If you are a Windows user then you must be encountering the Device Descriptor Request Failed problem while trying to connect the USB drive in your computer.

This error shows into a Device Manager preventing users from using an external USB drive.

This issue can be caused by either hardware or system-specific problems. Regardless of what reason leads to this error, we will walk you through the process of resolving the device descriptor request failed error.

Without any further ado let’s get started:

How to Fix Device Descriptor Request Failed (Unknown USB device)

Here are some methods that will help you to troubleshoot your Device Descriptor Request Failed Issue.

Method 1: Check For Hardware Issues

There are two possibilities that could cause this error on your PC — Hardware Device or Operating System (OS).

You can check this by using two easy methods. If you use these method, you will be able to find out the actual reason that are leading this frustrating issue.

• Plug Into a Different USB Port:

The first method needs you try another USB port. If your device works normally then the USB port you were using before must be broken and not functioning. You need to replace it or mark it not functioning.

• Plug Into a Different Computer:

The second method needs you to use the same device on a different PC or Computer. If the device works normally then you must be facing this issue because of a system specific problem.

If the device is still not working on other computers then it is possible that your device is broken. You must have to repair it or replace it.

If you are getting device descriptor request (Unknown USB Device) error due to your faulty system then you will have to apply the following methods to get it fixed.

If the issue is happening because of your Hardware, replacing or repairing the defective hardware is highly recommended.

Method 2. Plug Out Your Power Supply

If you are using a laptop then go with this method otherwise this method is not for you. You should try another method to fix your problem.

However, sometimes unplugging your power supply and then trying to use problematic devices fix the unknown USB device issue.

All you need to do is unplug your charging cables from your laptop and then connect your USB device and see if the error remains or gone.

If this method does not work for you then try using another method. If the USB device starts working fine then try using a different charger.

Method 3. Uninstall the USB Driver in Device Manager

This method needs you to follow a few simple steps:

• First, search Run in the Windows search bar and open the Run Prompt. You can also press the Windows + R shortcut key on your keyboard to open it.
• Once the Run Prompt is opened, type “devmgmt.msc” and click on the OK button.
• Doing this will launch the Device Manager in a separate window.
• Now search for the Universal Serial Bus controllers’ section and expand it.
• Now select the Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) from the list.
• Once selected, right click on it and choose Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions to remove the device.
• Once done, restart your computer, this will automatically reinstall the driver correctly.
• That’s it.

Method 4: Remove USB and Scan For Hardware Changes

Removing USB and Scanning it for hardware changes could fix the device descriptor request failed error.

If you don’t know how it is done then follow the steps written below:

• After uninstalling the problematic USB device, you have to stay in Device Manager.
• Now click on the Action option above and select “Scan for hardware changes” from the drop-down menu.
• Now wait for a moment.
• It will take some time to scan for hardware changes.
• Once scanned, plug in your USB device and check if it works.

We hope this article helped you in solving the Device Descriptor Request Failed (Unknown USB device) problem.