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Garmin Golf Approach Product Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Windows Computer

USB communication issues can prevent your Approach® golf product from being detected by the Garmin Express™ program.

Below are items to check and troubleshooting steps to try.

Force Quit Garmin Express Program

Option 1

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Escape on the keyboard.
  2. Click Yes to allow Task Manager to make changes to the computer if prompted.
  3. Select Garmin Express from the list of programs.
  4. Click End Task.

Option 2

  1. Right-click Garmin Express program's icon in the system tray (next to the clock).
    • You may need to click on the up arrow to see all icons.
  2. Left-click Quit.

The Garmin Express program will now be closed.

Verify Your Approach displays the Connection Icon

Most Approach products will display an icon on the screen indicating that the Approach device is communicating with your computer.  

Displays of Computer Connect on Garmin Devices      Watch USB Connection

NOTE: The Approach product does not have enough power to communicate with the computer if the display is blank or only shows a battery icon when connected to the computer. Refer to articleWhat Can I Use to Charge My Garmin Approach.

Ensure That Windows Recognizes the USB Connection

An Approach product will display as a removable disk or portable device when it is properly connected to a Windows computer.

  1. Connect the Approach product to the computer.
  2. Press the Windows Key (Windows start button) + E.
  3. Click This PC.

Approach products will be listed under Devices and drives. 

Approach Does Not Display the Connection Screen or Display as a Drive in Windows

Try the steps below if your Approach product does not display the connection screen, does not appear as a drive in Windows, or appears as an "unknown device" in the Windows Device Manager.

Clean the Charging Contacts

If the Approach device is not being recognized by your computer, we recommend cleaning the charging contacts on the device and the charging cable. 

For steps on how to clean these, see Cleaning the Charging Contacts on a Garmin Watch.

Try a Different USB Cable

  • Try a Garmin branded cable, if available.

  • If a new cable must be purchased, ensure that the cable is a USB Data Cable and not a USB Charging Cable.

  • See Replaceable Approach Charging Cables.

Both ends of mini USB cableBoth ends of micro USB cable

Mini USB Cable          Micro USB Cable

Ensure That the USB Port is Working Properly

  • Try a different USB port on your computer and/or test the USB port with a different USB device.

  • Avoid connecting through a USB hub, USB extension cable, keyboard, or monitor.

  • On desktop computers, use the USB ports on the back of your computer.

  • Avoid using a PowerShare USB port.
    • Contact your computer manufacturer if you are unsure whether your computer uses PowerShare ports.

Garmin device plugged into a laptop via USB cableUSB cable plugged into the back of a computer tower

         Laptop                     Desktop

Disable USB Selective Suspend

USB Selective Suspend will limit power to connected USB devices, including your Approach. It can potentially cause recognition problems.

Disabling USB Selective Suspend

  1. Unplug your Approach from the computer.
  2. On the computer, open Control Panel.
  3. Ensure View by is set to Category.
    View by Category
  4. Click Hardware and Sound.
    Red box around Hardware and Sound
  5. Click Power Options.
    Red box around Power Options
  6. Click Change plan settings next to the currently selected power plan.
    Red box around Change plan settings
  7. Click Change advanced power settings.
    Red box around Change advanced power settings
  8. Expand USB settings.
    Red box around expand option next to USB settings
  9. Expand USB selective suspend settings.
    Red box around expand option next to USB selective suspend settings
  10. Click Settings and select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
    • On a laptop, select Disabled for both "On battery" and "Plugged in"
      Red box around Settings
  11. Click OK.
    red box around Ok
  12. Plug your Approach back into the computer.

Restart the Computer and Try Again

Plug the Approach into the computer before restarting.

Approach Device Is Recognized by the Computer but Not by Garmin Express Program

Ensure Garmin Express Program Is Up to Date

  1. Click the Gear Wheel (Settings) in Garmin Express.
  2. Click About.
  3. Click Check for Updates to Express.
  4. Click Install Now and follow the prompts if there is an update available.

Remove the Device and Add It Back

  1. Click Home.
  2. Right-click your Approach.
  3. Click Remove from Express.
  4. Click Remove.
  5. Click Add a Device.
  6. When the Approach is found, click Add Device.
  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to add your Approach back to Express.

Uninstall and Reinstall Garmin Express

Restart the Computer

Plug the Approach into the computer before restarting.

Run Garmin Express Program as Administrator

The error may be caused by permissions issues for Garmin Express program. Running the application as an administrator may resolve this:

  1. Locate and right-click the Garmin Express icon in one of the following locations (examples from Windows 10 pictured):
    • Search for Garmin Express in the Start menu.
      Red box around Garmin Express under Windows Start menu
    • Find the desktop shortcut (if present).
      Red box around Garmin Express Desktop shortcut
  2. Click Run as Administrator.
    Red box around Run as administrator in Garmin Express
    NOTE:     If opened from the Start menu in Windows 10, mouse over More, then click Run as administrator.

Red box around More and then a red box around Run as Administrator under Garmin Express

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