Windows 11 v InReach Mini v USB Synch - am I the only one unable to get Windows 11 to recognise my InReach Mini via USB?

jmcleodthelonius.com.au over 2 years ago

Am I the only one running Windows 11 who cannot get Win 11 to find my InReach Mini via USB Synch? I have followed all suggestions on the Garmin website . Including full factory reset. Doesn't work via direct connect to Dell laptop Or via a port on the Dell docking station.

Is Garmin going to announce support for Win 11 for their synch apps Garmin Express and inReach Sync?

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jmcleodthelonius.com.au over 2 years ago in reply to twolpert +1

Bingo. Problem solved. Thanks to Garmin-Leslie and twolpert for your knowledge and assistance. I cycled through five micro USB cables until one of them actually mounted the device in addition to charging…

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0 bobl over 2 years ago

Mine works fine with W11. Dumb question, but have you tried different USB cables?

0 jmcleodthelonius.com.au over 2 years ago in reply to bobl

Yep. Tried several different USB cables. And ports. My Garmin eTrex 32x is discovered by Garmin Express fine. But not the inReach Mini.

0 bobl over 2 years ago in reply to jmcleodthelonius.com.au

Does the inReach show up at all as a USB device in Windows File Explorer? If not, it may have a bad USB port. You could probably confirm that if you have another, non-W11 computer, to try it on (like a friend's).

Not sure what else to suggest, except for calling Garmin support directly.

0 atlas_cached over 2 years ago in reply to jmcleodthelonius.com.au

Garmin express is not the correct software for the inReach Mini. You need to use inReach Sync.

0 bobl over 2 years ago in reply to atlas_cached

Both are necessary. Express is used to update the inReach software, and Sync is used to sync with Garmin Explore.

0 Garmin-Leslie over 2 years ago

jmcleodthelonius.com.au You will use two programs to sync and update the inReach mini.

1. Garmin Express (this updates your software on your device)

2. InReach Sync Desktop App (this syncs the device with your account). It is always best to sync your device before a trip, after changing the plan or activating the unit, or making changes to your account.

Updating the Firmware on an inReach Mini. **Please see the options in the link for "firmware updates"**

Syncing Account Changes with inReach Sync **How to download and use the inReach sync desktop app.**This is the program you will need to sync which will be most important long term for service.**

Are you using the actual Garmin cable? Does it say Garmin on it? When you plug it in to the computer does the device show that its charging? If it is showing its charging but not connecting 99% of the time it is because you are not using a data transfer cable.

Make sure you have gone through all the steps in the following link Troubleshooting inReach Sync for the inReach Mini

0 twolpert over 2 years ago in reply to Garmin-Leslie

It doesn't have be genuine Garmin It DOES have to be a data transfer cable. The one that works for your Etrex should work for the Mini as well.

IMO, there ought be a law against power-only cables that are not MARKED as such.

0 Garmin-Leslie over 2 years ago in reply to twolpert

That is correct... However, the Garmin logo makes it much easier to tell the difference!

0 jmcleodthelonius.com.au over 2 years ago in reply to Garmin-Leslie

The eTrex 32x uses a different USB plug type (mini-USB) than the inReach Mini. Can't find the micro USB cable that came with the inReach Mini in my drawer full of cables. But ... clue here ... I used to be able to synch the inReach Mini under Windows 10. Now it only charges via any of the multiple micro USB cables that I do have on hand.

Didn't know that micro USB connectors could be 'Charge only' or 'Charge AND data synch'. That's not terribly helpful. But good to know. Agree that there ought be a law against power-only cables that are not MARKED as such.

I'll keep trying. But right now, I suspect the problem may be with the USB drivers that come from Dell or Microsoft.

0 twolpert over 2 years ago in reply to jmcleodthelonius.com.au

Sorry. Did not realize that the Etrex was mini-USB.

I like my computers to work, so I have so far declined the honor of installing Win11. :-D

Typically when you plug in an unknown device for which custom drivers are available, Windows will install them for you. (No experience with Win11, of course.) I don't know that the Mini should need custom drivers in any event. Most modern Garmin units mount as a removable USB drive and/or a human interface device (HID). A few (not the Mini, I don't think) mount in media transfer mode. All of those should be standard. Which is not to say that they are definitely the same from Win10 to Win11.

We have one user above in the thread who has it working with Win11. That does point to either the device or the cable.

Do you have micro-USB cables what ARE Garmin cables. Garmin-Leslieis correct. All Garmin cables are data transfer cables.