If your device has stopped responding with Error “Device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” on Windows, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we provide step-by-step solutions to help you fix the “Device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” issue and get your device up and running in no time.

Content Summary

Introduction
Understanding the error message
Potential Causes
Solution 1: Check Device Connections, Port, and Cable
Solution 2: Disable fast startup
Solution 3: Disable Power Saving Settings
Solution 4: Change USB selective suspend settings
Solution 5: Install Windows Update
Solution 6: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in Windows
Solution 7: Perform Windows System Maintenance
Solution 8: Run an SFC scan
Solution 9: Disable and Enable the Device
Solution 10: Uninstall then Reinstall the USB Controller
Solution 11: Restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager
Solution 12: Clear File Explorer History
Solution 13: Update Your Drivers via Device Manager
Solution 14: Update Your Device Drivers via Windows Updates
Solution 15: Uninstall Previously Installed Windows Updates
Solution 16: Check for Malware and Viruses
Solution 17: Close Unresponsive Programs
Solution 18: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Solution 19: Remove and reconnect the device
Solution 20: Check for Hardware Issues
Solution 21: Test on another PC
Solution 22: Disable software conflicts
Solution 23: Perform Clean Boot
Solution 24: Perform a System Restore
Solution 25: Rolling back Windows to a previous version
How to prevent the “This device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” error message
FAQs
Conclusion

Introduction

Device not responding issues together with “Device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” error showing on Windows can be frustrating, and they can occur at any time. Whether you’re working on an important project or just browsing the web, a frozen or unresponsive device can halt your productivity. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to resolve these issues and get your device back to working properly.

This error message may appear when you are using external devices or peripherals, such as USB drives, network shares, or mobile phones, with your Windows PC. It means that the device is not communicating properly with the PC, and may cause data loss or corruption. There are several possible causes and solutions for this error, depending on the type of device and the situation.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to fix “Device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” error on Windows. We will cover the most common causes of these issues, and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get your device back up and running.

Understanding the error message

When encountering the error message “The device has either stopped responding or is disconnected,” it means that the device you are attempting to use has encountered a problem. This error message can appear when trying to connect to devices such as printers, cameras, external hard drives, and USB devices.

The error message can occur due to a variety of reasons, including software issues, driver problems, or hardware failure. It is important to determine the root cause of the problem to resolve it effectively.

Potential Causes

This error can occur due to several reasons, including outdated or corrupted drivers, issues with the hardware, or problems with Windows itself. Some of the most common causes of this error include:

• USB Controllers issues: The USB controllers are the drivers that manage the communication between the PC and the USB devices. If they are outdated, corrupted, or misconfigured, they may cause the error.
• Faulty hardware devices: The external device or the cable connecting it to the PC may be damaged or defective, preventing a stable connection.
• Software conflicts: Some software applications or settings may interfere with the device recognition or operation, causing the error.
• Conflicts between devices or programs: Conflicts between devices or programs can also cause this error message to appear.
• Outdated or corrupted drivers: If your drivers are outdated, it can cause conflicts between devices and programs, resulting in the “Device Has Either Stopped Responding or Has Been Disconnected” error message.
• Fast startup enabled
• USB selective suspend settings
• Windows updates

Solution 1: Check Device Connections, Port, and Cable

Devices can stop responding or be disconnected if there is a problem with the connections. The first step to fix this issue is to check the device connections. Make sure that the cables are properly connected and the device is turned on. Try plugging the device into a different USB port or a different device if possible. If the device is still not responding, try restarting your computer and checking the connections again.

Solution 2: Disable fast startup

Fast startup is a feature in Windows that can cause issues with some devices. To disable fast startup, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Power Options.

Step 2: Click Choose what the power buttons do.

Step 3: Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

Step 4: Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).

Step 5: Click Save changes.

Solution 3: Disable Power Saving Settings

Windows has power saving settings that can cause devices to disconnect to conserve power. You can disable these settings to prevent disconnections by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Control Panel and select Power Options.

Step 2: Select Change plan settings next to the current power plan.

Step 3: Click on Change advanced power settings.

Step 4: Expand the USB settings and Wireless Adapter Settings categories.

Step 5: Change the settings to Disabled for USB selective suspend setting and Power Saving Mode.

Solution 4: Change USB selective suspend settings

Windows has a feature called “USB selective suspend” that can cause issues with some devices. To change this setting, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Power Options.

Step 2: Click Change plan settings for the current power plan.

Step 3: Click Change advanced power settings.

Step 4: Expand USB settings.

Step 5: Expand USB selective suspend setting.

Step 6: Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.

Step 7: Click Apply and OK.

Solution 5: Install Windows Update

Here are the steps to install Windows Update in Windows 11:

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard or right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings from the list.

Step 2: In Settings, choose Windows Update in the sidebar.

Step 3: In Windows Update settings, click the Check for Updates button.

Step 4: If your Windows 11 installation is fully up-to-date, you’ll see a message saying You’re up to date.

