Fix the MTP driver in Windows

Windows already includes an MTP driver, part of Microsoft's Windows Portable Devices framework, so there is nothing to download from a phone maker. Set the phone to File transfer, use a data cable, and if Device Manager shows MTP USB Device with an error, update that device and pick the MTP driver from the list.

Download from learn.microsoft.com

Checked October 30, 2026 against the manufacturer's own pages.

The short version

What to install and where it comes from. Every link goes to the manufacturer or Microsoft, never to a copy.

Full nameMedia Transfer Protocol
Built into WindowsYes, in the WPD class driver set
Phone settingFile transfer (not charging only)
Device Manager groupPortable Devices
Sister protocolPTP, for pictures only
Microsoft: Introduction to WPD driverslearn.microsoft.comMicrosoft: The MTP setup information (.inf) filelearn.microsoft.comMicrosoft Update Catalogcatalog.update.microsoft.com

Official files only, nothing bundled

Step by step

  1. Unlock the phone and pick File transfer

    After plugging in, open the USB notification on the phone and choose File transfer or Transferring files. Charging only hides the phone from Windows.

  2. Change the cable and the port

    Use a data cable, preferably the original one, and plug into a port on the PC itself. Avoid hubs while testing.

  3. Open Device Manager

    Right-click Start, choose Device Manager and expand Portable Devices. Look for your phone or an entry named MTP USB Device.

  4. Reinstall the device

    Right-click the entry, choose Uninstall device, unplug the phone, restart the PC and reconnect. Windows reinstalls the portable device driver.

  5. Pick the MTP driver by hand

    If the warning stays, right-click, Update driver, Browse my computer, Let me pick from a list, and select the MTP or portable device driver. Then reconnect.

  6. Run Windows Update

    Check Settings, Windows Update and Optional updates, then try again.

What MTP is

Media Transfer Protocol lets Windows browse a phone, camera or music player as a set of objects rather than as a disk. Microsoft’s Windows Portable Devices documentation says its class drivers handle Picture Transfer Protocol, Media Transfer Protocol and Mass Storage over the transports listed there. The result is that most devices need no driver from the maker at all.

Why people think a driver is missing

Three things cause nearly all MTP complaints. The phone is on Charging only, the cable carries only power, or the device shows up as MTP USB Device with a warning. The first two are fixed on the phone and the cable. The third is a driver binding problem in Windows, solved with the steps above.

Vendor INF files

Microsoft’s setup file for MTP is named WpdMtp.inf. Microsoft tells hardware vendors to make a modified copy rather than edit the original. Some makers do that to add their own device names, which explains why a few phones appear with a brand name while others read MTP USB Device.

Cameras and tablets

Digital cameras that use MTP or PTP behave the same way. Switch the camera to its PC or MTP connection mode, connect it, and Windows lists it under Portable Devices.

Questions

Is there an MTP driver download from Microsoft?

Microsoft documents MTP as a class driver inside WPD, so it comes with Windows. Phone makers do not need to ship their own for ordinary file transfer.

What is the difference between MTP and PTP?

PTP is Picture Transfer Protocol and carries photos only. MTP also handles music, documents and other files. Microsoft's class drivers cover both.

Why does MTP USB Device show a yellow mark?

The device was found but its driver did not load. Reinstalling it, or selecting the MTP driver by hand, usually clears it.

Does the phone need an app on the PC?

No. Once File transfer is on, the phone opens in File Explorer under This PC. Samsung and other makers offer extra apps, but they are optional.