How to Fix USB 3.0 Root Hub Code 39 Error in Windows 10
Question details
The user needs to resolve a Code 39 error preventing the USB 3.0 root hub from starting and detecting USB devices.

- Product
- Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to connect and use USB devices on a Windows 10 computer.
- Observed behavior
- Windows 10 fails to detect any connected USB devices. The Device Manager displays a Code 39 error for the USB 3.0 root hub, and prior troubleshooting attempts including DISM RestoreHealth and basic reinstallation have failed.
Before proceeding with driver uninstallations or registry edits, ensure you create a Windows System Restore point and back up your registry to prevent accidental system instability.
Reinstall USB Controller Drivers
Force Windows to completely refresh the USB controller state by removing the existing driver from the Device Manager.
Often, the USB driver itself becomes corrupted, and simply updating it does not overwrite the faulty files. Uninstalling the device forces Windows to fetch a clean driver upon the next reboot.
Right-click the Windows Start button or press Win + X, then select 'Device Manager' from the context menu.
Scroll down and expand the 'Universal Serial Bus controllers' category to reveal your USB hubs.
Right-click the 'USB 3.0 Root Hub' displaying the warning icon and select 'Uninstall device'. If prompted, confirm the uninstallation.
Reboot your Windows 10 PC. During startup, Windows will automatically detect the hardware and reinstall a fresh copy of the USB driver.

Delete Corrupted Registry Filters
Remove problematic UpperFilters or LowerFilters registry values that commonly cause Code 39 errors for hardware devices.
Disable USB Selective Suspend
Prevent Windows from powering down the USB hub, which can sometimes fail to wake up properly.
Access Your Documents Without USB Drives Using WPS Office
If your USB ports are malfunctioning, transferring files manually becomes a hassle. Switch to WPS Office and leverage its built-in cloud storage to securely sync, edit, and access your documents across all your devices without relying on physical USB drives.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and run it on your Windows PC.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Sync: Create a free account to activate your built-in WPS Cloud storage space.
- 3. Work Seamlessly Across Devices: Save your documents to WPS Cloud instead of a USB drive, allowing instant access from your smartphone, tablet, or another computer.

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a Code 39 error mean in Windows?
A Code 39 error indicates that Windows cannot load the device driver for the specific hardware. This usually means the driver is missing, severely corrupted, or there is an invalid entry concerning the driver inside the Windows Registry.
Can I download the USB 3.0 root hub driver manually?
Yes, you can visit the official support website of your computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer. Look for the 'Chipset' or 'USB Controller' driver downloads specific to your device model and install them manually.
Why did DISM RestoreHealth not fix the USB error?
The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool repairs core Windows image files. If the issue is caused by a third-party registry filter conflict or an outdated manufacturer driver rather than a broken Windows system file, DISM will not be able to resolve it.




