Arctis Nova 5 Dongle Not Detected at Startup

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SteelSeries

If your Arctis Nova 5, Nova 5P, or Nova 5X wireless dongle isn't detected when your PC starts, but works again after unplugging and reconnecting it, Windows may not be initializing the USB receiver correctly.

Let's make that connection automatic again. ⚡

1. Check the dongle connection

  • Connect the wireless dongle directly to your PC instead of using a USB hub or dock.
  • Try another USB port.
  • If you're using the included adapter cable, make sure both ends are firmly connected.
  • If available, test a different USB-A or USB-C port.

Using a Nova 5X?
When using the headset on PC, make sure the switch on the dongle is set to USB mode rather than Xbox mode.

2. Prevent Windows from powering down your USB ports

  1. Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  3. Right-click each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub and select Properties.
  4. Open the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK.

Repeat this for any other USB hubs that offer the same Power Management option.

3. Disable USB Selective Suspend

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Go to Power Options.
  3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  4. Select Change advanced power settings.
  5. Expand USB settings → USB selective suspend setting.
  6. Set it to Disabled.
  7. Click Apply, then OK.

4. Disable Fast Startup

  1. Open Control Panel → Power Options.
  2. Select Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
  5. Save your changes.

If Fast Startup isn't listed, simply move on to the next step.

5. Perform a full shutdown

  1. Shut your PC down completely rather than restarting it.
  2. Keep the Nova 5 dongle connected.
  3. Turn the PC back on.
  4. Check whether the dongle now appears automatically.

6. Check SteelSeries GG

Open SteelSeries GG → Engine and check whether your headset and dongle are detected.

If you see a firmware update available, install it before testing again. If needed, follow our Nova 5 Connection Issues Troubleshooting guide to re-pair the headset and dongle.

Still having trouble?

Test the dongle on another PC.

If it works there without needing to be reconnected, the issue is likely related to the original PC's USB configuration. If the dongle behaves the same way on multiple PCs, contact our Support team for further help.

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