Known Issue: Microsoft Band Stops Being Recognized for Desktop Sync

For the past week or so, I've had an issue where my PC no longer recognizes the Microsoft Band when I plug it into the USB port. It charges fine, just won't show up as a registered USB component in Device Manager. I noticed this shortly after a series of updates came through from Microsoft, so yes, I immediately blamed Patch Tuesday.

The band works fine otherwise – connects to the smartphone over Bluetooth, records runs and fitness activities, etc., etc. – it just won't show up as a valid USB device. As part of my troubleshooting I hooked it up to a couple other PCs to see if it was just my normal computing setup. Same result. The band simply is not recognized.

I was actually a bit hesitant to get support, thinking that Microsoft might make me send in my band and I'd be without it for two weeks. So, it took me a week or so to both get up the courage and to get the time to chat with Microsoft Band support, but once I did our call was short and to the point. Apparently, I'm not alone and this is a known issue. My reported problem was just the latest to be thrown on the growing stack of similarly reported problems. Microsoft knows about it and is working on a fix. When asked for a timeframe for the fix to be released, I was told that there is no date planned, just that "a fix is being worked on."

On one hand it was comforting to know that my band is not defective and I'd not have to be without it for a couple weeks. On the other hand, it’s a bit disconcerting to know that this same issue is affecting many more people and that the problem has apparently happened out of the blue. I couldn't get the Microsoft Band support rep to admit that this month's Patch Tuesday releases could be the reason, but his hesitation to my question was telling.

I'll supply an update when I know more.