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Fix: The System Cannot Find the Device Specified 20 (0x14)

Check expert tips to get your device recognized on Windows

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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If you’re getting theERROR_BAD_UNITcode with20 (0x14) The system cannot find the device specified, it would lead totrouble identifying a device.

And though it seems complex, things are easy to troubleshoot. Keep reading to find out!

What is error 20 0x14?

The system cannot find the device specified error message, also known as error 20 (0x14), occurs when PCs fail to detectexternal devicesconnected to the system.

Sometimes, not all Windows utilities fail to detect the device. There are cases when Computer Management shows details of the respective device, yet when users right-click it in Disk Management, they get the message20 (0x14) The system cannot find the device specified.

There are various elements triggering this issue, including corrupted files and folders, broken EXE,DLL errors, orSYS files, malware infection, outdated software versions, faulty external devices, and more. Let’s find out how to fix things!

How do I fix error the system cannot find the device specified?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Run a full system malware scan

Malware may cause various issues on your computer, including errors. Perform a full system scan to detect any malware running on your computer.

You can use Windows’ built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, orthird-party antivirussolutions.

2. Repair your registry

Go toStart, typecmd, right-clickCommand Prompt, and selectRun as administrator.
Now type the following command and hitEnter:sfc /scannow
Wait for the scanning process to complete, and then restart your computer. All corrupted files will be replaced on reboot.

Another way to repair your registry is to use a dedicated tool. If you haven’t installed any registry cleaner on your computer, check outthe best registry cleaners to use.

3. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Go toSettings, click onUpdate & Security, and selectTroubleshootin the left-hand pane
SelectHardware and Devices, and run the troubleshooter.

4. Use diskpart

There are cases when the external device no longer appears listed on your PC after20 (0x14) The system cannot find the device specifiederror message was triggered. In this case, you can use the diskpart command.

Diskpart is a powerful tool for hard drive management, and using it can cause damage to your system. Be extra cautious when using this command, and keep in mind that you’re using it at your own risk.

5. Run System Restore

If the problem started recently, run System Restore. Also, if this issue occurred after you installed new software on your computer, try uninstalling the recently added apps and programs. Restart your PC and see if the issue persists.

TheSystem Restore optionallows you to restore the previous well-performing system configuration without losing any files, except for a few customizable features and settings.

6. Reset the PC

Windows 10 offers a series ofadvanced recovery optionallowing users to clean install the OS. If you’re a Windows 10 user, you can also use theReset this PCrecovery option.

There you go. We hope the solutions listed above helped you fix20 (0x14) The system cannot find the device specifiederror code.

Before you leave, find out how tomake Windows run faster.

If you’ve come across other workarounds to fix this problem, you can help the Windows community by listing the troubleshooting steps in the comments below.

Fix: The System Cannot Find the Device Specified 20 (0x14)#

What is error 20 0x14?#

How do I fix error the system cannot find the device specified?#

1. Run a full system malware scan#

2. Repair your registry#

3. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter#

4. Use diskpart#

5. Run System Restore#

6. Reset the PC#