Fix “A Device Attached to The System is Not Functioning” in Windows

Despite having all the required equipment, it happens sometimes that you get victimized with errors. We cannot do anything about it except trying to resolve the errors.

When you try to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your Windows PC. Sometimes you run into an error that accompanies a message as ”A device attached to the system is not functioning

Troubleshooting Guide To Fix “a Device Attached To The System Is Not Functioning” Appears When Iphone / Ipad Is Connected To Windows 10

Now, this issue mostly happens when your iDevice fails to communicate with your Windows PC. This could be a frustrating situation, especially when you urgently want to migrate an important file locally from iDevice to Window or vice versa.

A Device Attached To The System Is Not Functioning

Here’s a troubleshooting guide to fix the ”A device attached to the system is not functioning” error. Without further delay, let’s get started.

Also read: How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows 10 PC

Update iTunes on the latest version

It is always to update iTunes on the latest version. Even if you’re not using it. This will allow your Windows PC to read your iDevice. Here, you can manually update iTunes or, you can choose to update iTunes automatically. Here’s how to do that:

  • Check updates for iTunes manually: On iTunes > select Help > click on Check for Updates.
  • Set iTunes on update automatically: Choose Edit > go to Preferences > click Advanced > Here, select “Check for new software updates automatically”
Troubleshooting Guide To Fix “a Device Attached To The System Is Not Functioning” Appears When Iphone / Ipad Is Connected To Windows 10

In case, you have downloaded iTunes from Microsoft Store. your iTunes will get the update automatically. To check manual iTunes updates, visit the Downloads and Updates section in the Microsoft Store app.

Swicth on Diffrent USB Port

This issue might have happened due to an improper or half USB port connection. Just try to use another USB port present on your system. It’s a simple and easy method, it’s worth giving a try.

Use Different USB or Lightning cable

It might possible that the USB cable or Apple’s lightning cable is faulty. If that’s the case, use another USB cable.

Also, if you’re using another USB cable apart from Apple’s lightning cable, then it is recommended to use Apple’s lightning cable as it is more reliable.

Update iPhone Drivers on Windows

Windows requires specific drivers to work with specific hardware, but it depends upon the hardware. Updating iPhone drivers on Windows is not a complex task, here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Press the Windows key, and type Device Manager.

Step 2: List will appear on the screen, here search your portable or iDevice.

Step 3: Once you found your iDevice, double click on it.

Step 4: From the menu, click on Drivers.

Step 5: Now, click on Update Driver.

Change the Settings on Keep Originals

While transferring photos from Mac or PC on your iPhone or iPad. It is noticed that transferred photos get convert into JPEG format due to default settings of Apple’s HEIF aka (High-Efficiency Image File).

This feature came into existence on iOS 11 and iPadOS 11. It is noticed that ignoring the image conversion option probably resolves ”A device attached to the system is not functioning” error. Here’s how to do that:

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Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Visit Photos.

Step 3: Under TRANSFER TO MAC OR PC, choose to select Keep Originals.

Troubleshooting Guide To Fix “a Device Attached To The System Is Not Functioning” Appears When Iphone / Ipad Is Connected To Windows 10

Reset Location & Privacy

If you connect your iPhone to your computer, you definitely have seen Trust This Computer option.

You have to enable the option in order to make communication possible between iDevice and the computer. Else, you will not allow doing so.

In case, you have unknowingly chosen not to trust this computer. Then follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Now, tap on Reset, and click on Reset Location & Privacy.

Troubleshooting Guide To Fix “a Device Attached To The System Is Not Functioning” Appears When Iphone / Ipad Is Connected To Windows 10

Now, you have to just disconnect your iDevice from Windows PC, and re-connect again.

Update your iPhone / iPad to the latest version.

Apple is focused on bugs and error fixes, so they always keep up with providing regular updates to its iDevices. Updating your device software can help you to resolve the issue. Here’s how to check updates on iPhone to iPad:

Step 1: Visit Settings.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Tap on Software Updates.

Step 4: If the update is available, just tap on Download and Install software update.

Here, you can choose your iPhone or iPad to update overnight. Or you can just install the update when it’s downloaded.

Whenever you perform software updates on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure your device has a sufficient amount of charging.

Now, try to connect your iPhone or iPad to Windows PC. The error has might have been resolved, if you encounter the issue again in the future. You can always revisit and follow the same troubleshoot guide again.

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That’s it for now, hope this helps! We are glad to know your thoughts in the comment section below. Till then, stay tuned for more info.

Read next: How to Find Missing Apps on iPhone or iPad

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