When a smartphone is not recognized by a Windows 10 laptop, what should you configure to resolve this issue?

The best choice for resolving the issue of a smartphone not being recognized by a Windows 10 laptop is to configure Device Manager. Device Manager is a built-in utility in Windows that provides a centralized location for managing device drivers and hardware components. It allows users to view the status of connected devices, update their drivers, and troubleshoot hardware issues.

When a smartphone is not recognized, it may be due to a driver issue, a missing driver, or an incorrect device configuration. Accessing Device Manager enables you to check if the smartphone is listed under the appropriate category and whether it has any warning symbols indicating problems. From there, you can update or reinstall drivers, which often resolves connectivity issues.

By utilizing Device Manager, users can efficiently diagnose and fix problems related to device recognition, making it an essential tool for troubleshooting hardware connections, including smartphones.