USB devices suddenly stop working, show “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)”, or trigger Code 43 in Windows—this is a very common but frustrating issue. It can affect your USB mouse, keyboard, microphone, headphone, speaker, webcam, printer, USB SSD, or external hard disk. The good news is, you can fix it easily by following the right steps in order. Below is a complete, practical guide that works for almost all USB-related errors in Windows.
Why This Error Happens
This issue usually appears when Windows fails to communicate with the USB device properly. Common reasons include corrupted USB drivers, power issues, faulty USB ports, damaged cables, or even a failing USB device. Code 43 specifically means Windows has stopped the device due to a problem.
Method 1: Perform a Complete Power Reset
This is the most effective and often fixes the issue instantly.
• Shut down your computer completely
• Remove the power cable, if laptop remove battery if possible
• Wait for 2–3 minutes
• Turn the system back ON
• Plug your USB device again
This resets the USB controller and clears temporary faults.
Method 2: Try Different USB Port or Device
Before doing anything technical, confirm whether the problem is hardware-related.
• Plug the USB device into another USB port
• Prefer using back-side motherboard ports (for desktop)
• Try the same device on another computer
If the device doesn’t work anywhere, the device itself may be faulty.
Method 3: Disable USB Power Saving Settings
Windows sometimes turns off USB ports to save power, causing this error.
• Press Windows + X and open Device Manager
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
• Right-click USB Root Hub and open Properties
• Go to Power Management tab
• Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
• Click OK and repeat for all USB Root Hub entries
Method 4: Reinstall USB Drivers (Very Important)
Corrupted drivers are a major cause of Code 43 errors.
• Open Device Manager
• Find Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)
• Right-click and select Uninstall device
• Also uninstall all USB Root Hub and USB Host Controller entries
• Must Restart your computer, Windows will automatically reinstall fresh drivers after reboot.
Method 5: Update Chipset and USB Drivers
Outdated motherboard drivers can cause USB failures.
• Visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s official website
• Download latest Chipset drivers and USB drivers
• Install them properly
• Restart your system
This improves compatibility and stability.
Method 6: Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can sometimes cause USB detection issues.
• Open Control Panel
• Go to Power Options
• Click Choose what the power buttons do
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup
• Save changes and restart your PC
Method 7: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool to fix hardware problems.
• Open Settings
• Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
• Run Hardware and Devices or USB Troubleshooter (if available)
Follow on-screen instructions.
Method 8: Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes Microsoft releases fixes for USB issues.
• Open Settings
• Go to Windows Update
• Click Check for updates
• Install all available updates
• Restart your PC
Method 9: Check USB Cable and Device Condition
Physical damage is often ignored but very important.
• Inspect USB cable for cuts or loose connection
• Try another cable (for phones, printers, external drives)
• Clean USB port carefully if dusty
• Avoid using damaged USB hubs
Method 10: Test with External Power (For Hard Disk/SSD)
External drives sometimes need more power.
• Use USB cable with dual power connector (Y cable)
• Avoid low-quality USB hubs
• Plug directly into motherboard USB port
Common Problems & Quick Fixes
USB mouse or keyboard not working → Reinstall drivers + try another port
USB microphone/headphone not detected → Check sound settings + reinstall drivers
USB speaker not working → Set as default audio device
USB webcam not recognized → Update camera drivers
USB printer not detected → Reinstall printer drivers
USB SSD or hard disk not showing → Open Disk Management and assign drive letter
Final Conclusion
The Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) & Code 43 error is usually caused by driver or power-related issues, but sometimes it can be hardware failure. Start with simple fixes like power reset and port change, then move to driver reinstall and updates. In most cases, your USB device will start working again without needing replacement.
