How to fix “Device Descriptor Request Failed”. Free immediate support

How to Fix the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” Error

Learn how to resolve the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error, which occurs when Windows cannot recognize a USB device. Explore common fixes, including checking hardware, disabling Fast Startup, updating USB drivers, and running system troubleshooters. Protect your data by creating backups before starting.

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Key Takeaways

• Understanding the Error: The “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error indicates Windows cannot recognize a connected USB device.
• Common Causes: Faulty USB ports, outdated or corrupted drivers, power supply issues, or malfunctioning USB devices.
• Solutions Overview:
  • Test USB devices on different ports and computers.
  • Disable Fast Startup and USB Selective Suspend Settings.
  • Update or reinstall USB drivers.
  • Run Windows Troubleshooters and update Windows.
• Expert Tip: Always back up important data from USB devices before troubleshooting to prevent data loss.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” Error

As an IT specialist who has tackled numerous USB-related issues, I understand how frustrating the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error can be. This guide provides practical steps to resolve the error efficiently.

1. Check for Hardware Issues

• Plug into Different USB Ports:
  • Action: Connect your USB device to a different USB port on the same computer.
  • Reason: Determines if the issue is with a specific port.
• Test on Another Computer:
  • Action: Try the USB device on another computer.
  • Reason: Checks if the device itself is malfunctioning.

Expert Advice: USB ports can wear out over time. Regularly using a single port can lead to physical deterioration.

2. Disable Fast Startup

• Open Power Options:
  • Press Windows Key + R, type control, and click OK.
  • In Control Panel, select Power Options.
• Change Settings:
  • Click Choose what the power buttons do.
  • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Disable Fast Startup:
  • Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  • Click Save changes.
• Reboot Computer:
  • Restart your computer to apply changes.

Why This Helps: Fast Startup can prevent USB drivers from initializing properly during boot.

3. Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

• Open Power Options:
  • Follow steps in Disable Fast Startup to access Power Options.
• Access Advanced Settings:
  • Click Change plan settings next to your selected plan.
  • Click Change advanced power settings.
• Disable Setting:
  • Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
  • Set On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
  • Click OK.
• Reboot Computer:
  • Restart your system.

Expert Insight: Disabling this setting prevents Windows from turning off USB ports to save power, which can resolve recognition issues.

4. Remove USB Device and Scan for Hardware Changes

• Open Device Manager:
  • Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
• Unplug the Device:
  • Disconnect the problematic USB device.
• Scan for Hardware Changes:
  • In Device Manager, click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
• Replug the Device:
  • Reconnect the USB device.
• Check for Recognition:
  • See if the device appears without error in Device Manager.

Personal Anecdote: I’ve found this method effective, especially after improper ejection of USB devices.

5. Update Windows

• Open Settings App:
  • Press Windows Key + I.
• Navigate to Updates:
  • Click Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Check for Updates:
  • Click Check for updates.
  • Install any available updates.
• Restart Computer:
  • Reboot to complete installation.

Why This Helps: Updates can fix known issues and improve hardware compatibility.

6. Uninstall the USB Driver in Device Manager

• Open Device Manager:
  • Press Windows Key + X, select Device Manager.
• Locate Faulty Device:
  • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Find Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed).
• Uninstall Device:
  • Right-click the device, select Uninstall device.
  • Confirm any prompts.
• Reboot Computer:
  • Restart your system to allow Windows to reinstall drivers.

Expert Tip: This can resolve driver corruption issues that standard updates might not fix.

7. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

• Open Run Command:
  • Press Windows Key + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, press Enter.
• Run Troubleshooter:
  • Click Next in the troubleshooter window.
  • Follow on-screen instructions.
• Apply Fixes:
  • Let the troubleshooter detect and fix issues.

Why This Helps: The troubleshooter can automatically resolve common hardware problems.

8. Check Power Supply

• Disconnect Power Supply:
  • For laptops, disconnect the AC adapter.
• Remove Battery (If Possible):
  • Detach the battery to ensure a complete power cycle.
• Discharge Residual Power:
  • Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
• Reconnect Power:
  • Reinsert the battery and connect the AC adapter.
• Restart Computer:
  • Power on the laptop and test the USB device.

Expert Insight: Power issues can affect USB port functionality; a full power cycle can reset the hardware.

9. Update USB Device Drivers

• Open Device Manager:
  • Press Windows Key + X, select Device Manager.
• Update Drivers:
  • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Right-click each USB controller, select Update driver.
  • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• **Manual Driver