Step 5: If there are updates available, click the Download and install button.

If you want to install optional updates manually on Windows 11, you can use these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard or right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings from the list.

Step 2: In Settings, choose Windows Update in the sidebar.

Step 3: In Windows Update settings, click the Advanced options tab.

Step 4: Under the Additional options section, click the Optional updates setting.

Step 5: Click the category to see the optional updates – for example, Driver updates.

Solution 6: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in Windows

Windows has a built-in tool that can diagnose and fix common hardware problems. Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in Windows to troubleshoot the hardware issues that may cause your device stopped responding or disconnected.

Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings panel and navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Click on Hardware and Devices and then click on Run the troubleshooter.

Alternatively, you can execute the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter using command prompt, follow below steps:

Step 1: Right-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

Step 3: Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.

Step 4: Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

Solution 7: Perform Windows System Maintenance

You can run the System Maintenance troubleshooter via the Control Panel:

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run command dialog box.

Step 2: Type Control Panel and press Enter.

Step 3: Click the View by drop-down menu and select Large icons.

Step 4: Scroll down and select Troubleshooting.

Step 5: Under System and Security, click Run maintenance tasks.

Step 6: Click Next, and wait for your computer to troubleshoot and repairs the problem.

Step 7: Restart the Windows after troubleshooting complete.

Solution 8: Run an SFC scan

System File Checker (SFC) is another built-in tool that can scan and repair corrupted system files. You can try running an SFC scan:

Step 1: Right-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

Step 3: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Step 4: Wait for the scan to finish and restart your PC if prompted.

Solution 9: Disable and Enable the Device

Another option is to disable and enable the device.

Step 1: Go to the Device Manager and locate the device.

Step 2: Right-click on it and select Disable.

Step 3: Wait for a few seconds and then right-click on it again and select Enable.

Solution 10: Uninstall then Reinstall the USB Controller

This will remove and reinstall the USB drivers on your PC. You can try uninstalling USB Controllers:

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box

Step 2: Type hdwwiz.cpl, and click OK to open the Device Manager.

Step 3: Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers category and right-click on each item under it.

Step 4: Select Uninstall device and confirm if asked.

Step 5: After uninstalling all of them, restart your PC and Windows will automatically reinstall them.

Solution 11: Restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager

Here are the steps to restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager:

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Step 2: In Task Manager, click on the field labeled Windows Explorer.

Step 3: Select Windows Explorer from the list.

Step 4: In the bottom right corner of Task Manager, click the button labeled Restart.

Alternatively, you can right-click Windows Explorer in Task Manager and select Restart to restart Windows Explorer. On Windows 7, 8, or 10, you can also right-click the taskbar while holding Ctrl + Shift and select Exit Explorer to restart Windows Explorer.

Solution 12: Clear File Explorer History

Here are the steps to clear File Explorer history in Folder Options:

Step 1: Launch File Explorer and open the View tab.

Step 2: Click on the See More icon (three dots) at the top of the window.

Step 3: Click on the Options button in the top-right corner.

Step 4: In the Folder Options window, locate the Privacy section.

Step 5: Click the Clear button to clear File Explorer history.

If you want to hide Recently used files and Frequently used folders in Quick Access, uncheck the appropriate options and click Apply > OK.

Solution 13: Update Your Drivers via Device Manager

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause device not responding issues on Windows. To fix this, you’ll need to update your drivers. You can do this manually by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your system. Alternatively, you can use a driver update tool to automatically update your drivers.

Here’s how you can update your drivers via Device Manager:

Step 1: Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu.

Step 2: Locate the device with the driver issue: Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them, as this indicates a driver issue.

Step 3: Update the driver: Right-click the device with the driver issue and select Update driver. Follow the prompts to update the driver.

Solution 14: Update Your Device Drivers via Windows Updates

Windows Update can also provide updated drivers for your devices. To check for updates:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Step 2: Select the Advanced options.

Step 4: Click the drop-down button on the Driver Update and check the list of updates available.

Step 5: Select the Update and Install button, then wait for the drivers to install.

Step 6: Restart the Windows after device driver installation complete.

Solution 15: Uninstall Previously Installed Windows Updates

Step 1: Press Windows key + R together to open the Run box.

Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.

Step 3: Click on Show installed updates.

Step 4: Select the latest update and click on Uninstall.

Solution 16: Check for Malware and Viruses

Malware and Viruses can cause your system to slow down or stop responding altogether. To scan for malware and viruses, you can use the built-in Windows Defender software or download a third-party antivirus program. Run a full system scan and remove any threats that are detected.

Here’s how to check for malware and viruses:

Step 1: Run a malware scan: Install and run a reputable malware scanning tool such as Malwarebytes.

Step 2: Run a virus scan: Install and run a reputable antivirus tool such as Windows Defender.

Step 3: Remove any malware or viruses: If any malware or viruses are detected, follow the prompts to remove them.

