How to Fix Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)

USB devices are commonly used to back up critical files or transfer them to other devices. However, sometimes your computer doesn’t recognize a USB device on connecting and throws an error – “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed).” You can also encounter “A Request for the USB Device Descriptor Failed” error while connecting the USB device to your system.

This error blocks you from accessing your device data, putting your data at risk. Fret not through! The error can be solved with the methods discussed in this blog.

What is Device Descriptor Request Failed Error?

When you connect your USB device to your system, you get an error message: Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed). The error occurs when the USB device descriptor, which contains the USB device information, runs into issues due to hardware or system-related changes. You start hearing a device connecting and disconnecting sound frequently, or even the computer’s mic (Kraken Z53) may stop working due to this issue.

The possible causes could be several, including the wrong configuration of USB driver settings, corrupted device drivers, hardware and settings changes, outdated BIOS, etc. Since the reasons behind the ‘Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) error could be several, follow the below-given methods to solve the problem.

How to Fix Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) Error?

First, try the following quick fixes to solve the error:

Quick Solutions

• Plug your USB device into another USB port and see if it’s working fine. If it works, your USB port must be damaged. Get it repaired or replaced by the system manufacturer.
• Try to connect the USB device to another PC. If it’s not working, the issue may be only with the USB device.
• Disable Fast Startup on your system to prevent multiple system performance-related issues.

If above solutions don’t fix the issue, try the following methods.

#1 Scan Your PC for Hardware Changes

If you’ve recently made some hardware-related changes to your system and started experiencing the Unknown USB Device Device Descriptor Request Failed Windows 11 error afterward, follow this method using the below steps:

• Connect the USB with which you’re facing issues.
• Go to Start Menu (Windows + X) and select Device Manager from the listed options.
• Now, click the Action tab and choose Scan for hardware changes.

• Once the scanning is done, expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers category and see if it shows your USB device connected to your system.

Once done, close the window and reboot your system to check if it has solved the issue.

#2 Run Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

You can also run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter to fix the Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) issue. It is a Windows built-in tool used to fix multiple system-related issues. Follow the steps below:

• Open Run dialog box, type msdt.exe-id DeviceDiagnostic command, and click OK or press Enter.

• Now, click Advanced on the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter window.

• Select Apply repairs automatically > Next on the following prompt.

• The troubleshooter will start looking for the issues.
• Once the issue is detected, you’ll be prompted with the errors listed with the device names.

• You can select the appropriate option to proceed by clicking Apply this fix on the following prompt.

• Click Next to complete the troubleshooting method.

• Reboot your PC and see if it has fixed the Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) error.

#3 Disable the USB Selective Suspend Settings

Disabling the USB Selective Suspend Settings has worked well in a few circumstances, as reported by the users. Try this method with the following steps to see if it also works for you.

• Open Control Panel from Search and then follow System and Security > Power Options.

• Now, click Change plan settings.

Afterward, click Change advanced power settings.

• Now, expand USB settings > USB selective suspend settings.
• Choose Disabled from the ‘On Battery’ drop-down menu.

Click Apply > OK to save the changes, and then restart your system to see if the issue is fixed.

#4 Update BIOS

If none of the above methods works for you, update your BIOS. It has benefitted many users dealing with Device Descriptor Request Failed errors. To do so, you can access BIOS with the following steps and update the BIOS.

Note: Backup your personal files and data from your system before proceeding further, as one mistake can lead to BIOS corruption and cause further damage to your system, causing permanent data loss.

• Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Update & Security > Recovery.
• From the right panel, click Restart now option under Advanced Startup.

• Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings on the following blue screen.

• After a while, the system will boot directly into the BIOS menus.
• Closely follow your motherboard manufacturer’s guide and locate the System BIOS.
• Then, click Download to save the update file on your system. Run the file and follow the on-screen instruction to complete the updating BIOS method.

Lastly, Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) error is mainly caused due to hardware or system-specific changes or issues. However, the issue is fixable with the methods shared in this blog.

Remember:

Although updating BIOS can fix multiple errors, you should tread cautiously since it includes the risk of corruption if a power failure or system crash occurs during the Update installation process. Additionally, updating BIOS could lead to system instability by resetting the BIOS settings, eventually causing data loss. So, always keep powerful data recovery software, such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional, handy to recover data from a crashed or unbootable Windows PC.

People Also Ask

1. What is Device Descriptor?

The USB Device Descriptor has complete information about USB devices. It further indicates the total number of supported device configurations. When a device is connected to the host system at a higher speed, the device descriptor may contain different device information and eventually run into errors or malfunction.

2. What is Code 43 error in a USB device?

The Code 43 in USB error occurs when the Device Manager blocks the hardware from functioning correctly and reports an unidentified problem. You can solve it by updating or uninstalling the USB driver, updating BIOS, or undoing recent changes.

3. What is a USB device not recognized error?

The USB Device Not Recognized could occur due to many possible reasons like a corrupted or unstable USB driver, Windows is missing essential updates, USB controllers may have become unstable or corrupt, or a corrupt USB drive or partition. You can reinstall USB drivers, unplug all connected USB devices, try connecting them to another PC, or fix the USB root hub to solve the error.