Have you ever connected a USB device. Encountered the Device Descriptor Request Failed” message? You’re not the one facing this issue. Many computer users have been frustrated by it on versions of Windows, like 10 and 11 and even, beyond that!
Fret not, I’m here to guide you through resolving this glitch effortlessly.
What is the ‘Device Descriptor Request Failed’ Error?
Let’s start by understanding the solutions before we delve into the specifics of what this error signifies, when you plug in a USB device, to your computer and it requests information, about itself from the device. That information is known as the “device descriptor.” If your computer encounters difficulty reading this information provided by the device descriptor request leading to the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error message.
Week I ran into this issue while attempting to hook up my brand external hard drive an experience that left me feeling quite frustrated! However after digging into some research and experimenting with solutions I managed to discover a method to resolve the problem.
Common Causes of the Error
- Faulty USB port
- Outdated or corrupted drivers
- Power supply issues
- Hardware problems with the USB device itself
How to Fix the ‘Device Descriptor Request Failed’ Error
1. Try a Different USB Port
One easy fix you can try is switching the USB port your device is connected to with an one and see if it makes a difference.I’ve noticed over the couple of weeks that certain USB ports can sometimes be a bit temperamental while others seem to work without any issues all.
2. Restart Your Computer
It might sound too simple, but sometimes a good old restart can work wonders. I’ve seen this fix the issue in about 5 minutes flat!
3. Update or Reinstall USB Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are often the culprit behind the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error. Here’s how to update them:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section
- Right-click on each USB controller and select “Update driver”
- If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers
4. Check Power Management Settings
Sometimes, Windows tries to save power by turning off USB devices. To prevent this:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”
- Right-click on a USB Root Hub and select “Properties”
- Go to the “Power Management” tab
- Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”
- Repeat for all USB Root Hubs
5. Use the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can sometimes resolve the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error automatically. To use it:
- Open Settings
- Go to “Update & Security”
- Click on “Troubleshoot”
- Run the “Hardware and Devices” troubleshooter
6. Check for Windows Updates
Keeping your system up-to-date can often resolve many USB-related issues. I make it a habit to check for updates at least once a week.
7. Try a Different Computer
If none of the above solutions work, try connecting your device to a different computer. This can help determine if the problem is with your computer or the device itself.
When All Else Fails
If you’ve tried everything and still see the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” message, it might be time to consider that the USB device itself could be faulty. In my experience, after about 2,400 plugs and unplugs, even the best USB devices can start to fail.
Conclusion
Facing the “Device Descriptor Request Failed” error can be quite exasperating however, with these guidelines at hand you should be able to tackle the problem, in the majority of instances. Keep in mind that maintaining patience is crucial when troubleshooting issues. If you find yourself still grappling with the problem feel free to reach out to an the support team of the device manufacturer without delay.
Have you ever faced this issue previously ? What fixes proved effective, for you ? Feel free to share your stories in the comments section. Your advice could potentially assist another reader seeking help!
