How to Fix Fix Error 0x80070031 — Device Attached to System Not Functioning on Windows
Getting error 0x80070031? "A device attached to the system is not functioning"? USB device error, external drive failure, or peripheral malfunction? Fix this hardware communication error.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •USB device stops working with error 0x80070031
- •External hard drive becomes inaccessible
- •File transfers to USB devices fail with this error
- •Printer or scanner operations fail with device error
- •SD card reader not reading cards properly
- •Phone or tablet not recognized when connected via USB
Common Causes
- ⚠USB device driver corrupted or outdated
- ⚠USB port providing insufficient power
- ⚠Device firmware issue or hardware malfunction
- ⚠USB cable damaged or too long (signal degradation)
- ⚠USB controller driver needs update
- ⚠USB selective suspend disconnecting device mid-operation
Solutions
Solution 1: Fix USB Device and Driver
- 1Unplug the device → wait 10 seconds → replug
- 2Try a different USB port (preferably directly on motherboard)
- 3Try a different USB cable if applicable
- 4Update driver: Device Manager → find the device
- 5Right-click → Update driver → Search automatically
- 6If device shows with ⚠️: right-click → Uninstall device
- 7Check "Delete driver software" → OK
- 8Unplug device → restart PC → replug (Windows installs fresh driver)
Solution 2: Fix USB Power Management
- 1Disable USB selective suspend:
- 2Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings
- 3Change advanced power settings
- 4USB settings → USB selective suspend setting → Disabled
- 5Apply → OK
- 6Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers
- 7For each USB Root Hub: Properties → Power Management
- 8UNCHECK "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"
- 9Use a powered USB hub for power-hungry devices
Solution 3: Reset USB Controllers
- 1Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers
- 2Right-click each USB controller → Uninstall device
- 3Do NOT check "Delete driver software"
- 4After uninstalling all: restart PC
- 5Windows will reinstall all USB controllers fresh
- 6If external drive: check drive health:
- 7CMD as Admin: chkdsk X: /f (replace X with drive letter)
- 8For SSDs: check manufacturer's utility for firmware updates
- 9If issue persists: test device on another computer to rule out hardware failure
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