10 Ways to Fix “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)”

Before calling up the computer guy

Do you keep seeing an “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” or “Code 43” in Windows Device Manager when connecting a pen drive, SD card, or another USB device to your PC? This troubleshooting guide shows you how to fix that.

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

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

Another quick fix involves prompting Windows to rescan your PC for hardware changes. You can do that via the built-in Device Manager.

  1. PressWindows Key+Rto open a Run box.

  2. Typedevmgmt.mscand pressEnter.

  3. Highlight your PC’s name at the top of the Device Manager screen and selectAction>Scan for hardware changeson the menu bar.

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:

  1. Open a new Run box.

  2. Paste the following command and pressEnter:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

  1. SelectAdvanced>Applyrepairs automaticallyand selectNext. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

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 afree registry cleaning utilityto scan and fix issues with the registry. For example, here’s how to use Wise Registry Cleaner.Create a backup of the system registrybefore beginning.

  1. Download and installWise Registry Cleaner.

  2. Open Wise Registry Cleaner and selectDeepScanto initiate a scan of your system registry.

  3. SelectCleanto fix issues with the system registry.

5. Disable Fast Startup in Windows

Fast startup is built-in Windows functionality thatspeeds up the time it takes to boot your PCafter 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.

  1. Typepowercfg.cplinto a Run box and pressEnter. Alternatively, open Windows Search, typeControl Panelinto the search box, and selectOpen>Hardware and Sounds>Power Options.

  2. SelectChoose what the power buttons doon the left pane.

  3. SelectChange settings that are currently unavailableand scroll down to theShutdown settingssection.

  4. Uncheck the box next toTurn on fast startup (Recommended).

  5. SelectSave changesand exit Power Options.

  6. Open the Start menu and selectPower>Shutdownto turn off your PC; do not select theRestartoption. Then, manually turn it back on.

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.

  1. Re-open the Power Options configuration pane.

  2. SelectChange plan settingsnext to your computer’s active power plan.

  3. Select theChange advanced power settingsoption.

  4. ExpandUSB settingsand selectUse selective suspend setting.

  5. SetOn batteryandPlugged intoDisabled.

  6. SelectApply>OKto save your changes.

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:

  1. Unplug the problematic USB device and open Device Manager.

  2. Double-click theUniversal Serial Bus controllerscategory to expand it.

  3. Right-clickUSB Root HuborGeneric USB Huband selectUninstall device>Uninstall. Repeat for additional entries with the same name.

  4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the USB drivers as it reboots.

Note: If you’re using a desktop device, your keyboard and mouse will no longer work. Press thePowerbutton on the CPU casing to trigger a shutdown.

  1. Re-open the Device Manager, select your PC’s name at the top of the devices list, and selectAction>Scan for hardware changes.

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:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Expand theUniversal Serial Bus controllerscategory.

  3. Right-clickUSB Root Huband selectUpdate driver. Repeat for additional entries with the same name.

  4. SelectSearch automatically for driverson the Update Drivers pop-up.

  5. Wait until Windows locates and installs the latest drivers.

If Windows can’t locate newer USB drivers, visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website—Dell,HP,Acer, etc.—and check for device driver updates. Alternatively, use a driver updater tool likeDriver Boosterto scan and update the driver software for your computer.

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:

  1. PressWindows+Ito open the Settings app. Or, right-click theStart buttonand selectSettings.

  2. SelectWindows Update.

  3. SelectCheck for updates>Download and install.

Additionally, selectView optional updates(Windows 10) orAdvanced options>Optional updates(Windows 11) and install all available Microsoft-certified hardware driver updates.

Rarely, Windows updates can also introduce issues. If the “Device descriptor request failed” error shows up right after updating Windows, consideruninstalling the latest Windows updates.

10. Roll Back Windows to an Earlier State

If you haveSystem 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.

  1. Typerstruiinto a Run box and pressEnter.

  2. Pick a restore point and select theScan for affected programsbutton to identify programs and drivers that will be affected if you choose to go ahead. Then, selectNext.

  3. SelectFinish.

Wait until the System Restore wizard rolls the operating system to an earlier state.

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 bychecking if BIOS/UEFI needs an updateorresetting Windows to factory defaults. If the USB device fails elsewhere as well, then it’s likely defective.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved