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On some Windows hosts, an incorrect USB driver can interfere with the flashing process in Qualcomm® Launcher, causing repeated qdl: unable to open USB device errors.
qdl unable to open USB device error

Flashing fails repeatedly due to a USB driver conflict

This can happen with various third-party drivers. The steps below use third-party QDLoader driver as a representative example, but the resolution applies broadly.

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Resolution steps

1

Open Device Manager

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Open Device Manager
2

Locate the conflicting device under Ports (COM & LPT)

Expand Ports (COM & LPT) and find the third-party QDLoader 9008 entry.
Third-party QDLoader 9008 under Ports

Conflicting device listed under Ports (COM & LPT)

3

Open Properties and click Change settings

Right-click the third-party QDLoader 9008 entry and select Properties.
Device Properties
In the General tab, click Change settings. Windows prompts for elevated privileges — accept the prompt to continue.
Change settings button
4

Open the Driver tab and click Update Driver

In the updated Properties window, click the Driver tab.
Properties with Driver tab
On the Driver tab, click Update Driver.
Update Driver button
5

Browse and pick driver from a list

Select Browse my computer for drivers.
Update Driver dialog
Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
Pick from a list of drivers
6

Select the Qualcomm HS-USB driver and confirm

From the list, select Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and click Next.
Select compatible driver
Windows installs the driver and confirms success. Click Close.
Driver successfully updated
7

Verify in Device Manager and retry flashing

The device now appears under libusb-win32 devices as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Device under libusb-win32 devices

Device listed under libusb-win32 devices

Return to Qualcomm® Launcher and retry the flash. The process should now proceed successfully.
Flashing succeeds

Flashing proceeds successfully after the driver fix

The USB driver conflict is resolved and flashing can proceed.
After flashing is complete, you can revert to the previously installed driver by repeating these steps and selecting it from the driver list.