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Resolve a USB driver conflict

On some Windows hosts, an incorrect USB driver can prevent Qualcomm® Launcher from accessing the device and can cause repeated qdl: unable to open USB device errors. This is the most likely cause covered by this guide.
qdl unable to open USB device error

Flashing fails repeatedly due to a USB driver conflict

What to look for

A third-party entry under Ports (COM & LPT).

What the fix does

Replaces the conflicting driver with Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
The exact driver name or Device Manager category may vary by Windows version and by the third-party driver installed on the host. Look for the QDLoader device that is currently using the conflicting driver.

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Replace the conflicting driver

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.

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Check WSL or other processes

If the driver steps do not resolve the issue, check whether WSL or another application has claimed the device.
The device may be claimed by WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) through usbipd, or by another application on the host. The usbipd commands below apply only to devices attached to WSL.

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If the device is attached to WSL

In PowerShell or Command Prompt, run:
If the device appears with state Attached, detach it before using Qualcomm® Launcher:
Replace <busid> with the bus ID shown by usbipd list. Then disconnect and reconnect the device, then retry in Qualcomm® Launcher.

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If the device is not attached to WSL

Close any other application that may be using the device, disconnect and reconnect it.
The device is no longer claimed by WSL or another process. Retry in Qualcomm® Launcher.