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Associate
July 7, 2026
Solved

ST-LINK stuck in DEV_USB_COMM_ERR until USB replug after connecting with no target

  • July 7, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 78 views
Hello,
 
I am encountering an issue when connecting an ST‑Link with no target attached. On the first connection attempt it reports “No STM32 target found.” If I attempt to connect a second time, the adapter returns the error “ST‑LINK error (DEV_USB_COMM_ERR).” The only reliable recovery I have found is to unplug and replug the USB device:
ST-LINK with DEV_USB_COMM_ERR issue
 
When I use a different ST‑Link from the same batch (B 2022 48) with the same firmware, it behaves as expected and reports “No STM32 target found” until a target is present:
ST-LINK without the issue
 

Environment and reproduction steps:

- Software: STM32CubeProgrammer CLI and GUI v2.23.0 (issue also reproducible with v2.22.0)
- Commands (basically any -c):
STM32_Programmer_CLI -c port=swd index=0 freq=4000 mode=ur -w "<Firmware path>" -v --start 0x8000000
STM32_Programmer_CLI -c port=swd
- OS: Windows 11
- USB: Direct connection to PC
- Cable: Same behavior with a Tag‑Connect or no target cable attached
- ST‑Link firmware: V2J29S7 (factory firmware)
- Version: ST-LINK V2
 

Notes:

  • I prefer not to update the ST‑Link firmware because downgrading is not possible (the earliest firmware I can find is V2J36S7), and I want to reproduce the issue reliably.
  • While a faulty unit is a possible explanation, we have observed similar behavior across multiple St-Link. I frequently need to unplug and replug the devices to restore functionality. Even on units with latest firmware.
 
I would appreciate any suggestions for diagnosing the root cause or a reliable workaround that avoids manually reconnecting the USB.
 
Thank you for your help.
Best answer by ddemers_lmpg

I ended up updating the firmware. I confirm that it solves the issue.

2 replies

Andrew Neil
Super User
July 7, 2026

Is it a genuine ST-Link ?

 

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
Associate
July 7, 2026

Hello Andrew, yes we buy and use exclusively ST-Link from Digikey (official Distributor as you probably know).

DigiKey Part Number
497-10484-ND
Andrew Neil
Super User
July 7, 2026

Doesn’t stop them selling clones:

 

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
ddemers_lmpgAuthorBest answer
Associate
July 7, 2026

I ended up updating the firmware. I confirm that it solves the issue.