Unknown USB Device Port Reset Failed appears when Windows cannot bring a USB device or port back cleanly after a reset. The device stops working, or it shows up in Device Manager as an unknown USB device.
Start with the fastest reset, then move through ports, drivers, updates, power settings, and recovery until Windows detects the device correctly again.
Reconnect the USB device first
Unplug the USB device from the computer, wait a moment, and plug it back in. This forces Windows to detect the hardware again and reset the connection state.
If Device Manager shows Code 47, unplug the device and plug it back in. If the message stays after reconnecting, right-click Start, choose Shut down or sign out, then select Restart.
If the device still returns as Unknown USB Device Port Reset Failed, plug it into a different USB port and remove any hub, dock, or adapter from the connection.
Rule out the port and power path
The most common cause to rule out early is the connection path between the USB device and the PC.
Disconnect the device from any hub, dock, or adapter, then plug the device directly into a USB port on the computer. For USB-C devices, use a USB-C port that supports the feature the device needs, such as Thunderbolt or DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
If the USB device has its own power input, connect it to external power. Plug the PC into external power instead of running it on battery, then disconnect USB devices you are not using.
Restart Windows cleanly
Save your work and close open apps. Right-click Start, choose Shut down or sign out, then select Restart.
After Windows loads again, plug the USB device in and give it a moment to appear. Open Device Manager after the device reconnects.
If the same warning returns, keep the device connected and remove it from Windows next.
Remove the device from Settings
For removable USB hardware that appears in Windows settings, removing the saved device entry gives Windows a cleaner reconnection.
On Windows 11, open Start, go to Settings, select Bluetooth & devices, then choose Devices. On Windows 10, open Start, go to Settings, then select Devices.
Under Other devices, select the hardware device, choose Remove this device, and confirm with Remove.
After the device disappears, unplug it and reconnect it. Windows adds it back as a newly detected device.
If Windows still lists it as Unknown USB Device Port Reset Failed, uninstall the failed USB entry in Device Manager.
Uninstall the failed USB entry
This method applies when the error is stuck in Device Manager, especially when the failed entry appears under Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Open Start, search for device manager, and open Device Manager. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, then right-click Unknown USB Device (Port Reset Failed) or the affected USB device and choose Uninstall device. Select Action, then choose Scan for hardware changes.
For a fuller reinstall, save your work, uninstall the affected USB device, confirm with Uninstall, then restart from Start > Shut down or sign out > Restart. Windows attempts to reinstall the driver after the restart.
Update or roll back the USB driver
Right-click Start and open Device Manager. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click the affected USB device, then select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. When Windows finishes, select Close and restart if Windows asks for it.
When automatic search does not find a driver, install the device maker or PC maker driver. In Device Manager, choose Update driver, select Browse my computer for drivers, choose Browse..., select the downloaded driver folder, then choose OK and Next.
If the problem started right after a driver update, open the device Properties, choose the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, choose a reason, and confirm with Yes. Restart if Windows prompts for it.
Install Windows and manufacturer updates
Open Start, go to Settings, and select Windows Update. On Windows 10, select Update & Security first, then Windows Update.
Select Check for Windows updates. If updates are available, choose Download & install, then restart the PC when Windows prompts for it.
For driver updates on Windows 11, open Windows Update, choose Advanced options, turn Receive updates for other Microsoft products on, open Optional updates, select available driver updates, choose Download and install, then restart from Start > Shut down or sign out > Restart.
On Windows 10, open Windows Update, choose Advanced options, turn Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows on, go back to Windows Update, select Check for updates, then choose View optional updates when it appears. Select the driver updates you want, choose Download and install, then restart from Start > Shut down or sign out > Restart.
Dell users can open SupportAssist, go to Home, choose Update software, select Start, follow the on-screen instructions, and restart when prompted. Dell also offers driver updates through Dell Drivers & Downloads with Check for updates.
Surface users should use Windows Update for automatic updates, or use Microsoft's Surface drivers and firmware page for the exact Surface model.
Use manufacturer drivers for USB controllers, chipset, docks, phones, storage, printers, and other device-specific USB hardware when Windows does not find the right driver on its own.
Change USB power behavior
If Windows is cutting power to the USB device too aggressively, check USB selective suspend.
- 1.Open Start, type edit power plan, and open Edit power plan.
- 2.Select Change advanced power settings.
- 3.Expand USB settings, then expand USB selective suspend setting.
- 4.Set Plugged in to Disabled.
- 5.On a laptop, set On battery to Disabled when that option is shown and appropriate.
- 6.Select Apply, then OK.
On some Windows 11 PCs and OEM power plans, this setting is hidden. Continue with recovery if you do not see it.
Recover Windows after a recent change
This fixes USB failures that began after a driver or settings change. System Restore reverts system files, registry settings, installed programs, and drivers, but it does not roll back device or system firmware. For a firmware problem, use the supported firmware recovery or rollback procedure from your PC maker or device maker.
Open Control Panel, select Recovery, and choose Open System Restore. Select Next, choose a restore point, and follow the prompts. You can also press Windows logo key + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
On Windows 11 version 22H2 or later with the required update level, open Start, go to Settings, choose System, and select Recovery. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, choose Reinstall now.
Set the restart option, then select OK. Let Windows download and install the repair version. Restart when the repair finishes.
For work or school PCs, driver updates and Windows repair options are controlled by the organization when update options are missing or blocked. Contact the IT admin.
Older guides recommend msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, but Microsoft is retiring legacy MSDT troubleshooters and redirecting current troubleshooting to Get Help. Open Get Help, search for the relevant device or hardware problem, select Start when a troubleshooter is available, and follow the prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Unknown USB Device Port Reset Failed mean?
It means Windows detected a USB device problem while resetting the device or port. The device appears as an unknown USB device in Device Manager instead of loading normally.
Will uninstalling the unknown USB device delete my files?
No. Uninstalling the device entry removes the Windows device entry and driver instance. Close open files before disconnecting or restarting a USB storage device.
Should I use a third-party driver updater for this error?
No. Use Windows Update, Device Manager, your PC maker, or your device maker for drivers.
Why does the error come back only when I use a hub or dock?
The hub, dock, adapter, port feature, or available USB power is part of the failure path. Connect the device directly to the PC, use the right USB-C port for the device feature, and reduce other USB devices on the same connection.