How to Solve a “Device Descriptor Request Failed” Computer Error

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15 solutions to solve unknown USB devices

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Power-cycle your computer.

2 Try a different USB port.

3 Try connecting the device to a different computer.

4 Check the power supply for the device.

5 Disable and re-enable the device.

6 Make sure Windows is up-to-date.

7 Try Rolling Back a Windows Update

8 Update the USB drivers.

9 Install the device drivers or software.

10 Uninstall and reinstall the USB driver.

11 Remove the USB device and scan for hardware changes.

12 Run the Windows Troublshooter.

13 Disable USB Selective Suspend settings.

14 Disable Fast Startup.

15 Reset your BIOS/UEFI settings to their defaults.

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Co-authored by Travis Boylls Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: January 11, 2025 Fact Checked

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It’s frustrating when you want to connect a device to your computer, but your computer doesn’t recognize it. The “Device descriptor request failed” error essentially means your Windows operating system was not able to identify a USB device. A number of problems could cause this; including a faulty USB port or device, hardware or software issues, power issues, bad drivers, or an outdated operating system. This wikiHow article teaches you how to troubleshoot and resolve the “device descriptor request failed” error.

Fixing “Device Descriptor Request Failed”

Make sure the USB device and port are functioning properly. Restart your computer. Make sure your computer and all the drivers are up-to-date. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. Run the Window troubleshooter.

Steps

1

Power-cycle your computer.

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1. 
   A simple restart or power cycle may fix the issue. If your computer is experiencing a minor software or hardware glitch, you may be able to fix it with a simple power cycle. Disconnect all USB devices. Power off your computer and unplug it. If your laptop has a removable battery, go ahead and remove it. If it does not, just wait a few minutes. Press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds. Then plug your computer back in and reboot it. See if this fixes the issue.
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2

Try a different USB port.

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1. 
   The USB port may be faulty or inadequate. If the device works when connecting to a different USB port, this indicates the problem is with the USB port. If the device does work using a different USB port, try connecting a different device to the port to see if any other devices work using that port. If no devices work or charge from the USB port, there is likely a problem with the USB port.

   • Some devices require high-speed USB ports in order to function. For example, if you connect an external hard drive or a 4K webcam to a USB 2.0 port, that port won’t be able to provide enough data transfer speed for the device to function. You’ll need to connect to a high-speed USB port. Look for a USB port that says “SS” or the transfer speed (i.e. 10 Gbps, or 40 Gbps) next to the port.
   • If your computer has a USB-C port, you may be able to use that, although you will need an adapter if your device doesn't have a USB-C cable. You may also need a USB cable that supports high-speed data transfer.

3

Try connecting the device to a different computer.

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1. 
   The device may be faulty. If the device doesn’t connect to any USB port on your computer, try connecting it to a different computer or device. If it doesn’t work on a different computer, this indicates there could be a problem with the device itself.
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4

Check the power supply for the device.

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1. 
   Some USB devices require an additional power supply. If the USB device you are trying to connect has a power port or an external AC adapter, make sure the power cord is connected and plugged in. You may want to try a different power cord to make sure the power cord or AC adapter isn’t faulty.

5

Disable and re-enable the device.

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1. 
   There may be a glitch in the driver. If there's a minor bug in the USB driver, you may be able to resolve it by disabling and re-enabling the driver. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
   • Right-click the USB port with the error.
   • Click Disable device
   • Wait a few minutes.
   • Right-click the device and click Enable device.
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6

Make sure Windows is up-to-date.

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1. 
   Your operating system is outdated. Updating Windows ensures that you have all the latest patches that keep your system running smoothly. It also updates your drivers so that you have the latest USB drivers. Use the following steps to update Windows:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Type “Windows Update”.
   • Click Check for updates.
   • Click Check for updates in the Settings menu
   • Click Download & install all if an update is available.

7

Try Rolling Back a Windows Update

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1. 
   A Windows update may be interfering with the drivers. If Windows is already up-to-date and the problem started after a recent Windows update, you can try rolling back your Windows Update. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Type "Update history."
   • Click View your Update History.
   • Click Uninstall Updates at the bottom.
   • Click Uninstall next to the latest updates.
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8

Update the USB drivers.

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1. 
   Your USB drivers may be out of date. If updating your operating system doesn't fix issues with your USB device you can try updating the USB drivers manually. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
   • Right-click the USB port that has the error message.
   • Click Update driver.
   • Click Search automatically for drivers.
   • Follow any instructions to install the drivers.

9

Install the device drivers or software.

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1. 
   Some USB devices require independent drivers or software. Most USB devices are plug-and-play, meaning you can just plug them in and they will work instantly. However, some devices require you to install additional drivers or software. Check the user's manual for the device to see if it requires any additional software. If it does, you can download the drivers from the manufacturer's website.
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10

Uninstall and reinstall the USB driver.

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1. 
   The driver may not be working. If the driver itself isn't working, you may be able to fix it by uninstalling it and reinstalling it. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
   • Right-click the USB port that has the error message.
   • Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

11

Remove the USB device and scan for hardware changes.

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1. 
   The USB device may not be configured properly. If there is a problem with the way the USB device is configured, scanning for hardware changes will force Windows to check for it and make sure it is configured properly. Use the following steps to scan for hardware changes:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
   • Check which USB device has the error.
   • Unplug the USB device.
   • Click the "Scan for hardware changes" button at the top. It resembles a computer monitor with a magnifying glass.
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12

Run the Windows Troublshooter.

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1. 
   Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix problems. Use the following steps to run the Windows troubleshooter:

   • Press the Windows key + R to open "Run."
   • Type "msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic" and press Enter.
   • Click Advanced.
   • Ensure Apply repairs automatically is checked.
   • Click Next.
   • Follow the instructions to complete any repairs.

13

Disable USB Selective Suspend settings.

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1. 
   USB Selective Suspend limits power to the USB ports. If the device you are trying to connect isn't getting enough power, you may encounter an error. Use the following steps to disable the USB Selective Suspend settings:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
   • Right-click the USB device that has the error.
   • Click the Properties tab.
   • Uncheck "Allow computer to turn off device to save power."
   • Click Ok.
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14

Disable Fast Startup.

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1. 
   Fast Startup can cause USB detection issues. Fast Startup provides power to your computer's hardware when it is shutdown so that it can boot up more quickly. However, this can cause issues with your USB devices. Use the following steps to disable Fast Startup:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Type "Control Panel."
   • Click the Control Panel.
   • Click System and Security.
   • Click Power Options.
   • Click Choose what the Power button does.
   • Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
   • Restart your computer.

15

Reset your BIOS/UEFI settings to their defaults.

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1. 
   There may be a problem with your BIOS/UEFI settings. If there is a problem with the BIOS/UEFI settings, you may be able to resolve it by resetting your BIOS/UEFI settings to their defaults. The BIOS/UEFI Settings menu is different from one computer model to the next. Once you boot into the BIOS/UEFI settings, look for an option to "Reset defaults," "Load default settings," or something similar. Then select the option to save changes and reboot your computer. Use the following steps to boot into the BIOS/UEFI settings within Windows:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Type "Recovery."
   • Click Recovery options.
   • Click Restart now next to "Advanced Startup."
   • Click Troubleshoot.
   • Click Advanced Options.
   • Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
   • Click Restart.
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