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How to Fix WD SES Device USB Device Driver Not Found Error on Windows 11

Many Windows 11 users encounter the “WD SES Device USB Device Driver Not Found” error when connecting their Western Digital external hard drives. This issue prevents the system from recognizing the device properly, causing inconvenience. Luckily, the fix is usually straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps.

In this article, we will guide you through easy-to-follow instructions to resolve this error. No advanced technical knowledge is required. Just follow along carefully.

By fixing the driver issue, you can ensure your WD external drive works smoothly and your data remains accessible. Let’s get started.

This guide covers everything from quick checks to more detailed solutions, so you can pick the method that suits your situation.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to verify a few basic things. These quick checks can save time and help identify the root cause:

  • Ensure proper USB connection: Make sure your WD drive is securely plugged into a working USB port. Try switching ports if needed.
  • Check cable condition: Use the original or a high-quality USB cable. Faulty cables often cause connection problems.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple reboot can refresh the system and fix minor glitches.
  • Verify Windows updates: Make sure Windows 11 is up to date, as updates include important driver fixes.

Step 1: Update the WD SES Device Driver Automatically

Windows can often find and install the correct driver automatically. This is the easiest first step to try.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for Universal Serial Bus controllers or Other devices. You might see “WD SES Device” with a yellow warning icon.
  3. Right-click on the WD SES Device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will attempt to find and install the correct driver.
  5. After the process completes, disconnect and reconnect your WD drive to check if it works.

Why this matters: Updating drivers helps Windows communicate properly with the hardware. An outdated or missing driver is often the cause of the error.

Step 2: Manually Download and Install the WD SES Driver

If automatic updates don’t work, installing the driver manually is the next best step. Western Digital provides the SES driver on their official site.

  1. Open your web browser and go to the Western Digital Support page.
  2. Search for “WD SES Driver” or navigate to the drivers section.
  3. Download the latest SES driver compatible with Windows 11.
  4. Once downloaded, run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
  5. After installation, restart your PC to ensure changes take effect.
  6. Reconnect your WD external drive and check if the error is resolved.

Why manual installation is important: Sometimes Windows’ automatic tools don’t fetch the exact driver needed. Installing from the official source ensures you have the correct software.

Step 3: Uninstall and Reinstall the WD SES Device

If the driver is corrupted or improperly installed, reinstalling it can fix the issue.

  1. Open Device Manager again (Win + X > Device Manager).
  2. Find the “WD SES Device” entry under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Other devices.
  3. Right-click it and select Uninstall device.
  4. In the confirmation box, check “Delete the driver software for this device” if available, and click Uninstall.
  5. After uninstalling, unplug your WD drive and restart your PC.
  6. Reconnect the drive; Windows should detect it and reinstall the driver automatically.

Why this helps: Removing the driver completely can clear out corrupted files and force a fresh installation.

Step 4: Run Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix hardware-related problems.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Hardware and Devices from the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
  5. Restart your PC and reconnect the WD drive to check if the problem is fixed.

Why use the troubleshooter: It automates the diagnosis and fixes many common hardware issues without manual intervention.

Alternative Method: Use Compatibility Mode for Driver Installation

If the SES driver setup does not install correctly on Windows 11, try running the installer in compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click the downloaded SES driver setup file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10 or Windows 8.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.
  5. Run the installer again and follow the prompts.

This method helps if the driver isn’t fully optimized for Windows 11 yet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a WD SES Device?

The WD SES (SCSI Enclosure Services) device is a special driver that allows Windows to communicate with Western Digital external hard drives. It manages features like LED indicators and power management.

Why do I get the “USB Device Driver Not Found” error?

This error occurs because Windows cannot find or load the correct SES driver for your WD external drive. It can happen due to missing, outdated, or corrupted drivers.

Can I use my WD external drive without the SES driver?

Yes, the drive will still work for file storage, but some advanced features like LED control or hardware encryption might not function properly without the SES driver.

Is it safe to download drivers from third-party sites?

It’s highly recommended to always download drivers from official Western Digital or Microsoft websites to avoid malware or incorrect drivers.

Will updating Windows 11 fix this issue?

Sometimes Windows updates include driver improvements, but if the WD SES driver is missing or corrupted, manual installation is often necessary.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the “WD SES Device USB Device Driver Not Found” error, consider these final options:

  • Contact Western Digital Support: Visit WD Support for direct assistance and possibly firmware updates.
  • Check for hardware issues: Test your WD drive on another PC to rule out hardware failure.
  • Use System Restore: Roll back your Windows 11 system to a point before the issue began.
  • Reinstall Windows 11: As a last resort, a fresh OS installation can resolve deep software conflicts.

Conclusion

The “WD SES Device USB Device Driver Not Found” error on Windows 11 is a common yet fixable problem. By following the steps outlined—from updating drivers automatically to manual installations and troubleshooting—you can restore proper communication between your PC and WD external drive.

Always start with simple checks and progress to more detailed solutions. Keeping your drivers up to date ensures smooth operation and prevents future errors. If all else fails, Western Digital support and hardware diagnostics can provide further help.

With patience and the right approach, your WD external drive will be working perfectly on Windows 11 again in no time.

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