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If Windows 10/11 doesn’t recognize the USB drive you connect with error code 28 in Device Manager, then this guide will give you detailed instructions to fix the problem.
Problem details: When you plug in a USB drive in Windows 10/11, the drive doesn’t show up in File Explorer and in Windows Device Manager the connected USB storage device shows the error message “Drivers for this device are not installed (Code 28)”.
The error Code 28 in Windows Device Manager typically indicates that the drivers for a device are not installed. In this case, “Code 28” on a USB mass storage device (e.g. on a USB drive/disk) means that the drives for the USB drive you are connecting are not installed, or that the USB drive or port is not working correctly.
How to FIX: Device Manager Error Code 28 in USB Mass Storage Devices (USB Disks) on Windows 10/11.*
To fix error 28 on USB drives (aka “USB Mass Storage Devices”) in device manager, read carefully the below important notes and then follow the methods below:
* Important Notes:
1. Before continuing below, make sure the problem exists when you plug the USB drive into all available USB ports on the the PC and with any USB drive you plug in. Also make sure the USB disk drive is working normally on another computer. This will ensure that the USB port or USB drive is not damaged.
2. If error code 28 goes away after applying any of the steps below but you still don’t see the external drive in File Explorer, then proceed and assign a drive letter to the USB drive by doing the following:
- Right-click on Start menu and select Disk Management.
- Right-click on the external USB drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths…
- From the drop-down menu, select a new letter to assign to the USB drive and press OK.
Method 1. Update – Install USB Mass Storage Driver.
The first method to fix the error code 28 on USB drives, is to install the “USB Mass Storage Driver”.
1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
2. In Device Manager, expand Other devices, then right-click on the USB drive which shows the code 28 and select Update Driver.
3. Click Browse my computer for drivers.
4. Then click Let me pick from a list or available drivers on my computer.
5. In ‘Update Drivers’ screen:
a. Uncheck the Show compatible hardware box.
b. Under Manufacturer, select: Compatible USB Storage device.
c. Under Model, select: USB Mass Storage Device.
d. When done, click Next and let Windows to install the selected driver.
6. When the driver installation is complete, check if the error code 28 is gone in Device Manager and if the USB drive is recognized in File Explorer. If not, continue to next step.
Method 2. Completely Uninstall and Re-Install all Universal Serial Bus Controllers & USB Devices.
1. Disconnect any external USB drives and devices that are not needed to run your computer.
2. Open Device Manager and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Then, right-click on every USB device found there* and select Uninstall.
* Notes:
1. If you lose the connectivity with your USB Keyboard or the USB Mouse, during uninstall, then unplug & plug them again on the computer.
2. Repeat the above step to uninstall all USB devices.
4. Restart your computer.
5. After restart wait until Windows automatically install all USB Serial Bus controllers again.
6. Then, plug your USB drive and see if your computer can recognize it properly and without errors. If not, proceed to next step.
Method 3. Uninstall/Reinstall the USB Drive.
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click on the USB storage device showing the error code 28 in device manager and select Uninstall device. Then, click Uninstall in the warning message.
3. After uninstalling, unplug the USB drive from your computer and plug it again. If the error 28 persists, continue to next step.
Method 4. Modify USB Root Hub Power Management Settings.
1. Disconnect the USB drive.
2. Open Device Manager and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3a. Double-click to USB Root Hub to open its Properties.
3b. Go to Power Management tab and uncheck the option Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Then, click OK to save the change.
4. Repeat the same steps for all “USB Root Hub” and “Generic USB hub” devices.
5. Finally, plug again the USB drive and check if the problem is solved.
Method 5. Disable USB Suspend Settings.
1. Disconnect the USB drive.
2. In the Search box, type “edit power plan” and then click Edit power plan.
3. Click Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand the USB Settings” and then set the USB selective suspend setting to Disabled. *
* Note: For laptop computers you have to change this setting in both fields there: On Battery & Plugged in.
5. When done, press OK and then restart the computer.
6. Plug again the USB drive and check if the problem is solved.
Method 6. Fix Code 28 by Installing the Intel Chipset Drivers.
The next step in solving code 28 on USB drives is to install the latest chipset drivers for your computer.
To do this, you can either navigate to your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support website and download and then install the latest chipset drivers or install the Intel® Driver & Support Assistant (Intel ® DSA ) and automatically update the chipset drivers..
Method 7. Repair Windows with In-Place Upgrade.
The next step to solve the mentioned issue, is to repair Windows 10/11 with an in-place upgrade. To perform this task, follow the instructions in one of the following guides according your operating system version. (Windows 10/11).
Method 8. Clean Install Windows.
If any of the above steps helped you to fix the issue, then your last option is to backup your files* and to RESET your PC or to perform a clean Windows installation.
* Note: Since any USB drive you plug in isn’t recognized to back up your files, the only ways to back up them are to either store your files in the cloud or to remove the main hard drive from your PC and connect it to another computer.
That’s it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
