USB device not recognized - Sense

[SunsetRunner]

Sense is plugged into USB port of Windows 10 pro workstation. I'm attempting to charge it while I work.

Plugging the Sense in initiates a never ending cycle of 'USB device not recognized' errors and pinging noises. Clicking cancel or okay does not stop them. It's profoundly annoying and the only fix I'm aware of is using a USB plug or muting sounds on the computer.

This error has existed and been experienced by users for at least 5 years.

Is there any solution to make Windows recognize the device so that it stops making noise incessantly? Is there a software driver available that will make this process less annoying?

[Guy_]

Hi @SunsetRunner - this annoying behaviour is indicative of a problem - see How to check charge cable - Sense/Versa 3 won't charge, won't start or blank screen 

Once resolved it should be fine.

[SunsetRunner]

Thank you. I checked the pogo pins on the back, they appear to be functioning properly. I cleaned them and I cleaned the back of the watch. I reset the watch (Press button) as directed. Unfortunately this did not resolve the issue. I also experience the issue on a charge wire at home.

I assumed it was a lack of windows driver issue.

[Guy_]

@SunsetRunner - can you check the pins very closely and see if the spring resistance is same.

[SunsetRunner]

The pogo pins are functioning properly. I'm confident they're pressing against the contacts.

[SunsetRunner]

I've actually found reference to a Windows Fitbit App in the Microsoft store. But there's no download link for it for some reason and I cannot find a reputable alternative download link. Looks like the last update was in 2018 which is around the same time I've seen similar complaints (driver error) to mine appearing.  

[Guy_]

@SunsetRunner- no Windows software is required to charge the watch on a PC. Try restarting the watch to see if that helps.

[SunsetRunner]

The watch *does* charge when connected to the PC - the issue is that it throws the PC into a fit where I get errors and bell sounds that repeat every 1 second while the device is connected. Also, while the sense is plugged in, my encrypted usb drives are disconnected. I want the software because I presume it's bundled with a driver that will cause the errors to cease. They're explicitly declared as driver errors.

I did power down the sense earlier, it made no difference. I have since tested it on 3 more computers. Windows 11 pro laptop resulted in a single 'unknown device set address fail' error, not a perpetual annoyance error. On 1 other windows pro workstations and a gaming PC it was detected as USB device 'sense' without issue.

I will take my second wire to work and test it on the computer that complains the most to narrow down the issue. The problem seems multivariate.

[Guy_ · Accepted solution]

@SunsetRunner- there is no driver for Windows so normally no software is needed.

The cause of the problem is a poor or intermittent connection [possibly with a slow charging message] or watch fault.

What is happening is the watch is signaling connected and then not connected. This will disturb the functioning of Windows while it addresses the plug n play [which you could disable perhaps]. Some solutions if it does charge.

Use the SimpleClockpro clock face for charging as it tells you when it will be fully charged.

Put the watch on charge, note the full charge time, then go to your watch Settings menu and at the bottom do Shutdown. When the time is up press the button to wake the watch. It may well just charge as best it can.

Order a new charge cable.

If it gets hot while charging or the time between charges is less than 2 days [without GPS] there may be a watch fault, such as some damp getting in causing internal circuit damage.

Chat via the Fitbit App, click profile photo, Help & Support, Contact Customer Support. They may offer another solution.

My Sense [and other watches] will charge fine from Windows [8.1 & 10] without multiple connect/disconnects.

[SunsetRunner]

I have a second cable. I took it into work this morn. There is an issue with my original cable, it is causing the disconnects. The only remaining issue was my Windows 11 Laptop being unable to properly detect the Sense (on the good wire). That’s not causing me any grief so I’m in good shape now.

Thanks for your help. Problem is resolved.