USB device is not recognized on a Razer Blade laptop

Updated: 11-Oct-2023 | Answer ID: 6288
This answer will show you how to troubleshoot the Unknown USB Device issue.

The USB device descriptor contains information about a USB device and is used by the client driver and by Windows OS to recognize the USB devices. If the USB device is not be recognized by the OS, these are the error messages that can appear:

  • "USB device not recognized. The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize"
  • "One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."

The Device Manager will show under Universal Serial Bus controllers an “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)" with a yellow exclamation point.

“Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)" location

The Device status in your device properties will contain "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43). A request for the USB device descriptor failed."

Unknown USB Device properties.

The possible causes of this issue are the following:

  • The USB device plugged in is unstable or corrupted
  • The USB driver is unstable or corrupted
  • The Razer Blade requires Windows update
  • The Razer Blade's motherboard requires updated drivers

Step-by-step process on how to fix the Unknown USB Device issue

Select USB type for instructions

USB-A

Note: Plug the device directly into the system's USB port. Do not use a USB hub.

  1. Open the "Device Manager".

    1. Press the Windows key and the “R” key together to open the Run dialog box.

    2. Type in “devmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box.

    3. Click "OK".

  2. Browse the list and expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” category.

  3. Locate the USB drive labeled "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)".

  4. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall”.

    Uninstall button location.

  5. Wait for the drivers to uninstall successfully.

  6. Restart your computer.

  7. Go to Windows Update and click “Check for updates”. Windows will reinstall the Razer HID driver automatically. If it does not reinstall automatically, check your Optional updates.

    Windows update window.

USB-C

Note: Plug the device directly into the system's USB port and make sure that your Razer Blade supports USB-C and USB4.

  1. Use the power adapter that came with your Razer Blade.
  2. If applicable, plug the USB device into an external power source.
  3. Remove any unused USB devices from the Razer Blade.

  4. Open the "Device Manager".

  5. Browse the list and expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” category.

  6. Locate the USB drive labeled "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)".

  7. Right-click on it and select “Properties”.

  8. Look for the “Error code” and see Fix USB-C problems in Windows for the appropriate troubleshooting steps.
  9. If this still does not work, repeat steps 5 and 6. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall”.

    Uninstall button location.

  10. Wait for the drivers to uninstall successfully.

  11. Restart your computer.

  12. Go to Windows Update and click “Check for updates”. Windows will reinstall the Razer HID driver automatically. If it does not reinstall automatically, check your Optional updates.

    Windows update window.

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