Troubleshoot Device Descriptor Request Failed Error From Your PC: Try Out 6 Trusted Hacks

Device descriptor request failed error message appears when Windows fails to recognize an external USB device. This problem can occur if your PC is undergoing some hardware issues. 

Moreover, the problem can be caused by a broken USB cable, USB port or an outdated USB driver. If the external USB device is faulty, then your PC fails to recognize it. 

If the USB device is damaged, then it won’t work on another PC as well. In that case, you can replace the device. 

Therefore, follow this article if the USB device is recognized by another PC and solve the issue on your own. 

Relevant Methods to Fix Descriptor Request Failed Issue:

Start with the first method and work your way down the list until you get the appropriate solution for your problem. 

Method 1: Reset the Connection

It is a simple method that will solve the issue if it is caused by a power supply. 

So, shut down the PC, remove the external USB and unplug the power cord from it. After a few seconds, reconnect the power plug to the PC and restart the system to check whether it can recognize the device or not. 

Move to the next method if the device remains unrecognizable. 

Method 2: Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

Many users have solved the USB device descriptor failure by using a troubleshooter. So, follow the given steps to run this built-in universal troubleshooting tool. 

1. Go to the Start menu and open the Settings app. 
2. Click ‘Update and Security’ on the Settings window and select the ‘Troubleshoot’ option. 
3. Click ‘Hardware and Devices’ on the right pane and select ‘Run the troubleshooter’ to launch the tool. 
4. The troubleshooter scans the system and fixes the hidden system problems if any. 
5. The troubleshooter will display a message if the system problem is beyond its range. 

Method 3: Uninstall the USB Driver

1. Press Windows key and ‘R’ at the same time to start the Run application. 
2. Type ‘devmgmt.msc’ into the Run dialog box and click ‘OK’ to open Device Manager. 
3. Click ‘Uninversal Serial Bus Controllers’ to expand this section and look for concerning external USB device.
4. Then, right-click on the USB device and select the ‘Uninstall’ option.
5. Click ‘OK’ on the resulting popup to confirm the action. 
6. After uninstalling the driver, restart the PC so that it can reinstall a compatible driver automatically. 

Method 4: Update the USB Driver

A simple update can resolve the ‘Device descriptor request failed’ issue by updating the USB driver by the following steps:

1. Press Windows key and ‘X” simultaneously on the keyboard to evoke the Device Manager. 
2. Windows 10 users can right-click on the Start menu and launch the Device Manager from there. 
3. Navigate to the ‘Universal Serial Bus Controllers’ and expand it to find different types of USB devices. 
4. Locate ‘Generic USB Hub’ among the Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click on it and select the ‘Update Driver Software’ option.
5. Click the ‘Browse my computer for driver software’ option and select ‘Let me pick from a list of drivers’ checkbox on the popup window. 
6. Select ‘Generic USB Hub’ and tap the ‘Next’ button to continue. 
7. When the process is over, close the ‘Device Manager.’
8. Repeat the same steps to update USB drivers for other Generic USB Hubs. 

Method 5: Disable Fast Startup

Windows might not detect the external USB device if it’s booting when the device is connected to it. 

So, you can disable the fast boot option in Power Options to stop the automatic booting of the system. 

1. Press Windows key and ‘R’ at the same time to open the Run application. 
2. Then, type ‘control’ into the Run dialog box and press ‘Enter’ or click ‘OK’ to open the Control Panel window. 
3. Go to the ‘View’ tab, click ‘Large Icons’ and select ‘Power Options.’
4. Then, click the ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ link and navigate to ‘Shutdown settings.’
5. Uncheck the ‘Turn on fast startup’ box and tap the ‘Save’ button to apply the changes. 
6. Restart the system and see whether the problem is resolved or not. 

Note: After applying this method, your PC will boot at a slower rate. 

Method 6: Change the USB Selective Suspend Settings

1. Click the Start menu and select ‘Power Options.’
2. Click ‘Show additional plans’ and select the ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ option. 
3. Select ‘High Performance’ and then choose ‘Change plan settings.’
4. Double-click on USB settings in order to expand it and choose ‘USB selective suspend settings’ under it. 
5. After that, disable ‘On Battery’ and ‘Plugged in settings’ as well.  
6. Hit the ‘Apply’ button to let the changes take effect and restart the PC.
7. Connect the external USB drive and you will no longer receive the ‘Unknown USB Device descriptor request failed’ error message. 

Hope, this article has helped you to resolve the issue and use the USB drive properly.