Unknown usb device windows 10 device descriptor request failed​

The “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error in Windows 10 is a frustrating issue that can prevent your USB devices from working properly. Whether you are trying to connect a flash drive, external hard drive, keyboard, mouse, or any other USB peripheral, this error can cause the device to malfunction or not be recognized by the system at all. The error typically appears in the Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus Controllers and can significantly impact your productivity if you rely on USB peripherals for work or personal use.

This error usually indicates that Windows 10 is having trouble recognizing the USB device because it failed to fetch the device descriptor, which contains vital information about the connected USB device. While this issue can be caused by various factors, such as outdated drivers, faulty USB ports, or corrupt system files, it is often solvable with a bit of troubleshooting.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to resolve the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear understanding of the causes behind this error and the methods to fix it effectively.

What is a Device Descriptor?

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to understand what a device descriptor is and why it is crucial for USB devices. A device descriptor is a data structure used by USB devices to provide essential information to the host system. This information can include the USB device’s manufacturer, product ID, device class, and other attributes. The host system relies on this descriptor to understand how to communicate with the device.

When a USB device is connected to your Windows 10 computer, the system sends a request to the device for its descriptor. If the device fails to provide the correct descriptor or if the descriptor is corrupted, you may encounter the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error.

Common Causes of the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” Error

Several factors can contribute to this issue, and identifying the root cause is the first step toward resolving it. Here are some of the most common causes:

Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: The most common cause of this error is outdated or corrupted drivers. USB drivers are essential for ensuring communication between your USB device and Windows 10. If they are not updated or become corrupted, your device might not be recognized properly.

USB Port Issues: Sometimes, the problem could be related to the physical USB port. If the port is damaged, dirty, or malfunctioning, it may fail to recognize the connected device. Trying a different USB port may help you identify this as the cause.

Faulty USB Cable or Device: If your USB cable is damaged or your USB device is malfunctioning, Windows may not be able to retrieve the device descriptor.

Conflicting Software: Certain third-party software or utilities installed on your computer can interfere with USB device recognition, causing errors such as the one you’re facing.

Power Supply Issues: Insufficient power supply to the USB device, especially for external hard drives or high-power devices, can result in communication failures.

Windows System Bugs or Corruption: System-level issues, such as corrupted Windows files or bugs in the operating system, can also interfere with the detection of USB devices.

How to Fix the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” Error

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

The first step in troubleshooting any hardware-related issue is to restart your computer. A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches and reload essential drivers.

Save your work and close any open applications.

Click on the Start button and select Restart from the options.

After the restart, check if the issue persists. If it does, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Try a Different USB Port

USB ports can sometimes malfunction due to physical issues or conflicts. If the device is not recognized in one port, try connecting it to another USB port on your computer. If you’re using a USB hub, try connecting the device directly to the computer.

Steps:

Disconnect the USB device from the current port.

Plug it into another USB port on your computer, preferably one that you know is working correctly.

Wait for Windows to detect the device.

If the device is recognized in another port, the issue may lie with the original USB port. If it’s still not recognized, continue with the next troubleshooting step.

Method 3: Update or Reinstall USB Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are one of the most common reasons behind the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error. Updating or reinstalling your USB drivers can resolve issues related to driver corruption.

Steps to Update USB Drivers:

Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.

Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.

Right-click on the USB Root Hub or Unknown USB Device and select Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Steps to Reinstall USB Drivers:

In Device Manager, right-click on the Unknown USB Device or any device showing an error.

Select Uninstall device and confirm the uninstallation.

Restart your computer.

Windows will attempt to reinstall the USB drivers automatically.

After rebooting, check if the issue is resolved. If not, proceed to the next method.

Method 4: Uninstall Conflicting Software

Sometimes, third-party software such as antivirus programs or device management tools can cause conflicts with USB device recognition. If you’ve recently installed new software, try uninstalling it to see if it resolves the issue.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

Locate any recently installed software that might be causing the conflict.

Right-click on the software and select Uninstall.

Restart your computer.

After removing any conflicting software, check if your USB device is recognized properly.

Method 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend

The USB Selective Suspend feature in Windows is designed to save power by disabling idle USB devices. However, it can sometimes interfere with device recognition. Disabling this feature may help resolve the error.

Steps to Disable USB Selective Suspend:

Press Windows + X and select Power Options.

Click on Additional power settings on the right.

Select Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.

Click on Change advanced power settings.

Expand the USB settings and then the USB selective suspend setting.

Set it to Disabled for both On battery and Plugged in.

Click Apply and then OK.

Restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved.

Method 6: Update Windows 10

Sometimes, Windows 10 updates include fixes for hardware issues, including USB problems. Ensuring that your system is up to date may help resolve the error.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Select Update & Security.

Click on Check for updates.

If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

After updating, verify if the USB device is now recognized.

Method 7: Check for Power Issues

Some USB devices, particularly external hard drives, require more power than a single USB port can provide. If you suspect a power issue, try the following:

If using a USB hub, try connecting the device directly to your computer’s USB port.

Use a powered USB hub that has its own power source.

If the device requires additional power (like external hard drives), ensure it is plugged into an external power source.

Method 8: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with built-in troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix common problems with USB devices.

Steps:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Go to Update & Security and select Troubleshoot.

Select Additional troubleshooters.

Click on Hardware and Devices and then Run the troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Windows will attempt to find and fix any problems related to the USB device.

Method 9: Check the USB Device

Finally, if all else fails, it’s essential to check if the issue is with the USB device itself. If possible, try the device on another computer to see if it works. If the device is still not recognized on another system, it may be faulty and in need of replacement.