How To Fix Device Descriptor Request Failed In Windows 10

Device Descriptor Request Failed error is another common error that users are experiencing on Windows computer. USB (Universal Serial Bus) device on your computer such as a USB flash drive and memory card among others that allows users to transfer data between these devices. There have been reports from Windows users when they try to connect and use the USB device an error occurs such as Device name on device not showing but instead shows “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” on Device Manager. In here, we will talk about the possible causes that may have caused this error and the recommended solutions on how to fix Device Descriptor Request Failed error in Windows 10.

Fix Unknown Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) error on Windows 10

There are three separate scenarios on the device status that we have to take into consideration when trying to fix Device Descriptor Request Failed error.

1. On Device Manager window, you will see a warning sign (yellow) on the USB device. But when you right click on the device and go into Properties you will also notice that the status of the device is “Working Properly”. With this case the error is not causing any problem which basically means you are still able to use the device.
2. Device is not working properly- in here, the device is not appearing on File explorer window therefore users are not able to use it. For this case, you can right click on the device and selecting Properties. Code 43 should appear on the description.
3. Status: Device is working properly, but the device is not actually working. Device is also not appearing on File explorer window and status light (if there is any) on the device is not turning on.

There are several factors that can cause Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor failed) wherein USB device is not recognized such as hardware issues with the USB port, a corrupt or outdated drivers, USB device is damaged, issues with fast boot, to an outdated Windows 10 version. Listed below are the troubleshooting solutions that you can try to fix Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor Request Failed).

Solution 1: Check for issues with the hardware

The first thing that you need to do is to check the connection status of the USB device making sure that USB device is not damaged and is in good condition.

To do this:

1. Remove USB device from the USB port it is currently connected to and plug it to another USB port. This step is to check if the problem is caused by a damaged USB port.
2. Try plugging the USB device to another USB port on another computer. This is to check if the error is caused by the computer itself.

Solution 2: Disable Fast Startup

There’s a possibility when Fast boot is enabled there won’t be enough time for the device to install properly on your computer. If that is the case, you will not have immediate access to the device.

To do this:

Once computer completely reboots, plug device on USB port again and then check if Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)error message still occurs.

Solution 3: Run Hardware and Device troubleshooter

Troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows that scans the computer for problems and automatically repairs problems if there are any. In here, you may need to run hardware and device troubleshooter and then check if the error will be resolved.

To do this:

1. Type Command prompt at the search bar located at the lower left.
2. Right click on Command Prompt result and click Run as Administrator from the drop down menu.
3. At Command prompt window, type the command ” msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic ” and Press Enter. Hardware and device troubleshooter will open.
4. Click Next. Windows will now run Hardware and Device troubleshooter to detect problems.
5. After troubleshooting process is complete and it could not identify the problem, click Close tab.
6. Exit Command Prompt window.

Check if Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) still occurs.

Solution 4: Uninstall USB driver

A corrupt, broken or missing USB device driver can be the culprit for USB device descriptor error to occur. To fix this issue, you may need to uninstall and then update USB driver.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box
2. At RUN box, type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter or click OK to open Device Manager.
3. Click on Universal Serial Bus Controllers to expand it.
4. Locate the USB device with Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor Request Failed). It usually has a yellow warning sign on it.
5. Right click on the problematic device and select Uninstall from the drop down menu. Follow the onscreen instruction on how to uninstall the device.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Once computer completely reboots, USB drivers will automatically reinstall.

Check if Unknown USB device error (Device Descriptor Request Failed) still occurs.

Solution 5: Scan for hardware changes

Scanning for hardware changes basically refreshes the Device Manager to show possible changes after connecting and or disconnecting a device. This solution is done after uninstalling the problematic USB device.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box
2. At RUN box, type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter or click OK to open Device Manager.
3. Click Action tab located on the header menu.
4. Click Scan for hardware changes from the drop down menu. Wait for hardware changes to appear on Device Manager and recognized by windows.

Plug in USB device again and then check if Unknown USB device error (Device Descriptor Request Failed) still occurs

Solution 6: Update USB Drivers

An outdated USB driver can cause issues with the USB device. It is therefore recommended to keep USB drivers up to date.

To do this:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box
2. At RUN box, type “devmgmt. msc” and press Enter or click OK to open Device Manager.
3. Click on Universal Serial Bus Controllers to expand it.
4. Right click on the problematic device and click Update driver from the drop down menu.
5. Click on the option ” Search Automatically for drivers”. It will now search for available drivers.
6. Once the best drivers for the device are already installed, click Close tab to exit.

Check if USB Device Descriptor Request Failed) still occurs.

Solution 7: Disable USB Power saving mode

If power saving mode is enabled, there are instances when the USB drive that is connecting to the USB port will not function normally and can cause the error to occur. To prevent windows from turning USB device off, you may need to disable power saving mode.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box
2. At RUN box, type “Control panel” and press Enter or click OK to open Control Panel.
3. On Control panel window, make sure View By on upper right is set to Large icons.
4. Click Power Options
5. At Power options window, click on “Change plan settings” on High Performance option.
6. Click on “Change Advanced power settings”, a new window opens.
7. On Advanced settings, click to expand USB settings.
8. Click to expand “USB selective suspend setting”
9. Under USB selective suspend setting, make sure settings for “On battery” and “Plugged in” are disabled.
10. Click Apply to apply changes made.
11. Click OK to exit Power options.

Check if Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) still occurs.

After following the solutions mentioned, you will successfully fix the problem Unknown USB device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) in Windows 10. For more troubleshooting videos, feel free to visit our TheDroidGuy Youtube Channel.

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