If you’re running into the issue of Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) which can be applicable for various cases, here are some problems and solutions related to it.
[Fix] Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) For Windows 7, 8 & 10
Case 1: Fix USB when data transfer is not working but charging does
When running Windows 10 and tried everything like uninstalling, updating, etc. Also, updated the drivers using Driver Easy but still getting the error.
Solution 1: Delete it from Registry
- Open the Windows PowerShell (Admin) and type:
chkdsk /f/r/x.
It will inform:
The type of file system is NTFS. Cannot lock current drive. Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)' select Y then re-boot your machine and follow the on-screen prompts.
- After the reboot, again, Windows PowerShell (Admin) and type:
sfc /scannow and allow the process to finish.
Now clean the registry with a reputable program such as
CCleaner then take a note of the device/s name and select ‘run’ from the Windows menu list bottom left.
- Type
regedit without the apostrophes and open the registry.
- Select
Edit then Search… and type the brand name of the device in the search bar.
The search results will point you to a series of strings of the device that was giving the
(device descriptor request failed) code 43 error message.
Every string in the registry with the name of your device will
need to be deleted but ensure it is the device’s name from which was generating this error example; Logitech, Seagate, whatever brands device name that has produced this error code. Ensure you have removed every last trace of your device’s name in the registry.
- Then after completion use the CCleaner again to remove all known traces and re-install the device’s software if this is the case.
Your device will come back to life without the error message and start to work again.
Reasons, why this happens, are not entirely certain but often PCs pick up spyware/malware/viruses and corrupt the registry’s strings other times, updates and upgrades in particular overlap information and again, corrupt the software and its registration process.
Solution 2: Uninstall Drivers
- Press the Windows key + R button to open the
Run dialogue box.
- Type
devmgmt.msc and hit enter to open Device Manager.
- In device Manager expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Connect your device which is not being recognized by Windows.
- You will see an Unknown USB device ( Device Descriptor Request Failed) with the yellow sign in Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Now right-click on it and click Uninstall to remove them.
- Restart your PC and the drivers will be automatically installed.
Solution 3: Change the USB Selective Suspend Settings
- Right-click on the battery icon and select Power Options.
- Select Change plan settings.
- Now click Change Advanced Power Settings.
- Find USB settings and expand it.
- Again expand USB selective suspend settings and Disable both On battery and Plugged in settings.
- Click Apply and Reboot.