Are you getting the ‘device descriptor request failed (Unknown USB Device)’ error on Windows 10?
If your answer is YES then you have come to the perfect place.
There are tons of Windows 10 users who often encounter the device descriptor request failed error while connecting a USB or any external device to their PC.
Whenever you get this error on Windows 10, it means the computer is having a hard time recognizing your USB.
Since the number of users encountering the device descriptor request failed (Unknown USB Device) error has increased significantly over the last couple of years, I decided to come up with a guide explaining how to fix it.
Without any further ado, let’s get started:
Device Descriptor Request Failed Fix (2024)
There could be many reasons that might lead to the device descriptor request failed error on Windows 10.
Irrespective of what reason causes this error on Windows 10, you can easily fix it by applying the following methods.
Here are all possible ways to fix the device descriptor request failed error:
Solution 1: Check For Hardware Issues
Whenever you encounter the device descriptor request failed error on Windows 10, the first and foremost thing you should do is check for Hardware issues.
There are chances that you might be having this USB error due to your hardware.
To check whether your Hardware or Operating System (OS) is at fault, you can use the following methods:
- Plug Your USB into a Different USB Port — Try to plug your USB into a different USB port and if it works, then the USB port you were using earlier is likely damaged.
- Plug Your USB Into A Different PC — Try to plug your USB into a new PC and if it works on it, it is your system that causes the error, not the USB.
Solution 2: Plug-Out Your Power Supply
Note: This solution is only recommended for people using a portable device like Laptop.
There are users who suggested temporarily unplugging your power supply and then connecting the problematic USB to your Laptop to fix the Unknown USB Device error.
All you need to do is unplug all cables from your Laptop until your Laptop is running on its integral battery.
When it happens, plug in the USB device and check if your Laptop is recognizing it or not.
If you continue to encounter the same device descriptor request failed error, it means the power supply you are using is at fault.
If your Laptop recognizes a USB port, replacing your charger is highly recommended.
Solution 3: Uninstall the USB Driver
The third method that we have for you needs you to uninstall the USB Driver in Device Manager.
Do you know how to remove or uninstall the USB Driver in Device Manager?
If your answer is NO then follow the steps mentioned below:
- First, open up the Run utility by pressing the ‘Windows+R’ button on your Keyboard.
- Once it is opened, you will have to type ‘devmgmt.msc’ into the Open field and hit the Enter button to open the Device Manager.
- In Device Manager, double-click on the ‘Universal Serial Bus Controller’ option to expand the section.
- Once it is expanded, select the ‘Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) from the list.
- Now, right-click on the selected USB device and select ‘Uninstall’ from the context menu and follow the on-screen to remove the device.
- Once you have successfully removed it, restart your PC.
- When you restart your PC, the USB driver will automatically be reinstalled.
- Once restarted, plug in your USB and check if the error remains.
- That’s it.
Solution 4: Disable The Fast Startup Option
To disable the fast startup option, you will need to press Windows+R to open up the Run box.
Once it is opened, type ‘control’ into the Open Field and hit the Enter button.
Doing this will open the classic Control Panel in a new window.
Now, you will have to change your view mode to Large icons and then select Power Options.
In the Power Options, you will have to select an option that says ‘Choose what the power buttons do‘ as shown in the above picture.
Now, click on the ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ link.
In a new window, you will see multiple options under Shutdown Settings.
Now, disable or turn Off the Fast Startup option and then click on the Save Changes option.
That’s it.
Solution 5: Run Hardware & Device Troubleshooter
Open the Settings app on your PC and click on the ‘Update & Security’ tab.
From the side panel, select ‘Troubleshoot‘ and search for Hardware and Device troubleshooter.
Once selected, run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instruction to identify any issues with your USB port or other related hardware.
If anything is chosen, chose the proper action to fix the issue and learn more about it.
Solution 6: Change Your USB Selective Suspend Setting
To open up the Run box, press Windows+R at the same time.
Once it is opened, type ‘control’ into the Open field and hit the Enter button.
Once the Control Panel is opened on your PC, select the view mode to ‘Large’ as we did for Solution 4.
Once done, click on the ‘Power Options’ and then ‘Show additional plans’.
When you do so, you will have two more options appear on the screen.
Select ‘High Performance’ and then click on the ‘Change plan settings’.
Now, click on the Change Advanced Power Settings.
When you do so, a new window will appear on the screen. Click on the ‘USB Settings‘ to expand more options.
Now, double-click on the ‘USB selective suspends setting’ and disable it.
Once done, click on the OK button and restart your PC.
These are some easy methods that you can use to fix the device descriptor request failed (Unknown USB Device) error on Windows 10.
If you used any method to resolve this error and we have not mentioned that method here then do let us know in the comment section below.