How to Resolve the “This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)” Error in Windows – 2025

How to Resolve the “This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)” Error in Windows

The “This device cannot start. (Code 10)” error is a common issue that occurs in Windows when the Device Manager fails to start a piece of hardware. This message often appears when a driver is missing, corrupted, or incompatible with the system. It can affect various components, including USB devices, audio devices, network adapters, and other internal or external peripherals.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes this issue and how to troubleshoot and fix it using several effective methods.

What Does the Code 10 Error Mean?

When a device driver encounters a communication problem with the hardware it’s meant to control, Windows might display the Code 10 error in the Device Manager. Although this is a generic error, it typically means:

• The driver is corrupted or outdated.

• The device isn’t responding properly.

• There’s a hardware compatibility issue.

• The system registry or configuration is damaged.

Let’s explore how to solve it step by step.

1. Restart Your Computer

It might sound simple, but sometimes a quick restart can resolve temporary conflicts between Windows and your hardware. Restart your PC and then check Device Manager again to see if the error persists.

2. Check the Device in Device Manager

You should identify which device is throwing the Code 10 error and gather details.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.

2. Look for any device with a yellow triangle icon.

3. Right-click it and select Properties.

4. Under the General tab, check the Device Status box to confirm if the Code 10 error is listed.

Once you’ve identified the device, proceed to the next fix.

3. Update the Device Driver

The most common cause of a Code 10 error is an outdated or corrupted driver.

Steps to Update the Driver:

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Right-click the device that’s showing the error.

3. Choose Update driver.

4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

If Windows doesn’t find an update, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver manually.

4. Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver

If updating doesn’t help, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver can reset the device configuration.

Steps:

1. In Device Manager, right-click the faulty device and select Uninstall device.

2. Confirm the uninstallation.

3. Restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

If it doesn’t reinstall automatically, you may need to download the correct driver manually and install it.

5. Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix hardware-related problems.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

2. Click Additional troubleshooters.

3. Select Hardware and Devices, then click Run the troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and see if the issue is resolved.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes the Code 10 error is due to missing system updates or bug fixes that include driver improvements.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

2. Click Check for updates.

3. Install any available updates and restart your PC afterward.

7. Try a Different USB Port (for USB Devices)

If the Code 10 error appears on a USB device, try plugging it into a different USB port. Faulty or underpowered ports (especially on laptops or USB hubs) can trigger this issue.

Additionally, avoid using USB extension cables or unpowered hubs if you experience repeated errors.

8. Disable and Re-enable the Device

Another quick solution involves disabling the device and then re-enabling it to reset its communication with Windows.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Right-click the device with the error.

3. Choose Disable device and confirm.

4. After a few seconds, right-click it again and select Enable device.

9. Check the System Registry (Advanced Users Only)

Corrupt registry entries for the affected device can also cause the Code 10 error.

Steps to Fix the Registry:

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues. Backup your registry before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to the following path:

3. Look for the class GUID of the device. For example, for USB devices, the key is:

4. In the right pane, right-click and delete the entries named UpperFilters and LowerFilters (if present).

5. Restart your PC.

10. Perform a System Restore

If the error appeared after a recent driver or software update, a System Restore can roll back your system to a working state.

How to Use System Restore:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.

2. Follow the prompts to restore your PC to a point before the issue began.

11. Test the Hardware on Another PC

If none of the above methods work and you’re dealing with an external device (like a USB drive, network card, or webcam), try connecting it to another computer. If the device fails to work there too, it might be defective.

12. Replace the Hardware (If Needed)

When all else fails and you’ve confirmed the driver and system are working correctly, the hardware may be damaged or incompatible. In this case, replacing the component might be the only fix.

Conclusion

The “This device cannot start. (Code 10)” error can be frustrating, but it’s usually tied to a driver or service issue that’s solvable with the right steps. From updating drivers to checking system settings and even editing the registry, you now have a full set of tools to tackle this error head-on.

Start with the simple fixes first, like restarting your PC or updating the driver. If the issue persists, dig deeper into the more advanced methods like registry edits or hardware testing.