While injecting a USB device on the PC, it could not work. Consequently, you get a message- ‘unknown USB device (set address failed)’ in the ‘Device Manager’ under the ‘Universal Serial BUS (USB) controller’ section.

Couldn’t you solve the issue?

I assure you have come to the right place. In this entire article, I will compile all possible fixes to solve the unknown USB device problem.

What to Do if the ‘Unknown USB Device (Set Address Failed)’ Message Prompts

Whenever the message appears, you can inject the device into another USB port as a first-hand trial. If still, the message is visible, I would request you not to panic. You can apply some processes to fix the issue. Before describing, let have a check the glimpse of fixes-     

• Fix 1: Customize the ‘Power Settings’ (Part 1)
• Fix 2: Customize the ‘Power Settings’ (Part 2)
• Fix 3: Check the ‘Universal Serial BUS (USB) controller’ for Update
• Fix 4: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Fix 1: Customize the ‘Power Settings’ (Part 1)

If you face an issue while connecting a USB device, customizing the ‘Power Settings’ will be the first option to work to solve it. You can do it by following the described steps-

Step 1

Firstly, you have to press the windows and ‘R’ keys together. Consequently, the ‘Run’ will appear on the screen. You would type ‘powercfg.cpl’ in the ‘Open’ box and then click on ‘Ok.’

Step 2

The ‘Power Options’ will become evident. You will find the ‘Change plan settings’ on the right side under the ‘Preferred plans’ section. Here you have to click on it.

Step 3

After that, you will see the ‘Change advanced power settings’ at the bottom. You need to enter inside the option.

Step 4

While entering, you have to scroll down to find ‘USB settings’. After finding it, you will see the ‘USB selective suspend setting’ portion under the ‘USB settings’. Here the ‘On battery’ and ‘Plugged in’ options will appear. You have to disable both options.

Finally, you have to check whether it will work or not. If somehow the answer is not, you would follow the next fix.

Fix 2: Customize the ‘Power Settings’ (Part 2)

In this stage, there will be another thing to do in the ‘Power Settings’. To do so, you would apply the following steps.

Step 1

Firstly, you need access to the ‘Power Options’ again. You can get it by following the same previous steps.

Step 2

Have a look on the left side. You will find the ‘Choose what the power button does’. You need to enter inside the option.

Step 3

Here the option- ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ will appear on the screen.

Step 4

In this step, you will find the ‘Turn on fast start-up (recommended)’. You have to uncheck it.

Finally, let have a check, whether it works or not.

Fix 3: Check the ‘Universal Serial BUS (USB) controller’ for Update

USB Device driver might be an issue too. You would check either driver need to be updated or re-installed. I will disclose the process below step by step.

Step 1

Firstly, you need to press the Windows key and type ‘device manager’. The same-named control panel will appear. You have to open it.

Step 2

After opening the ‘Device Manager’, you can find the ‘Universal Serial BUS (USB) controller’ section at the bottom. Here you have to expand it.

Step 3

In this step, you need to right-click on the USB device driver. Here you will find the ‘Update driver’ option. You have to click on it.

Following the same process, you can re-install the driver if needed.

Fix 4: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Troubleshooting is a magical process indeed to solve any internal problem of your PC. You can do so to solve the USB issue too. Here you have to run the ‘Hardware and Devices’ troubleshooter. You would apply the following process –

Step 1

Firstly, you have to press the Windows key and type ‘cmd’ on the search box. Consequently, the ‘Command Prompt’ will appear on the interface. Here you have to click on the ‘Open’ option.

Step 2

After opening the ‘Command Prompt’, you need to type ‘msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic’ command on it. Then you would press ‘enter’.

Step 3

‘Hardware and Devices’ troubleshooter will become evident. Then you need to proceed with it by clicking on the ‘Next’.

Step 4

Troubleshooting will be taking place. You have to wait for a while and follow the suggestion or direction of the troubleshooting findings.

Hopefully, the problem will solve.

Final Words

In the end, I assume the message- ‘unknown USB device (set address failed)’ would vanish. Consequently, the device could work properly. However, if still, the device does not work, I would recommend you to take it to an expert technician.