If a particular device isn’t working properly on Windows, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue.
1. Update Device Drivers
The first step to troubleshooting any hardware device is to make sure that you have the most up-to-date device drivers installed. If the device has been connected to the computer for some time, its driver may be out of date and need to be updated. To update the device driver, go to the Device Manager in Control Panel and right-click on the device that is having problems. Select ‘Update Driver Software’ and follow the prompts. It is also recommended to periodically check the website of the device’s manufacturer for updates to their driver files.
2. Check Device Connections
It is also important to make sure that the device is physically connected to the computer correctly. Make sure that all connections are secure and firmly in place. This includes USB cable connections, power cables, and any other connections required by the device.
3. Check Compatibility
Sometimes, a device may not be compatible with your version of Windows. Before purchasing a new device, make sure to check the products specifications to ensure that it is compatible with the version of Windows you are running. It is also recommended to check the devices compatibility with any other software or hardware before making a purchase.
4. Delete and Reinstall the Device
If updating the driver did not help or the device still isn’t functioning properly, try deleting it from Device Manager and then reinstalling it. To do this, navigate to the Device Manager, select the device and click ‘Uninstall’. Once the device is uninstalled, disconnect and reconnect the device to the computer. The device should then be automatically reinstalled. If not, you can use the Add Hardware Wizard to manually install the device.
5. Check the Device in Safe Mode
Sometimes a device will not work properly when the computer is in normal mode, but after booting into Safe Mode the device may function normally. To check if this is the case, restart the computer and press F8 while it is starting up. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu. Choose ‘Safe Mode’ from this menu and let Windows boot normally. Once in Safe Mode, check to see if the device is working properly.
6. Troubleshoot with System Restore
If none of the above steps work, you can try using System Restore to rollback your computer to a time when the device was working properly. To do this, open the System Restore window in Control Panel. Select the date and time before the device stopped working. Click ‘Next’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Once the restoration is complete, restart the computer and check to see if the device is now functioning properly.
7. Check for Malware
Sometimes a device can become corrupted due to malicious software. Before attempting any other troubleshooting steps, make sure to scan your computer for malware and viruses using a reliable anti-malware solution.
Following these steps should help to get a malfunctioning device working properly once again. If all else fails, however, contact the manufacturer for more information about the device.