How to Fix Last USB Device Malfunctioned Error on Windows [Efficient Ways]
If you've plugged a USB device into your Windows computer and instead of opening your files, the system displays the "the last USB device malfunctioned" error message, don't panic. This is a common issue that can occur with any USB device connected to a computer.
The error "The last USB device malfunction" can be frustrating, but there are fixes to resolve the issue. This article will provide detailed solutions, including checking for loose connections, updating drivers, and running a disk check. Additionally, it will recommend using Deep Data Recovery to recover lost data after a USB device malfunctions.
About Error: The Last USB Device Malfunctioned
The "last USB device malfunctioned" error occurs when a USB drive is plugged into a computer and Windows is unable to detect it, likely due to the previous USB device causing issues, preventing access to the files on the USB drive.
The "last USB device malfunctioned" error can be caused by a damaged USB port or a corrupted USB drive, leading to data reading issues with any connected device.
Since the last device connected to your Windows computer got corrupted, this may affect all the other USB drives connected later. In the next section, we'll show you how to fix these issues and get your USB device working normally again.
How to Fix the Last USB Device Malfunctioned?
The "last USB Device malfunctioned" error is not a permanent issue and can be easily resolved using various fixes. These fixes typically allow you to start using your USB device again once the problem is resolved, making it a relatively simple issue to address.
- Method 1. Unplug Your Computer from the Power Source
- Method 2. Change the USB Port
- Method 3. Disable USB Selective Suspend Settings
- Method 4. Repair the USB Root Hub
- Method 5. Update/Rollback a Device Driver
We'll discuss each method in the following detailed ways.
Method 1. Unplug Your Computer from the Power Source
Unplugging the power supply can be a simple yet effective solution to resolve the "last USB device malfunctioned" error. By disconnecting the power, the computer will "forget" the error and be able to detect the current USB device upon replugging the power, allowing you to resolve the issue.
Step 1. Disconnect your PC from the power supply.
Step 2. To resolve the issue, wait for a short while, then reconnect the power and restart your device.
Step 3. Reconnect the USB device to your computer.
Step 4. Check to see if the computer can now open your USB drive. If it doesn't work, proceed to the second fix.
Method 2. Change the USB Port
If your computer is showing the "last USB device malfunctioned" error, try plugging your USB drive into a different port. This is often the solution as the issue may be with the port itself, not the drive. Connecting the drive to a different port can resolve the problem and allow your computer to detect it.
For a desktop computer, it's recommended to use the USB ports at the back due to their stronger electricity power, which makes them highly responsive. This often resolves the issue, but if not, proceed to the next step.
Method 3. Disable USB Selective Suspend Settings
The "the last USB device malfunctioned" error can also occur due to selective suspend settings, which are enabled by default on all Windows operating systems. Disabling this setting can help resolve the issue. To apply this fix, follow the steps to disable the selective suspend settings.
Step 1. To access the Power & Sleep Settings, press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then type "power" in the search bar and click on the first option that appears.
Step 2. Click on "Additional Power Settings."
Step 3. Under Balanced (recommended), click on "Change plan settings."
Step 4. To change the advanced power settings, navigate to the next window that opens and select "Change advanced power settings."
Step 5. Double-click on "USB settings" to expand it.
Step 6. To resolve the issue, disable the USB selective suspend setting, go to Device Manager, find the USB device, right-click it, select "Properties," and then click on the "Power Management" tab. Change the setting to "Disabled" and click "OK," then "Apply." Restart your computer to effect the changes. Your USB device should now work usually.
Method 4. Repair the USB Root Hub
To fix the "the last USB device malfunctioned" error, you can try repairing the USB root hub. This can be done by following a series of steps, which involve accessing the Device Manager, expanding the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" section, right-clicking on the USB Root Hub, and selecting "Update driver" or "Uninstall device" to restart it. This process can help resolve the issue and allow your USB devices to function properly.
Step 1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select "Device Manager."
Step 2. Navigate to "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" and expand the section.
Step 3. Right-click on "USB Root Hub" and select "Properties."
Step 4. To access the USB drive on your computer, go to the "Power Management" tab, click on it, and then click "OK" to save the changes and exit the window. This should allow your computer to recognize and open the USB drive.
Method 5. Update/Rollback a Device Driver
To resolve the "the last USB device malfunctioned" error caused by corrupted USB drivers, update the drivers or roll back the updates. This can be done by following these steps:
Step 1. Right-click on the "Start Menu" and select "Device Manager."
