SOVLED! MP3 Player Doesn’t Show In My Computer

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While computers that run on Windows nowadays usually support MP3 players, some Windows users still complain that their MP3 player doesn’t show in My Computer. Since it’s not uncommon for Windows to bug out which complicates the detection of devices, you should consider running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Other solutions include updating driver, changing advanced power settings, checking for Windows updates, switching to another USB port, etc. Read to the end to be able to establish connection between your MP3 player and your PC.

MP3 Player Not Showing: Reasons

In most of the cases Windows automatically detects devices as soon as people plug them into the USB port. That being said, if your MP3 player doesn’t show in My Computer, consider these suspects. 

  • Bugs.
  • Driver.
  • Advanced power settings.
  • Windows.
  • USB port.

A List Of Solutions

Note: Before resorting to complex fixes, make sure that your PC is able to accommodate your MP3 player. In case you don’t know, some models require specific software to be installed on the computer prior to being plugged in. Read the owner’s manual, visit the official website of the manufacturer and so on to find information. If you know for certain that you don’t miss out on a step somehow, try out the following measures. 

Run The Hardware And Devices Troubleshooter

  • Step 1: Go to Search bar, type cmd and hit Run as administrator. 
  • Step 2: In Command Prompt (Admin), run the command msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic.
  • Step 3: Following on-screen instructions then restart your computer after the troubleshooting finishes. 

Update Driver

  • Step 1: Go to Search bar, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager. 
  • Step 2: Look to the top, click View tab and pick Show hidden devices.
  • Step 3: Search for the triangle icon with an exclamation mark, right-click the device next to it and pick Update driver. 
  • Step 4: Hit Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Step 5: Restart your computer as soon as the process completes. 

Alternatively, 

  •    Step 1: Open Device Manager, right-click the device beside the triangle icon with an exclamation mark and pick Uninstall device. 
  • Step 2: Check the checkbox next to Delete the driver software for this device before hitting OK.
  • Step 3: Launch your web browser, look for the latest driver of your MP3 player and download it. 
  • Step 4: Right-click the downloaded driver setup then pick Run as administrator.
  • Step 5: Follow on-screen instructions, restart your computer and see how things turn out. 

Change Advanced Power Settings

  • Step 1: Go to Search bar, type Control Panel and hit Enter. 
  • Step 2: Change View by to Large icon, click Power Options and pick Change plan settings.
  • Step 3: Hit Change advanced power settings, expand USB settings and set On battery and Plugged in of USB selective suspend setting to Disabled. 
  • Step 4: Select Apply then chose OK to save changes. 
  • Step 5: Restart your computer.

Note: Depending on the situation, you should apply changes to Power Management settings too. 

  • Step 1: Open Device Manager. 
  • Step 2: Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers, right-click USB Root Hub and pick properties. 
  • Step 3: Go to Power Management tab, uncheck the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, select Apply and choose OK. 
  • Step 4: Restart your computer.
  • Step 5: When the screen comes back on, determine whether the issue persists.

Check For Windows Updates 

  • Step 1: Click Start menu then pick the cog icon to open Settings.
  • Step 2: Select Update & Security then choose Check for updates in Windows Update.
  • Step 3: If an update for Windows is available, download and install it.
  • Step 4: Restart your computer.

Switch To Another USB Port

None of the above works? Then it’s highly likely that the USB port is the root of the problem. To be sure, you should switch to another port then see if your MP3 player appears in My Computer. If you use a cable to connect your MP3 player to your computer, you may want to replace the cable as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my MP3 player?

Many MP3 players have a reset button that people can access using a small pointed object like a paper clip. Other devices can be reset by pressing and holding a power button/a combination of keys. 

Note: Resetting does not clear data for most of the time. However, you should play it safe and determine the effects of the reset before performing it. 

Is it worth investing in an MP3 player?

There is no doubt that smartphones could play music, MP3 players still have their uses. For instance, MP3 players let you listen to music without having to worry about interruptions. Also, thanks to the compact dimensions, MP3 players don’t need a lot of space.

Which MP3 player is the best?

Different people have different preferences so the community is at odds about the best MP3 player on the market. That being said, if you want to make a wise investment, you should pay special attention to battery life, audio format, storage capacity and so on. If you like Apple products and have money to spend, feel free to go after iPod. In the case that you have a tight wallet, take a look at SanDisk Clip Jam, Sony NW-A55, …

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