Fix “A device attached to the system is not functioning” in Windows 10

Another day and another article for Windows 10 users where we are going to share – A device attached to the system is not functioning Windows 10 fix.

A device attached to the system is not functioning error is a very common error which is faced by the Windows 10 users.

Usually, you get a device attached to the system is not functioning error while copying file or folder on the USB device or SD card or a portable Hard Disk drive. Even sometimes, you might encounter this error while updating drivers in Windows 10 using Device Manager too.

Now there can be many reasons for this annoying error and to which there are multiple methods for fixing the same.

a device attached to the system is not functioning

Today, we have come up with few amazing solutions for you which you can try if you want to fix a device attached to the system is not functioning Windows 10 error.

How to Fix “A device attached to the system is not functioning” in Windows 10

Before following the below-explained step by step solutions, few very basic things which you can try out to get rid of a device attached to the system is not functioning error are reconnecting USB device or phone or SD Card with your computer, restarting your computer, and formatting USB device if the USB storage device is not properly formatted,

If you have already attempted all these things and still facing the error then follow these below mentioned suggestions.

A device attached to the system is not functioning error in File Explorer

If you are getting this issue while working in file explorer (like whenever you are trying to copy something from your computer to your phone or USB devices) then you should do following things:

Run System File Checker tool (SFC.exe): System File Checker helps you in checking for system file corruption and restoring corrupted files.

In order to run SFC command, open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow then press Enter key.

system file checker

Now, your computer will be scanned and if any errors were found it will show you. It is possible that some errors are fixed by SFC while some are not for which you can take help of DISM commands.

Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter: If your Windows 10 computer is facing any hardware or device related issues then running Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will help you in identifying and then resolving the issues that it finds.

To run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in Windows 10 PC, go to Start menu and then click on Settings  > Update & security  > Troubleshoot > Hardware and Devices > and finally click on Run the troubleshooter button.

hardware and devices

Now the process of detecting problems and resolving problems will begin. It will look for the possible errors and will fix them on your Windows 10 computer.

sound video and game controllers windows 10

Uninstall the Problematic Device: The next thing which you can do is uninstall the device which is leading to issues on your computer.

To do the same, go to Start menu and then click on Settings > Devices > Connected Devices to view the devices which are connected and then uninstall and reinstall the device which is causing A device attached to the system is not functioning error while copying files and folder error. You can also uninstall or reinstall a device from device manager.

A device attached to the system is not functioning error with Windows Feature

Windows 10 users who are getting this issue with Windows Feature can follow these important steps:

Check for Updates: The first thing which you can do is install all the latest updates available for your computer and keep your PC up to date. To check for updates in Windows 10 PC, go to Start menu and then click on Settings  > Update & security  > Windows Update, and select Check for updates button.

check for updates windows 10

If you are using any old programs on your computer it is possible that you can experience A device attached to the system is not functioning Windows 10 error.

Check Windows 10 Update History: You can also check for the Windows Update history in Windows 10 by going to Start menu and then opening Settings > Update & security> Windows Update > clicking the small Update history link in blue to see all the hotfixes which were offered.

windows 10 update history

If the hotfix is related to the exact feature for which you are getting the error then simply uninstall that particular update.

Refresh Your PC: If you are still experiencing the problem, you can simply refresh your Windows 10 computer. Refreshing Windows 10 PC will reinstall Windows but it will keep all your personal files and settings.

A device attached to the system is not functioning error in the Device Manager

If you getting this annoying error while updating drivers in Windows 10 using Device Manager then you can try these helpful recommendations:

Reinstall Hardware Devices: Open Device Manager and right click on the device which is causing the error and select Uninstall option. Now from the Action menu, click on the Scan for hardware changes option and then follow the instructions on the screen.

sound driver missing from device manager

Install the Latest Device Driver Manually: Uninstalling device drivers and installing the latest version manually might help you a lot in this situation. Download the updated version of device drivers from manufacturer’s support site and install them manually.

Enable Enhanced Power Management: If you are getting the error with USB driver, you should enable Enhanced Power Management for USB Device and see if the issue is fixed.

Conclusion

Windows errors are always headache as they limit the proper functioning of our laptop or desktop computers. The above-explained solutions will help you perfectly in solving A device attached to the system is not functioning error while copying files or folder in Windows 10 operating system.

Tell us in the comments section below – Which method worked like a charm for you in fixing the issue?

If you found this A device attached to the system is not functioning Windows 10 fix helpful for you then feel free to share it with your friends on social media and help them with similar Windows 10 problems.

Do you know? How to Fix “Sound, video and game controllers” Missing from Device Manager Windows 10 PC