Cannot update firmware on Valve Index Controllers

[ReXi]

I just got my new Valve Index (Complete box), and I need to update Firmware. Headset updated without problems, but I cannot update the controllers. The updater tells me to attach the controller to the USB port with the charging cable, but it just waits until it tells me to retry. I tried different USB ports on me PC and also another USB-C cable, but still same result. Both my controllers shows this issue. Please help, since SteamVR tells me that an update is needed.

Best Regards,
Ciano
Denmark

[tasker232]

First, try fully charging the Index controllers on a reliable USB charger (e.g. Anker). The controllers' white lights should be lit while charging, and if not - double check the USB-C connections.

Second, plug in the controllers to PC with the USB-C cables. Turn on the controllers just before updating with SteamVR, by pressing the small dimpled buttons, and the white lights on the controllers should be on.

Then try to update the controllers to see if it would work.

If not: try the SteamVR Beta, or try another PC with SteamVR installed.

[ReXi]

Hi tasker232,

Thank you for the advices. I tried all except another PC, but the problem persists. I do not have the option for trying another PC.

I did some more observations with windows device manager.
When I plugin the controller it gets recognized as a USB Composite Device, but it also gives me the following status "This device cannot start. (Code 10) Insufficient system resources exist to complete the API."
Now, how do I free up more resources?
I also have the Rift CV1, so many USB device has been connected, but the rift and its tracking stands are not connected to my PC now.
I am not sure if the system resources are used by devices which have been connected to my PC or if it is only devices which are connected now?

Best Regards, Ciano

[ReXi]

SOLVED:

I disconnected my USB storage device, which free'd enough USB system resources, so that the valve index controllers could connect by the USB-C cable, and the update was a success.
I have seen this USB problem before. Windows simply do not support enough USB enumerations for us with too much USB connected equipment :-)

Anyway, Controllers are now up to date, and the USB storage device has been reattached.

Have a nice day!
Ciano

[Sawtaytoes]

I had the same problem. Everything was working fine in the past, but for some reason, I got sent replacement controllers and couldn't update today.

I used a different USB port, one on the front of my case, and they were able to update. I'm assuming that one's on a different USB controller.

[m1nd7r1p]

So, I just got my Valve today. Updated everything, same problem: controllers won't update. They were connected to the PC through a USB 3.0 TP-Link hub. I tried connecting them directly to the computer, they still didn't update. But they were turned on when I plugged them in. Shut them off, plugged them in to a USB 2.0 port this time, and they updated just fine. I have other devices that won't update over USB 3.0 so that may have something to do with it.

[Candy Cultist]

Had the same problem.
Seems like the controllers arent getting recognized on a USB 3.0 Port... which could be a major problem when usb 2.0 dies out (which is already happening on new PCs)

[Sawtaytoes]

Mine are working through USB3 ports today. It's possible there's a UEFI config setting you need to change.

[Bael]

Ok guys for anyone interested.
I had the same problem: Didn't recognized my controllers via usb (charging seems to work fine tho). No USB 2.0 ports on my PC.
Tryed every usb cable that I had with every usb port (front, back, monitor hub, 3.0, 3.1 - didn't matter).
The problem was in the cable itself - all 2 cables that I usually use are actually micro usb cables with those small micro usb to type C adapters.
As soon as I tryed the first legit usb A to usb C cable - SteamVR instantly recognized the controller and updated it.
Hope that helps.

[Lord Xantix]

I never had this issue before. I got a new update notice a couple of days ago and, when I launched it, the computer failed to detect my controllers even though they were plugged in. On top of that I used the same USB A to USB C cables (those coming with the controllers) I always use for those updates. I tried removing other USB devices and tried multiple different USB slots with no luck.
I have a USB C to USB C cable and a USB C slot on my computer, so I decided to give it a go and the controllers got detected directly and updated.

[Peetipablo]

Originally posted by Lord Xantix:

I never had this issue before. I got a new update notice a couple of days ago and, when I launched it, the computer failed to detect my controllers even though they were plugged in. On top of that I used the same USB A to USB C cables (those coming with the controllers) I always use for those updates. I tried removing other USB devices and tried multiple different USB slots with no luck.
I have a USB C to USB C cable and a USB C slot on my computer, so I decided to give it a go and the controllers got detected directly and updated.

Was having the same issue, and trying this resolved it. Thank you!

[CMalli]

After a lot of struggle and troubleshooting I found the cause and a solution that worked for me.

In my case, the valve index controllers and headset were recognized as libusbK devices with the name "controller (interface 2)" in the device manager. I am not sure what installed this driver and recognized the devices as such, but after the below steps I managed to update the devices and to recognize them differently / correctly in the device manager (controllers listed under Human Interface Devices as USB Input device when plugged in via USB cable):

1. Unplug any USB devices that are not mandatory, including the controllers and headset. I unplugged my USB hub too
2. Go to device manager and show hidden devices (via View -> Show hidden devices"
3. If the VR headset and controllers are unplugged, you can plug in a controller and see which device is newly added / enabled (in my case under libusbK "controller (interface 2)"
4. Unplug the controller and uninstall the driver. Do also delete the driver file (was an option when I hit uninstall). CAUTION: This may result to other devices that use that driver not working anymore if the driver cannot be automatically installed again by Windows
5. Restart PC and make sure that the driver is not added by default again (before plugging in the devices). If the driver was added after restart and without plugging in the device, a device was recognized by Windows and installed that driver automatically
6. If no device was added, you can plug in the headset (you can probably go with the controller too) and start Steam VR
7. Turn on the controllers so that you get the notification for updating them
8. Proceed with updating the devices one by one.

After that, the devices were updated correctly and listed

[CrystalDragon]

Originally posted by Lord Xantix:

I never had this issue before. I got a new update notice a couple of days ago and, when I launched it, the computer failed to detect my controllers even though they were plugged in. On top of that I used the same USB A to USB C cables (those coming with the controllers) I always use for those updates. I tried removing other USB devices and tried multiple different USB slots with no luck.
I have a USB C to USB C cable and a USB C slot on my computer, so I decided to give it a go and the controllers got detected directly and updated.

I sent you a Friend request, but you can disregard that now! I have having the same issue that you outline, and i used your method and my controllers successfully updated, which make no since technology but i just wanted to say thank you dud for your post!

[Lord Xantix]

Glad I could help a couple of people. Cheers!