Ways to Fix the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” Error in Windows 10

If you are a frequent Windows 10 user, you may have come across the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error message when you connect a USB device to your computer. This error message indicates that there is an issue with the USB port, the USB device itself, or the USB drivers on your computer.
The good news is that this error is not fatal, and there are various ways to fix it. Here are some of the ways you can use to resolve the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error in Windows 10.
1.Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the error by clearing out any temporary files that may be causing the issue. Ensure you disconnect all USB devices before restarting your computer.
2.Check Your USB Cable and Power Supply
Loose and poorly connected USB cables can cause the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error in Windows 10. To fix this, unplug the USB cable and plug it back in to ensure that it is correctly connected. Also, check the power supply of the USB device and make sure that it is working correctly.
3.Update Your USB Device Drivers
Outdated USB device drivers could also be the reason for the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error. To fix this, update the device drivers by following the steps below:
– Press the Windows Key + X and click on Device Manager.
– Locate the Universal Serial Bus controllers and expand it.
– Right-click on the Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) and click on Update Driver.
– Choose the second option that reads “Browse my computer for driver software.”
– Click on “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer” option and select a compatible driver.
4.Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers
If updating the USB device drivers does not work, try uninstalling and reinstalling them to fix the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error. Follow these steps:
– Press the Windows Key + X and click on Device Manager.
– Locate the Universal Serial Bus controllers and expand it.
– Right-click on the Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) and click on Uninstall device.
– After uninstalling the driver, click on the Scan for hardware changes icon to reinstall the USB driver.
5.Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
Windows 10 has a built-in feature called USB Selective Suspend that puts USB devices into a low-power mode to save battery life. However, this feature can cause the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error. Disabling this feature can resolve this error. Here is how to do it:
– Press the Windows Key + R and type “control” in the Run dialog box.
– Click on Power Options and select “Change plan settings” on the currently selected plan.
– Click on “Change advanced power settings” and expand the USB Settings option.
– Expand the USB selective suspend setting and disable this feature.