Step 2. Navigate to "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" and double-click on it.
Step 3. To remove all USB drivers, right-click on the first USB driver and select "Uninstall device," then repeat this process for each remaining USB driver.
Step 4. After completing Step 3, restart your computer. The system will automatically reinstall the USB drivers and resolve the USB device malfunction error upon restart.
Tip: The Best Software to Recover Data from a Malfunctioned USB Drive
If your USB drive malfunctions, you can use data recovery software like Deep Data Recovery to recover your files.
This software enables the recovery of lost data due to various reasons such as accidental deletion, virus attacks, system crashes, or partition loss. It supports recovery from various devices including USB drives, memory cards, internal hard drives, SD cards, external hard drives, cameras, and more.
The main features of Deep Data Recovery include the following:
- Partition recovery- This software enables you to recover data from lost or deleted partitions on your computer hard drive.
- Raw recovery- Deep Data Recovery is a process that enables the retrieval of data from a hard drive that has become "RAW," meaning it is no longer accessible due to a severe failure or corruption. This service allows users to recover their valuable files, even if the drive itself is beyond repair.
- Format recovery- This software enables you to recover data from a formatted hard drive, allowing you to retrieve lost files and information that was previously inaccessible due to a formatting error.HDD, SSD, USB drive, SD card, etc.
- Damaged hard drive recovery- When a hard drive fails to respond and becomes "dead," Qiling enables secure recovery of all the files from it.
- Repair corrupted photos and videos- Deep Data Recovery enables the repair of damaged JPEG, JPG, MP4, or MOV files as part of the data recovery process.
To recover data from a malfunctioned USB drive, download the trial version of Deep Data Recovery and follow these simple steps. With this software, you can freely recover data without any hassle, making it a reliable tool for data recovery.
Final Verdict
The "the last USB device malfunctioned" error on Windows often prevents access to data on a USB drive. This issue typically arises due to a damaged USB port or a corrupted USB drive. To resolve the problem, you can try unplugging the power source, changing the USB port, disabling selective suspend settings, repairing the USB root hub, or rolling back a device driver.
If your USB drive experiences a data loss scenario due to a malfunction error, the best way to recover your files is through Deep Data Recovery software. This efficient tool can recover files from various devices, including USB drives, SD cards, hard drives, SSDs, and memory cards.
If you've experienced any data loss issues, download Deep Data Recovery to recover your files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The "the last USB device malfunctioned" error is a message that appears on some Windows computers when a USB device is removed or disconnected while it is still in use, usually accompanied by a blue screen of death (BSOD) and a system crash. This error can occur when a user unplugs a USB device while it is still transferring data or if a device is malfunctioning and causing the system to crash.
1. Why Does My USB Device Keep Malfunctioning?
Your device might keep malfunctioning due to the following reasons:
- Damaged USB ports.
- Incompatible device.
- Outdated or incorrect USB drivers.
- Corrupt USB drives.
To resolve the issues with your USB device, ensure it is properly connected to your computer. Check that the USB device is not damaged and that the USB port on your computer is functioning correctly.
2. How Do I Open a Malfunctioned USB?
If your USB drive is malfunctioning and won't open, you'll need to identify and fix the issue causing the error. This can be done by trying to resolve the problem through various means, such as checking for physical damage, running a virus scan, updating the drive's firmware, or using a USB recovery tool. By taking these steps, you may be able to recover your data and get your USB drive working properly again.
- Try a different USB port.
- Unplug the power supply.
- Disable USB selective suspend settings.
- Update or rollback USB drivers.
- Run a hardware troubleshooter.
3. How Do I Clear a Corrupted USB?
Formatting a corrupted USB is the best way to clear it. To do this, you can follow these steps: [insert steps here].
Step 1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.
Step 2. Open File Explorer and click on "This PC."
Step 3. Right-click on the corrupted USB drive from the list of connected drives.
Step 4. Confirm the file system, allocation unit size, and volume label for your drive. This information is typically displayed in the "General" tab of the drive's properties window, and can be used to ensure that the drive is properly formatted and configured.
Step 5. Under the "Format options," check the option for "Quick format."
Step 6. To format a USB drive, click the "Start" button and select "Computer" or "This PC". Then, right-click on the USB drive and select "Format". Next, click the "Start" button and select "Yes" to format your USB device.
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