File Explorer Windows 11 Duplicate USB Drives Registry Fix: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you tired of seeing duplicate USB drives in your Windows 11 File Explorer? It can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re trying to manage your files efficiently. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users have reported this issue, and there are several ways to fix it. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to resolve the duplicate USB drives registry issue in Windows 11. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Problem
The duplicate USB drives issue in Windows 11 is primarily caused by a corrupted registry entry. The registry is a database that stores configuration settings and options for the system. When this database gets corrupted, it can lead to various issues, including the appearance of duplicate USB drives in File Explorer.
Method 1: Use the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and fixes corrupted system files. Here’s how to use it:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the list.
- In the command prompt or terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth- Wait for the process to complete, and then type the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth- Finally, run the following command to repair any corrupted files:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer after the process is complete, and check if the duplicate USB drives issue is resolved.
Method 2: Run the SFC Scanner
The SFC (System File Checker) scanner is another built-in Windows tool that can help fix corrupted registry entries. Here’s how to use it:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the list.
- In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow- Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the SFC scanner will automatically repair them.
Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.
Method 3: Use the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify the registry. However, it should be used with caution, as incorrect modifications can cause serious issues. Here’s how to use it to fix the duplicate USB drives issue:
- Press the Windows key + R, type “regedit” in the Run dialog, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlClass{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}- Right-click on the “Class” folder and select “New” > “Key”. Name the new key “UpperFilters” (without the quotes).
- Right-click on the “UpperFilters” key and select “New” > “String Value”. Name the new value “UpperFilters” (without the quotes) and double-click on it.
- In the “Value data” field, type the following string:
USBSTOR- Click “OK” and close the Registry Editor.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can also cause the duplicate USB drives issue. Updating your drivers to the latest version can help resolve the problem. Here’s how to update your drivers:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list.
- Expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” category.
- Right-click on each USB driver and select “Update driver” > “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your drivers.
Restart your computer and check if
