a device that I need to function using a USB connection in Win11. Tried on a laptop and desktop. Neither will connect.
I am using a Dell Vostro 3910 that I got less than a week ago.

The device functions perfectly using a Win10 computer.

I plug in the device. It shows something is there on the Device Manager in Com & LPT ports.
I configure the items port settings in it's software on the monitor but it will not show "Connected".
If I do the same process using a Win10 computer it will show "Connected".

My keyboard and mouse are USB and they work fine.

Help?

antspants · Aug 8, 2024

Hi, Greg, welcome to the forum

It may help to know what the device name and model is please.

antspants · Aug 8, 2024

It may pay to check if there are any drivers needed and available for it via:

Settings>Windows Update>Advanced Options>Optional Updates

Also, check for errors in Device Manager:

To open Device Manager. Press the Windows logo key and the R key simultaneously. This should open a Run Box
Type: devmgmt.msc.
Click OK or press the Enter key.
Device Manager opens

Look for any exclamation marks/errors

Greg_M · Aug 8, 2024

It is called a Seletek Platypus 2 offered by Lunático Astronomía in Spain. It is for controlling telescopes and the like.

When I open Device Manager I can see it is plugged in and when I adjust the software to the available usb port it does not connect.
Using the same process in Win10, it does connect and functions as it should.
I have tried to connect it to a Win11 laptop and it does not work there either.

I have been having a converstion with Lunático for almost a week about the problem.

Bree · Aug 8, 2024

Greg_M said:
It is called a Seletek Platypus 2 offered by Lunático Astronomía in Spain. It is for controlling telescopes and the like.

When I open Device Manager I can see it is plugged in and when I adjust the software to the available usb port it does not connect. Using the same process in Win10, it does connect and functions as it should. I have tried to connect it to a Win11 laptop and it does not work there either.

I have been having a converstion with Lunático for almost a week about the problem.

Welcome to Eleven Forum.

This apparently is a known problem in Windows 11. Google finds this...

25 Aug 2023 — Trying to hook up my laptop which has Windows 11 Pro to my Platypus II. I've got the software to come up, but it will not connect over USB.

....but you have to register on the lunaticoastro forum to read the whole post.

Using Platypus II on Windows 11 - LUNATICOASTRO.COM

Berton · Aug 8, 2024

Didn't see mention of it but have seen instances where a device would not work on USB 3 ports but did on USB 2 ports. Age of the device may be part of the issue. Haven't seen the issue yet on the newer combination 2/3 ports on Notebooks.

Greg_M · Aug 8, 2024

Yes, that thread is one that I started on their forum.

There is this one also which I started after I got the desktop.

lunaticoastro.com - Login

Bree · Aug 8, 2024

Greg_M said:
Yes, that thread is one that I started on their forum.

There is this one also which I started after I got the desktop.

lunaticoastro.com - Login

and I can't read that one without logging in either

One possibility is that the software is being blocked from accessing the hardware by Controlled Folder Access. Try adding it to the list of allowed apps.

Add or Remove Allowed Apps for Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to add and remove allowed apps for Controlled Folder Access in Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is an antivirus software that is included in Windows 11 and can help protect your device from viruses, malware, and other...

www.elevenforum.com

garlin · Aug 8, 2024

Did you install the drivers for it?
Firmware and software

Greg_M · Aug 8, 2024

Bree said:
and I can't read that one without logging in either

One possibility is that the software is being blocked from accessing the hardware by Controlled Folder Access. Try adding it to the list of allowed apps.

Add or Remove Allowed Apps for Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to add and remove allowed apps for Controlled Folder Access in Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 11. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is an antivirus software that is included in Windows 11 and can help protect your device from viruses, malware, and other...

www.elevenforum.com

Tried my best to get through these instruction and I guess I failed. Finally I just unplugged the network cable and turned off all the virus protection options I could find. I don't need internet on that computer anyway.
I guess I'm just not that tech savvy.

Greg_M · Aug 8, 2024

garlin said:
Did you install the drivers for it?
Firmware and software

Yes, a couple of times.

Bree · Aug 8, 2024

Greg_M said:
Tried my best to get through these instruction and I guess I failed. Finally I just unplugged the network cable and turned off all the virus protection options I could find. I don't need internet on that computer anyway.

and did that help?

Greg_M · Aug 8, 2024

bobkn · Aug 9, 2024

Greg_M said:
Tried my best to get through these instruction and I guess I failed. Finally I just unplugged the network cable and turned off all the virus protection options I could find. I don't need internet on that computer anyway.
I guess I'm just not that tech savvy.

I take it that you connected the Seletek Platypus 2 using the Ethernet port.

I think your issue has something to do with the older systems using a USB port as a serial port (COM).

I don't know whether that capability can be added. I see suggestions online to add a COM port as legacy hardware in Device Manager. I'm not optimistic, but it may be worth a try.

At a guess, the Seletek hardware is based on an older design that used an actual serial port (9 pin D connector).

Maybe it'd be worth opening a support ticket with Lunático Astronomía, if you haven't tried that already.

antspants · Aug 9, 2024

Did you purchase this laptop specifically for this device or did you simply need a new laptop?

I think I would buy a really cheap well loved 2nd hand laptop, load Widows 10 on it (because you said it works) and keep it dedicated to the controller. That is unless of course this is why you bought the new laptop. But even then, you could network the two laptops (also sometimes a task and a half)

Berton · Aug 9, 2024

antspants said:
Did you purchase this laptop specifically for this device or did you simply need a new laptop?

I think I would buy a really cheap well loved 2nd hand laptop, load Widows 10 on it (because you said it works) and keep it dedicated to the controller. That is unless of course this is why you bought the new laptop. But even then, you could network the two laptops (also sometimes a task and a half)

I have to agree. And just because Win10 has EOL on Oct. 14, 2025 doesn't mean the computer will die, just won't get any updates and being on the Internet would be risky if the antivirus is not supported. If files created in that program/device need to be shared just use the sneaker-net with a USB Thumb drive to another computer.

Grammy · Aug 9, 2024

I bet WIN 11 has no driver for that device, so windows installs the specific device with minimal
Try copying win 10 driver for that only device and install it on win 11
Use Double Driver

Greg_M · Aug 9, 2024

Just answering a few questions....
I bought the Win11 laptop refurbished.
I bought the Win11 desktop brand new.

When I plug in the USB cable on the desktop it shows that I have plugged it in and shows the USB ports. In my case USB 13 shows up.

This morning I plugged in the hardware to an on board ethernet port, which is supposed to be pretty full proof. It's response is/was "Internet Down"
I tried using a browser to connect to the suggest port in the hook up options in the Platypus software and it simply timed out. I looked to see what is connected on my lan and it did not show it, but it does show several other items.

This is making me crazy, specially since I just have to plug it in to the Win10 computer and it takes right off.

Greg_M · Aug 9, 2024

Breakthrough!
I was scratching my head (still) and saw in the Device Manager a new notification labeled.....
CP1022 USB to Uart Bridge Controller.
I clicked on it and it said it was not installed. A quick search of the web brought up a web sight talking about that controller complete with downloads. I downloaded the most recent driver, read the instructions and installed it.
The Platypus now connects!
Huzzah!