How to Resolve ‘This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)’ Error on Windows

How to Resolve ‘This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)’ Error on Windows

If you’re encountering the error “This device cannot start (Code 10)” in Windows Device Manager, it indicates a problem with your device’s driver. This error can occur with various hardware components, such as printers, network adapters, and USB devices.

Understanding Code 10 Errors

Code 10 errors typically occur due to:

• Corrupted or outdated drivers: The device’s driver may be damaged or incompatible with your current Windows version.
• Hardware conflicts: Other devices or software might be interfering with the device’s operation.
• Registry issues: Problems with the Windows registry can affect device drivers.

Solutions

1. Update Device Drivers

• Device Manager: Open Device Manager, locate the device with the Code 10 error, right-click on it, and select “Update driver.”
• Manufacturer’s website: Download the latest driver from the device manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

2. Reinstall the Device Driver

• Uninstall: Right-click on the device in Device Manager and select “Uninstall device.”
• Reinstall: Restart your computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

3. Roll Back the Driver

• Device Manager: If you recently updated the driver, you can try rolling back to a previous version. Right-click on the device, select “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and click “Roll Back Driver.”

4. Check for Hardware Conflicts

• Disable other devices: Temporarily disable other devices connected to your computer to see if they are causing the conflict.
• Check for resource conflicts: Ensure that the device has sufficient system resources (IRQs, memory).

5. Scan for Malware

• Antivirus: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware that might be causing the issue.

6. Repair or Replace Hardware

• Hardware issues: If the problem persists, there might be a hardware issue with the device itself. Try connecting it to a different port or replacing it.

7. Check the Windows Registry

• Registry Editor: Use the Registry Editor to check for any corrupted registry entries related to the device. However, be extremely cautious when editing the registry, as making incorrect changes can lead to serious system problems.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

• System Configuration: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the conflict.

Additional Tips

• Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows operating system is up-to-date.
• Check for specific error codes: Sometimes, you might encounter more specific error codes along with Code 10. Search for these codes online to find more targeted solutions.
• Seek professional help: If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, consider seeking help from a computer technician.

By following these steps and considering the additional tips, you should be able to effectively resolve the “This device cannot start (Code 10)” error and get your device working again.