I have the same issue. Brand new Dell G15. Brand new 32GB flash. Formatted to FAT32. Scanned, and found no errors. Create program does not recognize it in either port. (Windows updates up-to-date).
Thoughts? (other than "Windows is ****"?)
Reddit
reddit.com › r/windowshelp › create recovery drive does not recognize usb flash drives
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Create Recovery Drive does not recognize USB flash drives
December 31, 2023 -
I am trying to create a recovery drive for a brand new Dell computer running Windows 11 and keep getting this error with different flash drives: "Connect a USB flash drive. The drive must be able to hold at least 32 GB, and everything on the drive will be deleted."
https://pixeldrain.com/u/ieqvdiHE
i've tried formatting the drive exFat, and NTFS, neither work.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Al
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Hi u/u2nyr , thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp ! Don't worry, your post has not been removed. To let us help you better, try to include as much of the following information as possible! Posts with insufficient details might be removed at the moderator's discretion. Model of your computer - For example: "HP Spectre X360 14-EA0023DX" Your Windows and device specifications - You can find them by going to go to Settings > "System" > "About" What troubleshooting steps you have performed - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! Any error messages you have encountered - Those long error codes are not gibberish to us! Any screenshots or logs of the issue - You can upload screenshots other useful information in your post or comment, and use Pastebin for text (such as logs). You can learn how to take screenshots here . All posts must be help/support related. If everything is working without issue, then this probably is not the subreddit for you, so you should also post on a discussion focused subreddit like r/Windows . I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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Same issue! Alienware m18 I9 13th geb Nvidia Rtx 4090 32gb ram Windows 11 Computer recognizes the usb stick but once inside create recovery drive then it does not find it? Usb stick 64gb sandisk
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I have the same issue. Brand new Dell G15. Brand new 32GB flash. Formatted to FAT32. Scanned, and found no errors. Create program does not recognize it in either port. (Windows updates up-to-date).
Thoughts? (other than "Windows is ****"?)
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I have the same problem with my laptop Dell XPS 15, the usb flash is recognized by it, but not when creating the recovery drive.
Videos
08:32
Fix USB Device Not Recognized | 5 Proven Methods [2025] - YouTube
06:14
Fix USB Devices not Working in Windows 11 | Dell Turks and Caicos ...
04:25
Fix: USB port not working in Windows 11 - YouTube
07:56
How to Fix USB device not recognized Windows 11/10 - YouTube
03:10
How to Fix USB Drive Not Showing up on Windows 10 or 11 - YouTube
How do I get my USB drive to show up?
- Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer.
- You should find a USB port on your computer's front, back, or side.
- A dialog box may appear depending on how your computer is set up.
- If it does, select Open folder to view files.
easeus.com
easeus.com › usb data recovery › fix usb drive not showing up in windows10/11 | 8 excellent ways
USB Drive Not Showing Up? Find Windows 10/11 Fixes Here
How do I force my computer to recognize my USB?
To fix USB drive not recognized:
- Open Device Manager and then disconnect the USB device from your computer.
- Wait a few moments, and then reconnect the device.
- Connect the USB device to another USB port.
- Connect the USB device to another computer.
- Update the USB device drivers.
easeus.com
easeus.com › usb data recovery › fix usb drive not showing up in windows10/11 | 8 excellent ways
USB Drive Not Showing Up? Find Windows 10/11 Fixes Here
Why is my USB not showing up on my computer?
Reasons why a USB flash drive is not showing up in Windows 11/10/8/7:
- The drive is powered off
- The drive isn't seated properly in the port
- The USB port on the computer is bad
- The USB drive itself is broken
- The file system of the USB is not compatible with your device
easeus.com
easeus.com › usb data recovery › fix usb drive not showing up in windows10/11 | 8 excellent ways
USB Drive Not Showing Up? Find Windows 10/11 Fixes Here
Eleven Forum
elevenforum.com › windows support forums › general support
Recovery Drive Creator Cannot Recognize Any USB | Windows 11 Forum
March 6, 2025 - Firefox ... plug your usb into a usb 2.0 slot and not a 3.0 slot also - format the usb as ntfs and reboot with it still plugged in. the recovery creation will format it as fat32 when needed
Reddit
reddit.com › r/computerhelp › windows recovery usb drive not working
r/computerhelp on Reddit: Windows recovery USB drive not working
June 17, 2024 -
I dusted off an old laptop I bought secondhand and did a reset as I had no password for the existing account. I got a sandisk 64gb USB (USB 3.0 but backwards compatible with USB 2.0) as a recovery drive
Problems:
For some reason windows does not detect the USB drive I set up for recovery and I see no obvious way to force it to sense it (I have put it in every port)
I get a THREaD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER error on restart
I am working with no admin account or any account
Safe mode does not work
Did I brick my computer?
