Fix USB Device Descriptor Request Failed (Windows 11/10)

You plug in a flash drive, phone, keyboard or external hard drive, and Windows says "USB device not recognized". In Device Manager it shows up as Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) with a yellow warning sign and Code 43. It means Windows saw something plugged in but couldn't read what it is. The good news: most of the time it's fixable in a few minutes. Here are 10 fixes for Windows 11 and 10, from the quickest to the more advanced.

What Causes "Device Descriptor Request Failed"?

• A faulty or loose USB cable, or a damaged port.
• Not enough power, especially through USB hubs or front-panel ports.
• Corrupt or outdated USB/chipset drivers.
• Windows power saving turning USB ports off.
• Fast Startup leaving USB controllers in a bad state.
• A faulty device.

Fix 1: Unplug, Restart and Try Another Port

1. Unplug the USB device.
2. Restart your PC (not shut down, but a full restart).
3. Plug the device into a different port. On desktops, use the ports on the back, which are connected directly to the motherboard.
4. If you use a USB hub or extension cable, plug the device directly into the PC.

Fix 2: Try a Different Cable and Another PC

Many "device not recognized" errors come from cheap or damaged cables, especially charge-only phone cables that can't transfer data. Try another cable. Then test the device on another computer: if it fails there too, the device itself may be faulty.

Fix 3: Drain the Power (Laptops and Desktops)

1. Shut down the PC and unplug the power cable (and remove the battery if your laptop allows it).
2. Hold the power button for about 15 seconds to drain leftover power.
3. Reconnect power, start the PC and plug the device back in.

Fix 4: Uninstall the Unknown USB Device

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) and choose Uninstall device.
4. Unplug the device, then click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
5. Plug the device back in and let Windows reinstall it.

Fix 5: Reinstall the USB Root Hubs

In Device Manager, under Universal Serial Bus controllers, uninstall each USB Root Hub and Generic USB Hub entry, then restart your PC. Windows reinstalls them automatically. Note: a USB keyboard and mouse may stop working until you restart, so keep your laptop touchpad handy or do this last.

Fix 6: Turn Off USB Selective Suspend

1. Open Control Panel > Power Options and click Change plan settings next to your plan.
2. Click Change advanced power settings.
3. Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.
4. Click Apply and restart.

Fix 7: Stop Windows Turning Off USB Hubs

In Device Manager, right-click each USB Root Hub > Properties > Power Management and untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Fix 8: Turn Off Fast Startup

1. Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
2. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
3. Untick Turn on fast startup and click Save changes.
4. Shut down fully, then start your PC again.

Fix 9: Update Chipset and USB Drivers

• Run Windows Update and install any optional driver updates (Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates).
• Download the latest chipset drivers from your PC or motherboard maker's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, MSI and so on), or from Intel or AMD.

Fix 10: Use the Hardware Troubleshooter

Press Win + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter to open the hardware and devices troubleshooter, then follow the steps. On newer Windows 11 builds where this tool has been retired, use Settings > System > Troubleshoot or the Get Help app instead.

Still Not Working?

• If the device fails on every PC and cable, it's likely faulty. Contact the maker or replace it.
• If all USB devices fail on one port, that port may be damaged.
• For important data on a failing drive, stop using it and consider a professional recovery service.

FAQs

What does Device Descriptor Request Failed mean?

Windows detected a USB device but couldn't read its identity, so it can't load the right driver. It usually shows as Code 43.

Can a bad cable cause this error?

Yes. Damaged or charge-only cables are one of the most common causes.

Will I lose data on my flash drive?

Usually not. The error is about recognising the device, not wiping it. Try the fixes on another PC first.

Does this work on Windows 10 too?

Yes. All these fixes work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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Image credits (Wikimedia Commons): "USB-Bluetooth" by BafS (CC BY-SA 3.0); "USB to PS/2 adapter" by smial (Free Art License).