How To Fix a Kindle Not Showing Up on a PC

Lee Stanton May 4, 2023

Kindle is the most recognized e-reader in the world, but it is also known for its troubles connecting to Windows. If you just upgraded your Kindle operating system, you may find that your PC is struggling to recognize the device. The solutions for this frequent problem are straightforward.

How To Fix a Kindle Not Showing Up on a PC

Read on to find several solutions based on your Windows operating system.

Kindle Not Showing Up on a Windows 10 PC

Windows 10 will automatically detect and install drivers that let a device work properly. If Windows can’t install the correct drivers, you will have to fix the problem in the device manager.

Install Kindle as an MTP on Windows 10

Follow the steps below to install Kindle as a Media Transfer Protocol or MTP on Windows 10.

Plug the Kindle into the computer.
Press “Windows + R.” In the dialogue box that appears, type “devmgmt.msc” and press the enter key.
The device manager will open. Find the category called “Portable device.” Expand the category by clicking the sideways arrow.
Find the Kindle. If you do not see your Kindle listed, look for something labeled “Portable device.” There should be a yellow exclamation mark next to the device name.
Right-click the device and select “Update driver.”
In the pop-up, select “Browse my computer for driver software.”
Select “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
Find “Portable Devices” and click on it. A list will appear. Find the option called “Standard MTP Device.”
Select “MTP USB Device” and click Next and follow the prompts.
Restart your computer.

Once your computer restarts, Windows 10 should be able to see the Kindle.

Kindle Not Showing Up on a Windows 11 PC

Many users see connectivity issues with Kindle and Windows 11. A standard solution addresses how the computer recognizes the Kindle via the drivers.

Install Kindle as MTP on Windows 11

The computer system will automatically attempt to install the correct drivers to any device. If this process goes wrong, you can correct the problem in the device manager. Follow these steps to install Kindle as an MTP in Windows 11.

Plug your Kindle into your computer.
Press “Windows + S” on your keyboard.
A search box will appear. Type “Device Manager” in the search bar.
Under the best match options, click on “Device Manager.”
Double-click on “Portable Devices” and locate your Kindle. It may appear under another name.
Right-click on the device and select “Update driver” and select “Browse my computer for drivers.”
Click “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
Uncheck the “Show compatible hardware” box.
Select “Standard MTP Device” on the left and then “MTP USB Device” on the right.
Click next at the bottom and when the confirmation box appears, click “Yes.”
Restart your computer.

Once your computer restarts, Windows 11 should be able to see your Kindle.

Solutions From Your Kindle

Sometimes the error is on the Kindle and not on the computer. You can try several solutions on your Kindle to establish a connection.

Restart Kindle

Sometimes the best way to reestablish a connection is to reboot the Kindle device. This can force the two devices to talk to each other again. To restart your Kindle, follow these steps.

Plug Kindle into the computer’s USB port.
Locate the power button on your Kindle.
Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds to a minute.
Once the Kindle restarts, release the power button.

Once the Kindle fully restarts, check your computer to see if it is now being recognized.

Connect as Camera

Oddly, many users have solved the problem by forcing their computer to recognize the Kindle as a camera. To connect the Kindle as a camera, do the following.

Connect the Kindle to the USB port.
Open your Kindle.
Open the Kindle menu by sliding your finger down from the top of the screen.
Locate “Connection Options” and tap on it.
Tap on the “Connect as Camera” option.

If the Kindle doesn’t automatically connect, try unplugging the cable from the USB port and plugging it back in again.

Unlock the Kindle

If you use a pin code on your Kindle, Windows 10 may be unable to connect to the device. When connected to your computer, try unlocking the device. You may need to turn off the pin authentication if this doesn’t reestablish the connection. This is how to turn off the Kindle pin code setting.

Connect the Kindle to the computer.
Go to the Kindle Home Screen.
Swipe down from the top of the screen.
Tap “Settings.”
Select “Security & Privacy.”
Find “Lock Screen Passcode.”
Click “Off.”

Once the pin code is disabled, your connection with Windows 10 should be restored.

Use Debug Option

Your Kindle contains a tool called Android Debug Bridge, which is supposed to help your Kindle and computer talk to each other. This setting is usually turned on automatically. If your device has somehow turned it off, you can follow these steps to turn it on again.

Connect the Kindle to the USB port.
Navigate to the Kindle Home Screen.
Swipe down from the top of the screen.
Tap on “Settings.”
Find “Device” and select it.
Tap on “ADB” to turn it on.

Once this setting is turned on, Windows should be able to see your Kindle device again.

Update Kindle

While many users find that updating their Kindle software causes disruption, not updating can cause problems. Take the steps below to update your Kindle software.

Plug your Kindle into a power source.
On your Home screen, Swipe down from the top of the screen.
Select “Settings.”
Find “Update Your Kindle.”
If the option is black, click it to update your system. If the option is gray, your system is already up to date.

An outdated system on your Kindle can make it difficult for Windows to recognize what kind of device it’s looking at. Once the Kindle is updated, you should have the connection again.

Hardware Solutions

You may be experiencing problems due to your USB cable. There are several solutions you can attempt to fix a cable issue.

Correct USB Cable Type

You can connect your Kindle to Windows using two types of USB cables. One type of cable will only charge the device. The other will charge the device and allow for data transfer. For Windows to recognize your Kindle, you need to use the USB for data transfer.

The USB that came with your Kindle will be the correct type. If you don’t have this cable, smartphone USB cables will also work. There’s no easy way to see if the cable is right by simply looking at it. You will need to check the original packaging the cable came in.

Upgrade USB Cable Type

If your USB cable is over a year old, it may be that the cable is just too worn out. USB cables have short lives from constant use. Try connecting your Kindle with a less-used cable and see if that solves your problem.

USB Hubs

USB hubs are excellent tools for connecting more devices to your computer. Some users have found that plugging their Kindle into a hub rather than directly into their PC has solved the connection problem. You can find a budget-friendly USB hub online or at most electronics stores in your area.

Check USB Ports

You should also check that the USB port you’re plugging the Kindle into is still functioning. USB ports can wear out just like any other computer part. If you have an older PC, there may also be a buildup of dust in the port.

The easiest way to check if the port is working is to plug in a different device, like your phone. If the computer doesn’t recognize any device, you likely have an issue with the USB port. You can use compressed air to get the dust out of the port and try again. If clearing the dust doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to take your computer in for repairs.

Missed Connection: Kindle and Windows

Kindle not showing up on PC is a common issue with many potential solutions. There are plenty of ways to try and solve the error. How did your fix your Kindle not showing up on PC? Let us know in the comments below.