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If it's an old laptop, what OS are you trying to recover? What brand of laptop? How old we talkin?! I would suggest installing the latest OS it can handle by using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Not sure what recovery you have setup on the USB that's causing issues. Is it an old recovery you created when you first got it? Edit: If it had Win 7 and can handle Win 10, you will have to purchase a license. I do not recommend installing 7 at all. It also depends on the hardware it's rocking. It will not meet the requirements for Win 11.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › computer › syqbv-cannot-create-recovery-usb-windows-11.html
Cannot Create Recovery USB for Windows 11? Expert Help Guide
Microsoft used to have more recovery options there, but starting with Windows 10 and continuing in Windows 11, the “Create a Recovery Drive” tool is its replacement. It’s tucked away instead of living in Control Panel, but it does the same job. ... Yes, if you do a major feature upgrade (say from 22H2 → 23H2, or 23H2 → 24H2), it’s recommended to recreate the recovery USB.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/techsupport › windows 11 usb device not recognized.
r/techsupport on Reddit: Windows 11 USB device not recognized.
April 8, 2024 -
The last USB device connected to this computer malfunctioned, was the message I received after plugging in the USB to connect my (roccat 7.1 elo) headphones. For some odd reason I can't connect the headphones after plugging it in, all that will happen is a series of disconnect and reconnect sounds. I've looked everywhere but can't solve my problem. Could someone please help?
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Here are a few suggestions: Reboot your computer to see if the issue goes away on its own Try a different USB port in case there's a problem with the one you're using Update device drivers. Open device manager and find the device, right click on it, and update drivers. Select 'search automatically', and if that fails, check the manufacturer website to see if they offer a download for the device drivers. Reinstall device drivers. Open device manager and find the device, right click on it, and uninstall device. Unplug it, wait a few minutes or reboot, then plug it back in. It should set itself up again and reinstall its drivers.
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Fixed mine by shaking & making it a little loose, the head that's connected to the pc/laptop, not the phone.
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 3869598 › windows-10-11-doesnt-recognize-usb-flash-drive-whe
Windows 10/11 doesn't recognize USB flash drive when creating a "Recovery drive" - Microsoft Q&A
To be recognized for a recovery drive, the USB must: Be at least 16GB (you’re fine here). Be formatted as FAT32 or NTFS (FAT32 is preferred for UEFI). Be empty, or ready to be wiped (recovery creation formats it).
EaseUS
easeus.com › usb data recovery › fix usb drive not showing up in windows10/11 | 8 excellent ways
USB Drive Not Showing Up? Find Windows 10/11 Fixes Here
Restoring the computer to an earlier date should also help you solve the USB drive not detected issue. You can easily restore your Windows with the System Restore option. Step 1. Open the Control Panel window and click "Recovery". Step 2. Click the "Configure System Restore" option. Step 3. Click "System Restore" and follow the instructions. Anyway, System Restore Windows 11 is the last method for Windows to fix USB flash drives showing issues.
Published 1 month ago
Super User
superuser.com › questions › 882749 › windows-recovery-creator-cannot-see-my-usb-drive
Windows Recovery Creator cannot see my USB drive - Super User
This may have been manufacture specific. I would give that a try. If it dows not work, you call always format the flash drive back to fat32. ... This worked for me... ... Format USB Drive as NTFS.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/windowshelp › creating a w11 recovery drive not working?
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Creating a w11 recovery drive not working?
June 17, 2024 -
I've gone through this procedure several times. I formatted a new 32GB flash drive, and it shows "empty" in explorer.
Steps 1 and 2 seem to complete ok. Then it starts backing up files (progress bar repeats) without my clicking "Next".
Then it says to connect a usb drive, has to be 32gb, everything will be deleted.
I put the flash drive in the USB slot for step 3 and it starts running without clicking "Next" (progress bar repeats).
When it finishes (I guess), I don't get a chance to click "next" or "create". It goes back to "connect a usb flash drive". This happens whether the flash drive is inserted before I start or after.
What's happening? How can I get this done?
Top answer 1 of 2
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Hi u/82Monk , thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp ! Don't worry, your post has not been removed. To let us help you better, try to include as much of the following information as possible! Posts with insufficient details might be removed at the moderator's discretion. Model of your computer - For example: "HP Spectre X360 14-EA0023DX" Your Windows and device specifications - You can find them by going to go to Settings > "System" > "About" What troubleshooting steps you have performed - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! Any error messages you have encountered - Those long error codes are not gibberish to us! Any screenshots or logs of the issue - You can upload screenshots other useful information in your post or comment, and use Pastebin for text (such as logs). You can learn how to take screenshots here . All posts must be help/support related. If everything is working without issue, then this probably is not the subreddit for you, so you should also post on a discussion focused subreddit like r/Windows . I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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Just use the media creation tool. You can launch winre and reinstall
Ten Forums
tenforums.com › windows-updates-activation › 151604-windows-10-wont-install-newly-created-usb-recovery-drive.html
Windows 10 won't install from newly created USB recovery drive Solved - Windows 10 Forums
It downloads a small tool which you run on a PC to create an installation thumb drive. Pop it in the PC you want to install to, boot, and follow the instructions in the Clean Install tutorial posted above. If your PC was already running a digitally activated Windows 10, it will auto activate after the install, from MS servers where that info is stored. ... Computer Type: PC/Desktop System Manufacturer/Model Number: Alienware R12 OS: Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider CPU: 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-11900KF @ 3.50GHz, 3401 Mhz, 8 Core(s), 16 Logical Processors Motherboard:
Eassos
eassos.com › how-to › USB-not-working.php
USB Not Working on Windows 11/10? Here're 7 Methods to Fix It
January 3, 2024 - Method 1: Restart your computer Method 2: Try plugging the USB drive into a different USB port Method 3: Change power management settings Method 4: Update device drivers Method 5: Turn off fast startup Method 6: Install Windows updates Method ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/techsupport › create a recovery drive in win11 does not recognize my usb flash drive
r/techsupport on Reddit: Create a Recovery Drive in Win11 does not recognize my USB flash drive
December 21, 2024 -
As the title suggests, I can't seem to use the recovery software to create a recovery drive.