Solution 17: Close Unresponsive Programs

If your Windows 10 system is not responding, it may be due to a single unresponsive program. In this case, you can try closing the program using the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the unresponsive program and click End Task. If this doesn’t work, try restarting your system and then closing the program.

Solution 18: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

If your Windows 10 system is slow to respond, it may be due to too many programs starting up with your system. You can disable unnecessary startup programs by opening Task Manager, clicking on the Startup tab and disabling any programs that you don’t need to run at startup.

Solution 19: Remove and reconnect the device

Sometimes, simply unplugging and plugging back the device can resolve the error. Make sure you use a different USB port if possible, and check if the cable is in good condition. You can also use the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar to eject the device before disconnecting it.

Solution 20: Check for Hardware Issues

If your device is not responding, the first step is to check for any hardware issues that may be causing the problem. The following steps can help you identify and fix hardware issues:

Step 1: Check your connections: Ensure that all cables and wires are properly connected to your device. If any cables are loose or disconnected, reconnect them and restart your device.

Step 2: Check for damaged hardware: If your device is still not responding, check for any signs of physical damage such as cracks, dents, or scratches. If you notice any damage, it may be necessary to replace the affected hardware.

Step 3: Run a hardware diagnostic test: Many devices come with built-in diagnostic tests that can help identify any hardware issues. Consult your device’s user manual or support website for instructions on how to run a diagnostic test.

Solution 21: Test on another PC

You can try these methods one by one and see if it helps you fix the issue. If none of these methods work, you can test the same devices on another Windows PC to make sure everything is fine.

Solution 22: Disable software conflicts

Some software applications or settings may cause problems with your device. For example, antivirus programs, firewall settings, power management options, etc. You can try disabling them temporarily and see if that fixes the error. You can also try booting your PC in Safe Mode, which is a diagnostic mode that only loads essential drivers and services. To do this:

Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Go to Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup and click Restart now.

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 4: After your PC restarts, press F4 to enter Safe Mode.

Solution 23: Perform Clean Boot

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open a Run box.

Step 2: Type msconfig and click the OK button to open the System Configuration window.

Step 3: In the General tab, click on the radio button beside Selective startup. Uncheck the Load startup items checkbox.

Step 4: Go to the Services Tab, then check on Hide All Microsoft services and click on Disable all button.

Step 5: Click the Apply button, and then click on the OK button. Choose Restart Later option.

Step 6: Press the Windows + R key to open a Run box.

Step 7: Type msconfig and click the OK button to open the System Configuration window.

Step 8: Choose Startup and select Open Task Manager.

Step 9: look at the last field called Startup Impact and disable all the ones with High Impact by right-clicking on it and choose Disable.

Step 10: Restart your Windows and it will startup in the clean boot mode.

Step 11: If the same error not showing again, then try to find out the problematic application by adding one application or driver at a time to clean boot selection and check.

Solution 24: Perform a System Restore

If updating your drivers does not resolve the issue, performing a system restore can help. This will revert your system to a previous state before the problem occurred. Here’s how to perform a system restore:

Step 1: Open System Restore: Press the Windows key + R and type rstrui.exe in the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Choose a restore point: Select a restore point from the list of available options. Choose a point in time when your device was working properly.

Step 3: Restore your device: Follow the prompts to restore your device to the selected restore point.

Solution 25: Rolling back Windows to a previous version

Step 1: Press Windows key + R together to open the Run box.

Step 2: Type Winver and press Enter.

Step 3: If you’ve had an update recently, we can find out if it’s been the problem by going to Windows key + I > Update and security > Recovery > Roll back Windows 10 to a previous version.

Step 4: Or you can go to Windows key + R > type appwiz.cpl > press Enter > Show installed updates > Select the latest update and uninstall.

How to prevent the “This device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” error message

To prevent this error message from appearing in the future, we recommend the following steps:

• Keep device drivers up to date. Check for updates regularly.
• Safely remove devices before unplugging them from your computer.
• Use high-quality USB cables to connect devices to your computer.
• Keep your computer’s firmware up to date.

FAQs

Question: How to prevent the device stopping responding or disconnecting error?
Answer: To prevent this issue, you can regularly update your software, hardware components, and drivers, run a virus scan, and keep your device clean.

Question: Can the device stopping responding or disconnecting error cause data loss?
Answer: Yes, in some cases, the device stopping responding or disconnecting error can cause data loss. It is always recommended to backup your important data regularly.

Question: Why does my device keep disconnecting?
Answer: There can be several reasons why a device keeps disconnecting, such as loose connections, outdated drivers, or power saving settings.

Question: What should I do if my device still doesn’t work after following these steps?
Answer: If your device still doesn’t work after following these steps, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance or replace the device if it is faulty.

Question: Can I ignore the “This device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” error message?
Answer: No, you should not ignore this error message. It indicates a problem with a connected device and can cause data loss or other issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, device not responding with “Device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected” error on Windows can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify and fix hardware issues, update your drivers, perform a system restore, and check for malware and viruses. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting your device back up and running smoothly.

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