USB devices are essential for connecting peripherals such as flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, printers, webcams, and smartphones to your computer. However, if Windows displays Error Code 39 or Error Code 41 in Device Manager, your USB device may stop working completely. These errors indicate that Windows cannot properly load the driver required for the device, preventing it from functioning as expected.
Fortunately, Error 39 and Error 41 are usually caused by software-related problems such as corrupted drivers, damaged system files, failed Windows updates, or incorrect registry entries rather than faulty hardware. In many cases, the issue can be resolved without replacing the USB device.
This guide explains what USB driver Errors 39 and 41 mean, their common causes, and the most effective methods to fix them in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
What Are USB Driver Error 39 and Error 41?
These Device Manager error codes indicate problems loading a device driver.
Error Code 39 typically displays:
Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)
Error Code 41 typically displays:
Windows successfully loaded the device driver for this hardware but cannot find the hardware device. (Code 41)
Both errors prevent Windows from communicating correctly with the USB device.
Common Causes of Error 39 and Error 41
These errors may occur because of:
- Corrupted USB drivers
- Missing driver files
- Damaged Windows system files
- Failed Windows updates
- Registry corruption
- Faulty USB ports
- Hardware connection issues
- Malware infections
- Outdated chipset drivers
- Third-party driver conflicts
Understanding the cause helps you choose the appropriate solution.
Method 1: Restart Your Computer
A temporary driver or hardware initialization issue can sometimes cause these errors.
Save your work.
Restart your computer.
Reconnect the USB device after Windows finishes loading.
Check whether Device Manager still reports Error 39 or Error 41.
Method 2: Disconnect and Reconnect the USB Device
Disconnect the affected USB device.
Wait about 30 seconds.
Reconnect it to the same USB port.
If it still doesn’t work, try another USB port on the computer.
If possible, avoid using USB hubs during troubleshooting.
Method 3: Try the Device on Another Computer
Connect the USB device to another Windows computer.
If it works normally, the issue is likely with your Windows installation or drivers.
If the same error occurs on another PC, the USB device itself may be faulty.
Method 4: Reinstall the USB Driver
Reinstalling the driver often resolves driver corruption.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press Windows + X.
Select:
Device Manager
Step 2: Locate the Device
Expand:
Universal Serial Bus controllers
or the category containing your USB device.
Look for a device showing a yellow warning icon.
Step 3: Uninstall the Driver
Right-click the affected device.
Choose:
Uninstall device
If available, check:
Delete the driver software for this device
Click:
Uninstall
Step 4: Restart Windows
Restart your computer.
Windows will automatically reinstall the USB driver during startup.
Method 5: Scan for Hardware Changes
If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver automatically:
Open Device Manager.
Click:
Action
Then:
Scan for hardware changes
Windows will search for connected devices and reload compatible drivers.
Method 6: Update USB Drivers
Outdated drivers can also trigger these errors.
Open:
Device Manager
Right-click the affected USB device.
Select:
Update driver
Choose:
Search automatically for drivers
Install any available updates.
Restart your computer afterward.
Method 7: Run the System File Checker
Corrupted Windows files can prevent drivers from loading correctly.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Search for:
Command Prompt
Choose:
Run as administrator
Step 2: Run SFC
Type:
sfc /scannowPress Enter.
Wait for Windows to repair any corrupted system files.
Restart your computer.
Method 8: Repair Windows Image Using DISM
If SFC cannot fix all problems:
Open an elevated Command Prompt.
Run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthAllow the process to complete.
Restart Windows.
Run:
sfc /scannowagain to verify system integrity.
Method 9: Check Windows Update
Microsoft frequently releases updated drivers through Windows Update.
Open:
Settings
Go to:
Windows Update
Click:
Check for updates
Install all available updates.
Restart your computer.
Method 10: Remove UpperFilters and LowerFilters Registry Entries
Corrupted filter drivers can sometimes cause Device Manager errors.
Important: Incorrect registry changes can affect Windows. Consider creating a restore point before making changes.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R.
Type:
regeditPress Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the USB Device Class
Locate the registry key that corresponds to the affected USB device class.
Step 3: Delete Filter Entries
If present, delete:
- UpperFilters
- LowerFilters
Close Registry Editor.
Restart your computer.
Windows will recreate the required entries if necessary.
Method 11: Update Chipset Drivers
USB controllers rely on motherboard chipset drivers.
Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support website.
Download the latest:
- Chipset drivers
- USB controller drivers
Install them.
Restart Windows.
Method 12: Disable USB Power Saving
Power management can occasionally interfere with USB devices.
Open:
Device Manager
Expand:
Universal Serial Bus controllers
Right-click:
USB Root Hub
Select:
Properties
Open the:
Power Management
tab.
Uncheck:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Repeat for other USB Root Hub entries if necessary.
Restart the computer.
Method 13: Scan for Malware
Malware can damage driver files and system components.
Open:
Windows Security
Go to:
Virus & threat protection
Choose:
Full scan
Remove any detected threats.
Restart the computer.
Method 14: Restore Windows
If the error started recently:
Search for:
Create a restore point
Click:
System Restore
Choose a restore point created before the USB problem appeared.
Follow the instructions.
System Restore can reverse problematic driver or registry changes without affecting personal files.
Method 15: Reset Windows
If none of the previous solutions work:
Open:
Settings
Go to:
System (Windows 11)
or
Update & Security (Windows 10)
Select:
Recovery
Click:
Reset this PC
Choose:
Keep my files
or
Remove everything
Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.
Check for Hardware Problems
If software repairs don’t resolve the issue, inspect the hardware.
Check:
- USB cable
- USB connector
- USB port
- External power supply (if applicable)
Test the device with another cable or another USB port.
If available, connect it to another computer to verify whether the hardware is functioning.
Prevent USB Driver Errors
To reduce the likelihood of Error 39 or Error 41 in the future:
- Install Windows updates regularly.
- Keep chipset and USB drivers updated.
- Safely eject USB storage devices before unplugging them.
- Avoid forcing USB connectors into ports.
- Scan your PC for malware periodically.
- Create restore points before major driver updates.
Regular maintenance helps keep USB devices working reliably.
Conclusion
USB Device Manager Error 39 and Error 41 usually indicate that Windows cannot correctly load or communicate with a USB device driver. Fortunately, these errors are often caused by software issues such as corrupted drivers, damaged system files, or registry problems rather than hardware failure. Reinstalling the USB driver, repairing Windows with SFC and DISM, updating chipset drivers, and checking Windows Update resolve the issue in many cases.
If the problem continues after trying all software fixes, testing the USB device on another computer can help determine whether the hardware itself is faulty. By keeping drivers updated and maintaining your Windows installation, you can minimize the chances of encountering these errors again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does USB Error Code 39 mean?
Error Code 39 means Windows cannot load the driver for the USB device because the driver is missing, corrupted, or damaged.
What is the difference between Error 39 and Error 41?
Error 39 indicates a driver-loading problem, while Error 41 means Windows loaded the driver but cannot communicate with or locate the hardware device properly.
Will reinstalling the USB driver fix these errors?
In many cases, yes. Uninstalling the affected device from Device Manager and restarting the computer allows Windows to reinstall a fresh copy of the driver automatically.
Can faulty hardware cause Error 39 or Error 41?
Yes. Although these errors are commonly caused by software or driver issues, damaged USB ports, defective cables, or failing USB devices can also trigger them. Testing the device on another computer can help determine whether the hardware is at fault.
