Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed): How to fix it

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Connecting your USB device with your computer essentially helps you to carry out useful activities such as transferring files, data backup, and recovery, among others. However, it’s also possible to run into issues when attempting to connect your computer with a USB device.

If you ever experience such an issue, for instance seeing an error message that reads “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed),” it’s easy to get confused. However, there’s no need to be since we’ve provided all the instructions you need to get past this error message and fix connectivity issues between your Windows 10 computer and USB device.

Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed): How to fix it

So, make sure to pay attention to all the helpful tips, suggestions, and instructions we’ve provided in this guide.

What is USB Device Descriptor Failure?

When using a USB device on a computer and connecting it, Windows 10 Home users might sometimes run into problems. The “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error message that appears in Device Manager is one of these frequent problems.

You are essentially being informed by this error message that the attached USB device cannot be used by the computer. This is a problem if you want to use anything that connects to your USB port, such as a memory card, Android smartphone, game controller, or USB flash drive.

Hardware or system-specific issues may be to blame for the current situation. No matter what caused it, the goal of this guide is to help you quickly fix the Device Descriptor Request Failed (Unknown USB device) problem.

Different Methods of Fixing Device Descriptor Failure – Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)

If you’re ever faced with a device descriptor failure issue when attempting to connect your Windows computer with a USB device, you can try one or more of the troubleshooting options we’ve provided below.

Examine your Computer for Hardware Issues

It’s possible that you can’t use your USB device because of a hardware issue, in which case the issue is with your computer’s hardware rather than the operating system. Here are two quick tests to see if this is the case, which can quickly establish whether you should consider having your computer restored or whether you can continue using the techniques listed below to resolve system-related problems.

  • Use a different USB port to connect: Try using the USB ports on your back. If the device suddenly starts functioning, the USB port you were using before is probably damaged. It is advised to either flag this port as broken or to start looking into replacing it right away.
  • Connect to a separate laptop: See if the hardware itself has any problems by attempting to use the same hardware on a different computer. If it functions properly on another machine, you’re probably dealing with a system problem alone. However, it is very possible that the gadget is broken if it still doesn’t function. Look for a replacement or a repair.

You can decide whether or not to continue with the steps below after testing these two items. Each of the new methods tries to resolve software problems, which are difficulties specific to the operating system of your computer.

Unplug your computer from the Power Supply

It’s only when you’re using a portable device, like a laptop that you should try this method. Connecting the problematic equipment to your computer after briefly unplugging your power source may resolve the Unknown USB device problem on Windows 10.

Simply unplug all of your laptop’s charging wires until it is powered solely by its internal battery. The USB device should be plugged in at this point to see if your system can detect it.

If using this approach doesn’t resolve the USB device problem, the power supply can be ruled out as the cause. If the USB does begin to function, try looking into getting a new charger.

Remove the USB Driver in Device Manager

Follow these instructions to get it done:

  • On your keyboard, simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run application.
  • Without using quotation marks, type “devmgmt.msc,” then press OK. The Device Manager will open in a different window as a result.
  • The Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) can be found by expanding the area for Universal Serial Bus controllers and choosing it from the list.
  • Select Uninstall from the context menu by performing a right-click on the selected USB device. To remove the gadget, adhere to any on-screen directions.
  • Restart your PC after the removal process is finished. It will correctly replace the drive automatically, which might help you stop getting the error you’ve been getting.

Disconnect USB and Scan for Hardware Changes

Take note of the following instructions:

  • Using the procedures in Method 1, remove the faulty USB device.
  • Remain within the Device Manager.
  • Click Action from the header menu, and then from the menu choose Scan for Hardware Changes.
  • When the system has had a chance to register all hardware modifications, plug your USB in once more to see if it now functions.

Disable Fast Startup Option

You can disable the fast startup option with the instructions below:

  • On your keyboard, simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run application.
  • Without using quotation marks, type “control,” then click OK. This will open the traditional Control Panel in a new window. (The new Settings should not be confused with this app.)
  • In the window’s right-hand corner, switch your view mode to Large Icons, then pick Power Options from the list of options.
  • Choose the “Choose what the power buttons do” link on the window’s left side.
  • Choose the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” link. You’ll need to grant administrator permission for this, which might entail providing your admin password.
  • Take a look at the Shutdown settings area. Check to make sure the box labeled “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” is not ticked.  Delete the checkmark by clicking on the box if it is.
  • As soon as you’ve clicked on the “Save changes” option, restart your device.

In summary, the fixes we’ve suggested in this article will help you correct USB descriptor device failure if you ever run into the error message when you try connecting your Windows device with a USB device. If you know anyone who might benefit from this article, also make sure to recommend this article to them.

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