I've tried formatting the flash drive, tried using different ports, etc to no avail.
File explorer opens the flash drive fine and I can use it there but not with the recovery software. Any solutions please?
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Making changes to your system BIOS settings or disk setup can cause you to lose data. Always test your data backups before making changes to your PC. For more information please see our FAQ thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/q2rns5/windows_11_faq_read_this_first/ I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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Download the official Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. If it still doesn't work, you need to replace the USB drive.
EaseUS
easeus.com › backup and recovery › usb external hard drive not showing up in windows 11 (99% users rated useful)
USB External Hard Drive Not Showing Up in Windows 11 (99% Users Rated Useful)
2 days ago - Try to show hidden files, folders and drive in Windows 11 file explorer options. See the image to know how to show hidden files. A raw USB hard drive won't show up normally until you formatted the Raw file system with a recognized NTFS, FAT32 or exFAT file format. The formatting procedure is the same as the Fix 6 presented. You can also fix the problem by fixing a RAW USB hard drive that is not detected in Windows 11.
MiniTool
minitool.com › home › data recovery › usb flash drive not recognized on windows 10/11? fix it now
USB Flash Drive Not Recognized on Windows 10/11? Fix It ...
October 16, 2025 - Here is a full guide on the problem of USB flash drive not recognized, including how to recover unrecognized USB with data recovery software and fix it by updating the driver, assigning a drive letter, running the hardware troubleshooter, and formatting.
Systweak
systweak.com › home › fixed – usb drive not showing up – windows 11/10
Fixed - USB Drive Not Showing Up - Windows 11/10
Get a list of solutions to fix the USB flash drive not recognized error on Windows 11 and 10. Try different USB ports, update drivers, etc.
Published September 9, 2025
Wondershare Recoverit
recoverit.wondershare.com › windows-10 › how-to-fix-windows-10-doesnt-recognize-usb.html
How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized Windows 10/11?
You can follow the next steps to allow Windows 10/11 to install the default drive: Go to "Device Manager" windows by pressing Windows Key + X or search the keyword on the search bar. Select "Disk drives"" option, then right-click on your USB device and select "Uninstall device". Restart your computer after the driver has been uninstalled. Reconnect your USB drive when your PC starts. Recover lost data files from USB drive on Windows 10/11 easily.
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 5631720 › unable-to-create-a-usb-recovery-drive-in-windows-1
Unable to Create a USB Recovery Drive in Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
I recommend using a plain USB, deleting all partitions in Disk Management, and formatting it as FAT32 or NTFS before running the Recovery Drive tool. If it still does not work, try a different USB brand that Windows recognizes as removable.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/endeavouros › windows 11 cannot detect my usb stick and i know that is the wrong subreddit.
r/EndeavourOS on Reddit: Windows 11 cannot detect my USB stick and I know that is the wrong subreddit.
December 26, 2023 -
I know that this is the wrong subreddit. Windows 11 cannot detect my USB stick and according to Disk Managment, Windows cannot detect the specified file. I cannot fix the issue and I am wanting to switch to Endeavour OS but I just cannot do it because the USB stick is inaccessible. File explorer cannot access it. I'm stuck with little to no clue on fixing this issue.
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Is it the only usb-stick that you have? If it is not properly detected by windows Disk Manager it could be dead. You can also try different partitioning software, but the chances are low. Better find a new one.
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Ohhh, this is the right subreddit. If you want to switch from Win to EnOS, you are more than welcome. The technical advice was already given by u/avbobylev and u/SuAlfons ; only thing to add would be to try a different stick first to save you a lot of hassle. Most likely the stick is dead. If you can get it, a second-hand external SSD would be the ideal solution, and helpful for a lot of things in the future as well.
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 5651992 › trying-to-create-a-recovery-file-onto-a-usb-but-re
Trying to create a recovery file onto a USB but recovery program does not find USB stick - Microsoft Q&A
... Try unplugging and replugging the usb drive during the part where you pick what drive you want to make as a recovery drive · 10 comments Show comments for this answer Report a concern