Medium Operating Systems ✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)

How to fix error error-device-not-connected in Windows 11

ERROR_DEVICE_NOT_CONNECTED = 1167

65% success rate
👥 0+ users verified
📅 Updated: 2026-08-12
⏱️ 15 min read
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12 · How we verify fixes
Error Codeerror-device-not-connected
Affected SystemWindows 11 (Microsoft)
DifficultyMedium
Estimated Time15 min
Requires Admin Rights⚠️ Yes

Solution Steps

  1. 1 First, physically check the device connection. If it's a USB device, try a different port. If it's an internal device, ensure it's properly seated in its slot.
  2. 2 Press Windows key + X and select 'Device Manager'. Look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark. That indicates a problem. Right-click the device and select 'Uninstall device'. Then click 'Action' → 'Scan for hardware changes' to reinstall the driver.
  3. 3 If the device is not listed at all, go to 'View' → 'Show hidden devices' to see if it's there but disabled. If it's disabled, right-click and select 'Enable device'.
  4. 4 If the device is a USB device, try plugging it into a different USB port. Sometimes the port is faulty. Also, try a different cable if possible.
  5. 5 If the device is a printer or external drive, check if it's powered on and connected properly. For printers, ensure it's set as the default printer in Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
  6. 6 If the error persists, update the device driver. Right-click the device in Device Manager and select 'Update driver' → 'Search automatically for drivers'. If Windows doesn't find a new driver, visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest driver.

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