Automotive Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Windows Computer

To Force Quit Garmin Express on Windows:

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 on the Garmin Express 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.

NOTE: The device doesn't have enough power to communicate with the computer if the display is blank or only shows a battery icon when connected to the computer. Charge the device while driving using the vehicle power cable to ensure it has enough power.

Most Devices Will Display a Connection Icon on the Screen Indicating that the Device is Communicating with the Computer.

These icons vary, Some examples include:

The Following Garmin Devices will not Display a Connection Icon:

• Arctic Cat G8 Display

• Camper 785 & Traffic caravan and motorhome sat nav with camera

• Camper 890 caravan and motorhome sat nav

• Camper 895 caravan and motorhome sat nav

• Camper 1090 caravan and motorhome sat nav

• Camper 1095 caravan and motorhome sat nav

• Garmin Catalyst™ Driving Performance Optimizer

• dēzl™ 780LMT-S GPS navigator

• dēzl™ LGV800 | dēzl™ OTR800 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV810 | dēzl™ OTR810 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV1000 | dēzl™ OTR1000 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV1010 | dēzl™ OTR1010 GPS navigators

• dēzlCam™ 785 LMT-S GPS navigator with camera

• Garmin fleet™ 770 management

• Garmin fleet™ 780 GPS management

• Garmin fleet™ 790 GPS management

• Kawasaki RIDGE 8" Tread Display

• Overlander® GPS navigator

• RV 785 & Traffic RV navigator with camera

• RV 890 RV navigator

• RV 895 RV navigator

• RV 1090 RV navigator

• RV 1095 RV navigator

• Tread® - Overland Edition GPS navigator

• Tread® - SxS Edition GPS navigator

• Tread® XL - Baja Chase Edition GPS navigator

• Tread® XL - Baja Race Edition GPS navigator

• Tread® XL - Overland Edition GPS navigator

The Following Garmin Devices Require the Steps Below to be Seen by the Computer: 

• Camper 795 caravan and motorhome sat nav | RV 795 RV navigator

• CamperCam 795 Motorhome Sat Nav | RVcam 795 RV Navigator with Built-in Dash Cam

• Garmin Drive™ 53  | Garmin Drive™ 53 & Traffic | Garmin Drive™ 53 & Live Traffic GPS navigator

• Garmin DriveCam™  76 GPS navigator with camera

• Garmin DriveSmart™ 66MT-S | Garmin DriveSmart™ 76 | Garmin DriveSmart™ 86 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV610 | dēzl™ OTR610 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV620 | dēzl™ OTR620 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV710 | dēzl™ OTR710 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV720 | dēzl™ OTR720 GPS navigators

• dēzlCam™ LGV710 | dēzlCam™ OTR710 GPS navigators with camera

• dēzlCam™ LGV725 | dēzlCam™ OTR725 GPS navigators with camera

• dēzl™ LGV820 | dēzl™ OTR820 GPS navigators

• dēzl™ LGV1020 | dēzl™ OTR1020 GPS navigators

• Tread® | Tread® - Base Edition | Tread® 2 GPS navigators

• zūmo® XT2

1. Select Tap to Connect to Computer

• • If you do not select Tap to Connect to Computer this choice will eventually go away, you will then need to select Settings first.

2. Select Tap to Connect to Computer again

3. Select Continue

You should now see the connection icon.

Devices with Powered Mounts:

Connect the USB cable directly into your Garmin device and not into the powered mount. USB ports on mounts are for charging only.

• For more information see: Where to Connect the USB Computer Cable on Devices With a Powered Mount

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

To Verify that Windows Detects the Device:

1. Connect the Garmin device to the computer
2. Press the Windows Key () + E
3. Click This PC (Windows 10 and newer)

Garmin devices will be listed under Devices and drives in Windows 10. 

Windows 10 and Newer

Garmin devices will be listed under Devices with Removable Storage or Portable Devices in older versions of Windows.  

Windows 7/8

Try the steps below if your device 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.

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 Types of USB Cables Used to Connect Automotive Devices to the Computer

Mini USB Cable          Micro USB Cable             USB Cable Type A to Type C          USB Cable Type C to Type C                         

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

• Connect the cable directly to the computer. Avoid connecting through a converter cable, 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

         Laptop                     Desktop

• Check for visible signs of damage to the USB port on the device such as a loose or sagging cable connection.

Disable USB Selective Suspend

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

Contact your computer's manufacturer for instructions to disable USB Selective Suspend.

Restart the Computer and Try Again:

NOTE: Shutting down, pressing the power button, or closing the lid on a notebook computer may not effectively restart the computer on some operating systems. Follow the instructions below to ensure that the computer is completely restarted.

Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Newer

1. 1. Right-click the  Start button
   2. Click Power
      • Some computers may skip this step.
   3. Click Shut down or sign out
   4. Click Restart

Windows 8

1. 1. On your keyboard, press the Windows key + i
   2. Click  Power
   3. Click Restart

Windows 7

1. 1. Click the  Start button
   2. Click ▶ next to Shut Down
   3. Click Restart

See below for a Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 example.

Ensure that Garmin Express 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

Windows Only: Run Garmin Express as an Administrator:

Remove the Device and Add it Back Again if your Device has Already Been Added to Garmin Express:

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

Uninstall and Reinstall Garmin Express:

See Full Uninstall of Garmin Express

See How Do I Install Garmin Express Software?

Restart the Computer:

Plug the device into the computer before restarting.

NOTE: Shutting down, pressing the power button, or closing the lid on a notebook computer may not effectively restart the computer on some operating systems. Follow the instructions below to ensure that the computer is completely restarted.

Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Newer

1. 1. Right-click the  Start button
   2. Click Power
      • Some computers may skip this step.
   3. Click Shut down or sign out
   4. Click Restart

Windows 8

1. 1. On your keyboard, press the Windows key + i
   2. Click  Power
   3. Click Restart

Windows 7

1. 1. Click the  Start button
   2. Click ▶ next to Shut Down
   3. Click Restart

See below for a Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 example.