Rufus not detecting usb when creating a bootable Windows 11 drive

This is a common issue and if you couldn't get it fixed, please use this best rufus alternative instead in order to create a bootable USB:

https://www.mobiledic.com/rufus-alternative-if-not-detecting-usb

Honestly, when Rufus not detecting USB drive, I usually find myself going through the checklist: checking connections, looking in Disk Management, trying out another USB. Often, I have to take a step back and juggle my options, which can make the whole thing feel like a chore. So yeah, it can be a serious headache!  When Rufus won’t play nice, you’re suddenly limited in how you can create bootable drives. Sure, you can scour and find alternatives, like the Media Creation Tool or WinToUSB, but it’s just an added hassle. You've probably got your heart set on Rufus because it’s straightforward and widely used.

If Rufus not detecting the USB drive, you might start to question if the problem is with the drive itself or—gasp—your USB ports. That can lead to spending more time to check cables, ports, or even other devices, just to ensure nothing's fried. Sometimes, the issue might stem from compatibility between Rufus and your version of Windows or the format of the USB. If you’re trying to make a bootable drive for something specific, like Windows 11, and it won’t work, you might feel like you’re just stuck in limbo.

If you order the problem yourself with Disk Management and it still doesn’t work, you might end up needing extra tools, as mentioned in your post. This means downloading more software, which isn’t always a smooth process and adds to the complexity.

Possible Fixes for Rufus Not Detecting USB Drive:

1. Check USB Port and Drive:

- Try using a different USB port. Sometimes, the port could be faulty or not working properly.
Check if the USB drive is working on another computer. If it isn't recognized there either, the drive might be faulty.

2. Format the USB Drive:

- Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive. If you can access the drive on another machine, back up any important data first.
- Right-click on the USB drive in File Explorer and select "Format". Choose the FAT32 file system and complete the format before trying Rufus again.

3. Run Rufus as Administrator:

- Right-click on the Rufus executable and select "Run as administrator". This can sometimes resolve issues related to permission.

4. Update USB Drivers:

If Rufus not detecting USB. Make sure that your USB drivers are up to date. You can check for updates through Device Manager:
- Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager".
- Expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" section, right-click on each USB item, and select "Update driver".

Rufus cannot detect USB devices can be caused by a variety of reasons, the following are common causes and solutions:

1. USB port or device hardware problem

Try another USB port: especially a USB 3.0/2.0 port directly connected to the computer (avoid using a docking station or front panel).

Replace the USB device: the USB itself may be damaged, try another USB stick or removable hard drive.

2. Rufus software issues

Run as administrator: Right-click on the Rufus icon and select Run as administrator.

Update Rufus: Download the latest version (older versions may have compatibility issues).

Disable conflicting software: Some antivirus software or disc management tools (e.g. third-party partitioning tools) may occupy the USB device.

3. System or Driver Problems

Reinstall the USB driver Locate the problem device in Device Manager, right-click and select Uninstall Device.

Unplug the USB device and the system will automatically install the driver when it is plugged in again.

If the Rufus still not detecting USB, it is time to find a good Rufus alternative to make Windows 11 bootable USB.

If Rufus not detecting the USB drive, try to repair the USB with Disk Management utility that comes with Windows OS.

It's a real headache when it comes to this situation, and here's how I solved it I'm here to help you.

We need to first press Windows + R, type 'diskmgmt.msc' and press Enter to check if the USB is showing up look like this In the Disk Management window, look at the list of disks below and look for your USB. If it shows Unassigned, there may be a problem with the USB.

What we need to do is repartition and format the USB Do this, right click on the unallocated area of the USB, select New Simple Volume, tap Next, set the volume size to default, tap Next, assign a drive letter (e.g. E:), tap 

Next, select the file system as FAT32, tap 'Next' > 'Finish.'

After formatting is complete, verify the USB, turn on the computer, make sure the USB shows up as a removable disk, and finally go download the latest version of Rufus. After that, the Rufus not detecting USB drive problem should be fixed under this way.

The overall operation process is relatively simple, but you need to check manually during the process. For those who don't want to download additional tools, this is a better way to solve basic partitioning problems.

One thing to note, however, is that when dealing with the problem, users need to judge the problem for themselves, and it can't repair hardware damage, mainly for Rufus and other tools to prepare for the operating environment.

P.S. If this trick still does not work, then use a Rufus alternative instead, such as WinBoootMate or Media Creation Tool for creating Windows 11 bootable USB for install.

After reading your post, I think a tool that might help you, USBFix Free Online Scanner, which provides an online scanning service, which can help you fix Rufus not detecting USB drive issue. In fact, you don't need to download the full software, but just run the scanner with your browser to fix logical USB problems, such as common file system errors, and then fix them so the USB device can be recognized by Rufus. Rufus Free Online Scanner.

Step 1: Go to the official website.

Step 2: Click Free Online Scanner, plug in the USB, and follow the prompts to allow your browser to access the device (you may need to temporarily download a small detection plug-in, no need to install the full software).

Step 3: Select your USB, click Scan press, the tool will detect file system errors, partitioning problems or virus interference.

Step 4: After the scanning is completed, if you find any problem, tap 'Repair' button. Wait for the repair to complete.

After the final fix, open Rufus and check if the USB is detected or not.