How to Fix 'A Device Attached to the System Is Not Functioning' Error on Windows 10

Tip 1: Check Device Connection

The first and foremost way to fix a device attached to the system is not functioning iPhone error is by checking the device connection. In most cases, the iPhone device attached to the system is not functioning issue occurs because of the connectivity problem between the connected USB device, i.e., an iPhone and the PC.

So, in order to fix this, disconnect your iPad or iPhone from the Windows 10 PC. In case there are other USB devices connected to your PC at the same time, disconnect them all. Once you unplug all the connected devices, reconnect your iOS device to the Windows PC, preferably to a different USB port, and using a different USB cable and check if the issue has now been resolved. 

If the issue still persists, then try fixing it with the next method.

Tip 2: Check Your iPhone/iPad Storage

There are times when your iPad or iPhone's storage is full, and this causes the device attached to the system is not functioning iPhone issue on Windows 10 computer. So, if there is a lack of space on your iOS device when converting HEIF/HEVC photos and videos, then you will surely face this issue. And therefore, it's highly recommended to check the iPhone's storage before you proceed to the other solutions stated below.

Here's how to check the storage space on your iOS device:

1. Step 1: Navigate to the "Settings" of your iOS device and click on "General".

2. Step 2: Now, tap on the "iPhone Storage" option.

   

Here, you will see your iPhone's storage, as shown in the image below. If the storage is full, then try clearing the unwanted files to free up some space.

Tip 3: Changing the "Transfer to Mac or PC" Settings on iPhone

As stated above, the iPhone device attached is not functioning error occurs when HEIF (HEVC) files are converted to JPG format during the transferring process. So, if you wish to fix this issue, then you will have to change the settings on your iPhone to allow the transfer; otherwise, it will not work seamlessly.

Follow the steps stated below in order to change the "Transfer to Mac or PC" settings on iPhone:

1. Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Step 2: Now, scroll down a bit and click on "Photos".
3. Step 3: Once you are in the "Photos" settings, scroll all the way down and click on "Transfer to Mac or PC Settings".

4. Step 4: Here, choose the option "Keep originals" and try transferring the files again.

   

That's all! You have successfully changed the "Transfer to Mac or PC" settings on your iOS device. Check now to see if the problem persists.

Tip 4: Try Another USB Port and USB Cable

In case there is an improper connection between the Windows 10 PC and the iOS device, then this issue might occur. There are chances that the connector is not properly connected to the port or the USB cable that you are using to connect your iPhone to PC is damaged. So, in order to resolve this issue, try reconnecting the iOS device to the PC through another USB port, and if you are using the cable, then make sure that the USB cable is not damaged and supports data transfer.

Trying another USB port or USB cable can definitely help you solve the device attached to the system is not functioning iPhone issue within a couple of minutes if and only if there's an issue with the USB port or USB cable.

Tip 5: Update Apple Drivers on Windows

Sometimes, the bad connection between the PC and iOS device may be caused by outdated drivers. So, if this is the case, then you need to update Apple Drivers on Windows 10 PC. For this, you need to:

1. Step 1: Go to the search option on the taskbar and search for "Device Manager".
2. Step 2: Once the "Device Manager" window is launched, expand the "Portable Devices" section.
3. Step 3: Here, select the "Apple iPhone" option and right-click on it.

4. Step 4: Finally, choose to update the driver for Apple iPhone. 

   

Updating Apple Drivers on Windows is easy and quick with these steps above. Try if you can transfer the files from your iOS device to Windows PC now.

Tip 6: Reset Location and Privacy on iPhone

Another way to fix the iPhone device attached is not functioning issue on your Windows 10 PC is by resetting the Location and Privacy on iPhone. Whenever you connect your iPhone to the PC for the first time, you're asked to trust the PC first. Here, when you click "No" or something went wrong, then you might start facing this issue, but fortunately, we have a solution to fix it.

Here's how it works:

1. Step 1: Disconnect your iPhone from the Windows 10 PC and go to "Settings".
2. Step 2: Here, click on "General" and choose "Reset".

3. Step 3: Under "Reset", choose "Reset Location and Privacy". Here, you will be asked to enter your iPhone's passcode. 

   

Isn't it easy and hassle-free to Reset Location and Privacy on iPhone? You can now check if the issue is resolved. If no, then opt for the next method.

Tip 7: Running SFC and DISM Commands

Running the SFC and DISM Commands can also help you fi x the error copying file or folder a device attached to the system is not functioning on Windows 10 PC. There are times when the corrupted files in your PC lead to the error, and this can be fixed by running the System File Checker scan and Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management command to scan and fix your PC. 

Refer to the step by step guide below to learn how to run SFC, and DISM commands:

1. Step 1: Tap the "Start" button and enter "cmd”.

2. Step 2: Now, right-click on "Command Prompt" in the list of options and choose "Run as administrator”.

   

3. Step 3: In order to run "SFC scan", enter "SFC /scannow" command and press the "Enter" key on your keyboard. 

   

4. Step 4: To run "DSIM command", enter "dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth" and press the "Enter" key.

   

5. Step 5: Now, restart your PC and then check if the issue is resolved now.

This method is pretty tricky in comparison to all the other methods stated here, as it requires you to enter the code. So, if you are not a technical expert, then choose the next method that allows you to transfer the files from iPhone to PC without any hassle.