It is the official software for customizing Razer devices such as keyboards and mice. However, Synapse does not always detect linked Razer devices. As a result, users cannot configure their devices because they do not appear in the Synapse software.
The issue of Synapse not detecting devices has primarily been reported with Razer mouse, Razer headset and Razer keyboard. That issue, however, can also occur with Razer headphones, broadcast microphones, and other attachments that software will generally detect. This is how you can fix the Synapse software in Windows 10 and 11, not detecting Razer devices.
Before you begin debugging, remember that Synapse will not detect non-Razer devices. Some Razer items are even incompatible with Synapse 3.0 and 2.0. Also, Synapse isn’t detecting your hardware since it isn’t supported. So check that your Razer Synapse software supports the device it isn’t seeing.
Supported hardware may be found on the Razer Synapse 3 sponsored device page. On that screen, click a category to see if your device is listed. The Razer Synapse 2.0-supported device page can also confirm compatibility with version 2.0. Your Synapse software should detect your device if it is listed as supported hardware on one of those pages.
1. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter in Windows can identify and even resolve issues with the Razer device that Synapse isn’t detecting. That troubleshooter, however, is not displayed in Settings. Nonetheless, you can use Command Prompt to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter as follows:
- Ascertain that your Razer device is linked to your PC.
- On your Windows 11/10 taskbar, click a Type here to search (magnifying glass) button or box.
- In the Type here to search box, type cmd to find Command Prompt.
- In the Windows search tool, type Command Prompt.
- Run the following Hardware and Devices troubleshooter command:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
6. In the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, click Next.
7. Select Use this fix for any resolutions suggested by the troubleshooter.
2. Plug the Razer Device into an Alternative USB Port
This problem can occur due to USB port connectivity difficulties. Some users reported that plugging Razer devices into other USB ports on their PCs fixed the issue of Synapse not detecting them. So, try unplugging your Razer device and inserting it into a different USB port. Also, plug the machine directly into your PC without using any USB hubs.
Before plugging your device into another port, selecting the Remove Device option in Settings is also a good idea. To do so, press the Windows logo + I key, select Bluetooth and devices, and click View more devices. Then, click the three-dot button for your Razer hardware and select Remove device. Next, choose a Razer peripheral in the Bluetooth & other devices tab of Windows 10’s Settings app and press Remove device.
3. Select Synapse’s Repair Option
Many users have also reported that by selecting the Repair option for that software, they could fix Synapse not detecting devices. For example, you can choose the Repair option for Synapse on a Razer Gaming Software window. In Windows 11/10, you can select that option as follows:
- Using the manner described in our guide for launching Programs and Features on Windows,open the Windows uninstaller application in the Control Panel.
- Then, in Programs and Features, select Razer Synapse.
- For Razer Synapse, click the Change button.
4. In the window that displays, click the Repair button.
5. After selecting Repair, sign back into Razer Synapse.
6. Then, before opening Synapse, select Restart on Windows 11/10.
4. Reinstall Razer Synapse
Synapse modules that are corrupted or missing can cause Synapse not to identify Razer devices. As a result, completely uninstalling Synapse, wiping residual data, and reinstalling the software will usually remedy the problem. Reinstall Razer Synapse by doing the following: Launch the applet Programs and Features.
- To select that software, click Razer Synapse.
- Select Uninstall in Programs and Features to open the Razer Gaming Software window.
- Then, in the window, click the Uninstall button to delete Synapse.
- Uninstall Cortex and any other Razer-related apps.
- Push the Windows logo key + R to open a Run command box.
- Click OK after entering this directory into Run:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer
7. To select any leftover files in the Razer folder, press Ctrl + A.
8. To delete the chosen files, press the Del key.
Next, type the following path into Explorer’s address bar and press Enter:
C:\ProgramData\Razer
Repeat steps eight and nine to delete all files in the Razer directories folder. Once done, restart your PC.
- On the page, click the Download Now button.
- To launch the setup procedure, double-click the downloaded RazerSynapseInstaller_V1.12.0.385.exe file.
- Select the Synapse checkbox, as well as any other Razer software to be reinstalled, and then click the Install button.
5. Reinstall Mouse and Keyboard Device Drivers
- Reinstalling all Razer and HID-compliant mouse and keyboard devices has been confirmed to work for this Synapse issue. Using that potential approach can help to fix device driver issues. You can reinstall HID mouse and keyboard drivers by doing the following razer kraken tournament edition:
- Use the Win + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu.
- To view the Device Manager tool’s window, click it.
- To view peripherals for that category, double-click Mice and other pointing devices.
- Uninstall a Razer mouse by right-clicking it and selecting Uninstall device > Uninstall.
- Rep the previous procedure for each of the HID mice devices listed.
- Then click the Keyboards category twice.
- Uninstall all Razer and HID keyboard devices mentioned in the Keyboards device category, as outlined in step four.
- Reboot the Windows PC to allow the device drivers to be reinstalled automatically. In Device Manager, you can also select Action and Scan for hardware changes to uninstall and reinstall peripherals.
6. Disable Antivirus Use
Temporarily disable antivirus software on your PC to confirm that it is not interfering with Synapse. For example, you can disable Windows Security’s real-time protection by following the steps outlined in our guide to disabling Microsoft Defender. If you have a third-party antivirus program established on your computer, disable its shield using the context menu of its system tray icon.
After disabling antivirus software on your PC, launch Razer Synapse to see if it identifies your devices. If this possible resolution succeeds, add Razer Synapse to the exclusion list in Windows Security or other security software. Then turn back on your antivirus protection.
Configure Your Razer Devices in Synapse Again on Windows
Those potential remedies will certainly resolve Synapse’s inability to recognize connected devices. Then you may use that software to customize your Razer mouse, keyboard, or other supported hardware. Users who require additional troubleshooting assistance for this issue can contact Razer’s support service by clicking the Contact Help button on this Synapse 3 page.