ASUS's USB troubleshooting article gives a clear order. Install the software and drivers for devices such as printers and scanners before connecting them. Check for damage to the USB cable or the ports (which can cause a device that stops working or works intermittently) and, if you find any, visit an ASUS service center. Try the device on another computer: if it fails there too, the device may be faulty.
If you use a USB dock or hub, connect the device directly: if it then works, the dock may be faulty or its power source too weak. Restore BIOS defaults (F2, then default settings), update the BIOS, Windows and drivers through MyASUS, reinstall the USB Root Hub driver and USB Host Controller driver in Device Manager, and, if the fault is recent, use System Restore. ASUS has a parallel article for USB Type-C, including Thunderbolt and Type-C display problems.
Differential
Likely causes of “ASUS laptops USB or Thunderbolt device is not recognized”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A damaged cable or port
What separates it The device works intermittently or stops because of a damaged cable or port
How to confirm ASUS says damage to the cable or ports can cause it and recommends an ASUS service center for further tests
- 2
A faulty device
What separates it The device fails on another computer too because of a faulty device
How to confirm ASUS says the device may be faulty; contact its maker
- 3
A hub or dock with weak power
What separates it The device works when connected directly because of a hub or dock with weak power
How to confirm ASUS says the dock may be faulty or its power source not enough
- 4
BIOS settings changed
What separates it The computer cannot access the device because the BIOS settings were changed
How to confirm Restore BIOS defaults: hold F2 and press power, then load default settings
- 5
USB drivers in a bad state
What separates it The device is unrecognized after updates because the USB drivers are in a bad state
How to confirm Reinstall the USB Root Hub and USB Host Controller drivers in Device Manager
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which ASUS machine you have and which port fails (USB-A or USB-C, Thunderbolt)
- The device, cable and any hub or dock, and whether it works on another computer
- What Device Manager shows under Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Whether the fault began after an update or a drop
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedInstall the device software
ReversibleInstall the device software, and install the maker's software before connecting printers and scanners, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Inspect cable and ports
ReversibleInspect cable and ports, by looking for damage and trying another cable and port on the laptop.
Try another computer
ReversibleTry another computer, and if the device fails there too, contact its maker for help.
Connect directly
ReversibleConnect directly, by removing the hub or dock, and testing the device on the laptop.
Restore BIOS defaults
ReversibleHold F2 while pressing power to open the BIOS, load the default settings, save and exit, then let the laptop start again.
Reinstall USB drivers
ReversibleIn Device Manager, uninstall each USB Root Hub and Host Controller with devices disconnected, then restart.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Ports by model
- Zenbook S14 UX5406: USB-C and Thunderbolt plus usually HDMI and USB-A. Vivobook S15 S5507: Snapdragon Arm laptop. ProArt P16 and Zephyrus G14: USB-C and USB-A with HDMI. ROG Ally X: USB-C.
- Drivers
- USB Root Hub and USB Host Controller drivers in Device Manager; MyASUS System Update delivers chipset and USB updates.
- Repair cost
- A port that ignores one cable is usually the cable or a driver. A port repair at an independent shop is about $129 to $179, per BadgerLayer's 2026 laptop repair guide.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the ROG Zephyrus G14 GA403, Vivobook S 15 S5507.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If ports fail on every device and cable after driver reinstalls and BIOS defaults, contact an ASUS service center
- !If a port is loose, bent or corroded, book a repair
- !If only one dock fails, contact the dock's maker
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Drivers first, cable and port damage, another computer, direct connection, BIOS defaults, updates, USB Root Hub and Host Controller drivers and System Restore.
Type-C devices, Thunderbolt limits and Type-C display problems.
The Zenbook premium ultrabook line.
The Vivobook mainstream laptop line.
The ROG Ally handheld gaming PC line.
Exact questions
Common questions
How can I tell a port from a cable fault?+
Try the same device in every port and try a second device in the port that failed. If the fault follows the device or the cable, the port is fine; if it stays with one port, that port or its driver is the cause.
Why does a device work in USB-A and not USB-C?+
Some USB-C ports carry only data and power, and some carry video too. A device that needs a feature the port lacks will not work there even though it fits, so read the symbol beside the port.
What is the first thing ASUS says?+
Some USB devices need their software and drivers installed before connecting, so follow the manufacturer's documentation.
How do I reinstall the USB Root Hub driver?+
Disconnect all USB devices, open Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, uninstall each USB Root Hub and restart; Windows reinstalls the driver.
Can a hub cause the fault?+
Yes. ASUS says if the device works when connected directly, the dock may be faulty or its power source not enough.
Which ports do these machines have?+
The Zenbook S14 has USB-C and Thunderbolt plus usually HDMI and USB-A; the ROG Ally X has USB-C ports; others vary by model.
Does Type-C have a separate article?+
Yes. ASUS's USB Type-C article covers unrecognized devices, Thunderbolt limits and Type-C display problems.
Will System Restore help?+
ASUS says if the problem began recently and you have a restore point, restoring to a point before it may help.