The “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error occurs when the operating system has trouble determining the identity of a USB device. That could be due to a fault at the hardware level with the device in question or the USB interface on your computer.However, before arriving at that conclusion, go through the following suggestions and solutions to fix the “USB device descriptor request failed” error code in Windows 10 and 11.
1. Plug USB Device Into a Different Port
1. Plug USB Device Into a Different Port
Sometimes, all it takes to resolve USB-related issues in Windows is to plug a device into a different USB port on your computer. Avoiding external USB hubs is a good idea since they often create additional problems. Also, have you tried restarting your computer yet?
2. Perform Scan for Hardware changes
2. Perform Scan for Hardware changes
Another quick fix involves prompting Windows to rescan your PC for hardware changes. You can do that via the built-in Device Manager.
3. Use Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
3. Use Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically fix various hardware issues on your computer. To run it:
4. Repair Broken or Corrupt Registry Entries
4. Repair Broken or Corrupt Registry Entries
A corrupt, broken, or bloated system registry can interfere with how the operating system interacts with USB devices such as external hard drives and Bluetooth adapters. Use a free registry cleaning utility to scan and fix issues with the registry. For example, here’s how to use Wise Registry Cleaner. Create a backup of the system registry before beginning.
5. Disable Fast Startup in Windows
5. Disable Fast Startup in Windows
Fast startup is built-in Windows functionality that speeds up the time it takes to boot your PC after a cold shutdown. Disable it if the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error persists. You can do that via the Power Options dialog.
6. Disable the USB Selective Suspend Setting
6. Disable the USB Selective Suspend Setting
By default, Windows selectively suspends USB ports in laptops to conserve power. However, that can lead to various problems, such as the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” and “Code 43” errors. Disable the relevant setting and check if that makes a difference.
7. Remove and Reinstall Your USB Drivers
7. Remove and Reinstall Your USB Drivers
Forum chatter indicates removing and reinstalling the USB drivers for your computer as a likely fix for the “Unknown USB Device” error. To do that:
8. Update Driver Software for Your Computer’s USB
8. Update Driver Software for Your Computer’s USB
Outdated USB drivers are another reason for the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error. To update them:
9. Update Windows to Fix Unknown USB Device
9. Update Windows to Fix Unknown USB Device
Microsoft releases regular bug fixes in the form of Windows Updates that can potentially resolve the “Unknown USB Device” issue. To install them:
10. Roll Back Windows to an Earlier State
10. Roll Back Windows to an Earlier State
If you have System Restore set up in Windows, try rolling back the operating system to a time when you didn’t encounter the “USB device descriptor failed” issue.
What Else Can You Do?
What Else Can You Do?
If the “USB device descriptor failed” error won’t go away, check if another PC can identify the USB device without issues. If it can, there’s likely something wrong with your computer’s hardware—e.g., a malfunctioning USB host controller or power supply.Before visiting your local PC technician, perform a last-ditch effort to resolve the issue by checking if BIOS/UEFI needs an update or resetting Windows to factory defaults. If the USB device fails elsewhere as well, then it’s likely defective.
