How do I resolve the “Unknown USB Device (Descriptor Request Failed)” error?
In this tutorial, we decided to address a rather old bug that dates back to the first versions of Windows. Its essence is that in the “Device Manager” in the “USB Controllers” section the device is not recognized correctly. The mouse, flash drive, keyboard, headset and other devices cannot be recognized correctly; instead of the name, the message “Unknown USB device (descriptor request failed)” is displayed. We will help you get the device to correctly identify in Windows 7, 10, 11 so that it starts working without errors.
Why does the error appear?
There may be several reasons for this error:
- damaged device drivers;
- the device is very outdated, Windows cannot find the right software;
- Windows cannot find the device in the list of built-in drivers;
- damage to the USB port on the computer;
- malfunction of the device itself.
How to fix the “Unknown USB device” error?
Anyone who has encountered this wrong error is advised to try a few quick fixes first:
- disconnect and then reconnect the device to the USB port;
- switch the device to another USB connector, it is better to check several inputs;
- to restart a computer;
- connect the USB device to another computer to test its functionality.
Healthy! There are many devices that work fine on USB 2.0 ports but refuse to be recognized when connected to USB 3.0. Mostly these are old devices that do not yet support the new version of the connector.
Only after completing the above steps should you proceed to the rest of the fixes for the DEVICE_DESCRIPTOR_FAILURE error.
Method 1: connect directly
This is because a USB hub, extension cable, or adapter may not work properly. To exclude or confirm its malfunction, it is worth connecting the device directly to the connector on the case. If we are talking about a stationary computer, it is worth using the inputs on the rear side, they are located directly on the motherboard, unlike those on the front side and are connected via a separate cord.
Method 2: run the troubleshooter
The tool mentioned in the section was created specifically to fix hardware connection errors. Thus, with a high degree of probability, he can help now. It may be present in the Windows Settings menu, but it is often written that it is not there. To accurately run the tool, you should insert into the command line msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic… It remains only to follow the tips of the master.
Method 3: install drivers manually
If Windows cannot find the correct drivers automatically, you can do it manually. The most effective and simplest way is to enter on the Internet: “driver for [модель устройства]”. Most likely, the required file will be on the official website of the equipment manufacturer.
If you don’t know what kind of device it is, there is another way:
- Open “Device Manager” from the Start menu.
- In the “USB Hubs” block, open the properties of the problem equipment.
- Go to the “Information” tab, select “Equipment ID” from the list and copy the contents of the item. Namely, we need VEN and DEV. The line should look, for example, like this VEN_1102 & DEV_0011.
- Enter your data on the site https://devid.info and find the driver.
If you do not have parameters such as VEN or DEV, then you should use the ones that are and run a Google search.
Method 4: update drivers for USB hubs
If the USB ports are not working properly, they cannot recognize the devices connected here either. A software update should help.
What should be done:
- Launch “Device Manager” from the menu launched by clicking Win + X.
- Find Generic USB Hub, USB Root Hub, and USB Composite Device.
- For each of them, right-click and select Update.
- Click on the “Manual …” parameter and select a driver from the “On this computer” list. Usually there is only one suitable driver.
Method 5: disconnect all other USB devices
Disabling of other drivers or the devices themselves often works, then the problem device is recognized correctly. It follows from the same “Device Manager” to deactivate devices in turn (by right-clicking). After that, it is better to reconnect the device that does not work and check the result. You can also try to remove all other USB drivers and restart the computer, they should be reinstalled again automatically.
Method 6: install drivers on the chipset
Most likely, there is already a similar driver, you just need to update it, but for this it is better to find software on the Internet, download it and install it. We are talking about Intel Chipset Driver, Intel Management Engine Interface, ACPI Driver and other proprietary software from laptop manufacturers.
Healthy! If your device connects and the drivers are installed on it normally, but after a certain period of time it is again “Unknown USB device (descriptor request failed)”, you need to turn off the automatic shutdown of the device. This can be done in the properties of the device (through the “Device Manager” on the “Power Management” tab. It is enough to deselect the item “Allow the disconnection of this device …”.
Done, the “Unknown USB device” error must be manually fixed. If this does not happen, most likely the matter is in the breakdown of the inputs on the computer or the USB devices themselves. We have eliminated all software failures in one way or another.
