The latest Windows WPD driver update breaks USB connections

2 min. read

Published on March 11, 2017

published on March 11, 2017

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.

If you’ve been experiencing various USB connection errors lately, rest assured: there’s nothing wrong with your computer or phone. The latest Windows WPD driver update is the culprit and has caused quite a stir in the Windows community after it broke the USB connections on Windows 7, 8.1 and Windows 10. This problem cripples the USB connection for many devices, especially Android and Lumia smartphones.

What is going on with the new WPD driver?

Well this was saying it failed when I booted up this morning, I clicked it and it installed.

I’ve just spent 2 hours trying to get my Windows Phone reconnected ****!

I get driver error in Device Manager, I cannot System Restore as that was turned OFF yet again by Windows, and the update isn’t listed for me to remove it. I’m totally stumped by this and need a fix ASAP please Microsoft.

The situation was brought to light by Günter Born, a known Windows enthusiast. According to him, the source of the problem lies in one of Microsoft’s recent updates. After doing a bit of detective work, he found out that the specific update causing the annoying USB connection issues is Microsoft’s WPD – 2/22/2016 12:00:00 AM – 5.2.5326.4762 update.

Users demand answers

A closer look revealed that the root of the issue is a newly deployed driver intended for devices that use chips manufactured by MediaTek. Android smartphones that come with MediaTek chips are particularly affected by this problem. To be even more specific, the particular driver that caused such a ruckus pertains to Shenzen Diadem Technology.

Ultimately, this problem is related to the WPD driver, which stands for Windows Portable Devices. WPD, as many may have guessed, is assigned to take care of mobile devices that connect to Windows computers.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.