Arctis Nova 7 / Nova 7 Gen 2 Dongle Not Detected at Startup

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SteelSeries

If your Arctis Nova 7 or Nova 7 Gen 2 dongle disappears after starting your PC and only returns after you unplug and reconnect it, this is usually related to how Windows initializes or manages power for USB devices.

Try the steps below to get your dongle back into the starting lineup. 🎧

1. Check the USB connection

  • Connect the dongle directly to your PC.
  • Avoid USB hubs and docks while troubleshooting.
  • Try another USB port.
  • If you're using the USB adapter cable, disconnect and reconnect both ends.
  • If available, test both USB-A and USB-C connections.

2. Prevent Windows from powering down USB devices

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

Repeat for the other USB hubs where the option is available.

3. Disable USB Selective Suspend

  1. Open Control Panel → Power Options.
  2. Click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan.
  3. Click Change advanced power settings.
  4. Expand USB settings.
  5. Expand USB selective suspend setting.
  6. Select Disabled.
  7. Click Apply → OK.

4. Disable Fast Startup

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

Don't see the option? No worries - just skip this step.

5. Fully shut down and test again

Once the settings have been changed:

  1. Shut down your PC completely.
  2. Leave the Nova 7 wireless dongle connected.
  3. Power the PC back on.
  4. Check whether Windows detects the dongle without needing to reconnect it.

6. Check for updates

Open SteelSeries GG → Engine and check whether your Nova 7 is detected.

If an update is available for your headset or dongle, complete the firmware update and test again afterward. 

If Windows and SteelSeries GG can see the dongle but your headset isn't connecting, this is a pairing issue rather than a USB detection issue - Follow our How to reconnect Nova 7 / Nova 7 Gen 2 with the Dongle guide.

Still not detected after startup?

Try the dongle on another PC.

If it works correctly there, the issue is likely specific to the USB configuration or power management on your original PC. If you can reproduce the same behavior on multiple systems, reach out to our Support team.

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