How To Fix “This Device Cannot

Start (Code 10)” Operation Error

on Windows

We all get Windows errors. They’re not fun, but they can be fixed easily if
you know how to troubleshoot them properly. Windows error “This device
cannot start. (Code 10)” is one of the Windows errors that might seem
impossible to fix at first glance, but it’s easy to fix.
It can be hard to know where to begin because it’s related to your Device
Manager and other technical things that you may not understand. However,
with this article on fixing Windows’ error Code 10, we’ll show you precisely
how to tackle this problem!

What causes Code 10 error in the

Device Manager?
For the proper functioning of your computer, you need to make sure all
devices and software installed work as intended. Suppose anything fails for
any reason (including bad or corrupt drivers). In that case, the problem can
lead to errors with startup or functionality, which results in “This device
cannot start Code 10” being displayed on the screen:

“This device cannot start. (Code 10)

{Operation Failed}

The requested operation was unsuccessful.”

This error, in particular, can be caused by a plethora of things. Anything goes

from a faulty driver, missing files, or a temporary system error.
In short, the Code 10 error means that there are some kinds of unspecified
driver or hardware issues on your device. It can happen on every modern
Windows version like Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7, etc.

Note that error codes in the Device Manager are usually for Device Manager
only. If you see a different error called Code 10 elsewhere on your computer,
it’s probably referring to a system or software problem that needs
troubleshooting by other methods.

Solved: This device cannot start

(Code 10)
It’s important to know how to address driver-related errors, as they can cause
severe problems with operating your computer if not fixed. We compiled 10
solutions to the frustrating error, which will help you resolve any problematic
drivers, system issues, and more.

The methods below work best for Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
Some steps may vary if you’re using an older version of the operating
system. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.

Method 1. Restart your computer

Here’s a quick fix to the most common computer issues: simply restarting
your system. A reboot will flush many temporary files and allow each
application to launch with a clean slate, including the Device Manager. Here
are simple steps for how to do this on Windows 10:

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left of your screen to bring up the

Start menu.
2. Click on the Power option, and then choose Restart. This is going to close all
of your open applications and completely restart your computer.
3. After your computer has restarted, check if the error persists when you check
the Device Manager.

Method 2. Update the problematic

device driver
A tried and true way of solving driver problems on any computer is by
simply updating your drivers. Even if you think they’re up to date, a new
update may have been released recently, or your driver files could’ve gotten
corrupted since you last installed them.

Updating the drivers of a device that’s producing the “This device cannot
start (Code 10)” error on your PC is simple:
1. Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard simultaneously, then click on
Device Manager.

2. Expand the category of the problematic device by clicking on the arrow icon in
front of it. Right-click on the device you’re having issues with (you can locate
it by looking for a yellow exclamation mark) and choose Update Driver.

3. Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” to let

Windows look for the latest drivers compatible with your device. Note that
 you’ll require a connection to the internet to perform this step.

4. Once the new driver has been downloaded and installed, restart your computer.
After rebooting, make sure to check if the error is still present when you go
back to the Device Manager.

Method 3. Update your operating

system
An update to your operating system may fix many underlying issues, such as
the device issue leading to the Code 10 error in your Device Manager. Try to
download the latest version of Windows to see if the problem persists
afterward.
1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the
Start menu. Choose Settings, or use the Windows + I shortcut.

2. Click on the Update & Security tile. This is where you can find most of your
Windows Update settings and choose when to receive updates.

3. Make sure to stay on the default Windows Update tab. Click on the Check for

updates option and wait for Windows to find available updates. If you see any
updates already displayed, click on the View all optional updates link to see
 and install them.

4. Click on the Install option and wait for Windows to download and apply the
necessary updates if an update is found.

Method 4. Make a Registry

modification
The Registry is a central place for all sorts of features in your system. It’s
almost like an under-the-hood view of your machine, allowing you to tweak
hidden settings and more. It can also be used to fix errors and bugs, just like
in this article we’re dealing with.

If you know how to work the Registry, this method will guide you through
the steps. However, if you’ve never touched this application before, it might
be better to create a Registry backup first. Even a small typo can cause
severe damage when it comes to editing files here!
 1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the
Run utility.
2. Type in “regedit” without the quotation marks and press the Enter key on your
keyboard. This will launch the Registry Editor application.

3. Use the Navigation pane to reach the following Registry key, or use the address
bar and copy-paste the file’s location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\
Class
4. You should see a list of Class GUIDs, which are a series of alphanumeric
characters between braces. Determine the correct Class GUID for the device
you’re having issues with using this list. It should look like this:

{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

5. In the results that appear on your window,

locate UpperFilters and LowerFilters values. Delete both of them by right-
clicking their respective names and choosing Delete from the context menu.

6. Click Yes when prompted with the “Deleting certain registry values could

cause system instability. Are you sure you want to permanently delete this
value?” question.
7. A few seconds later, after confirming, the deletion process will be
completed successfully. Reboot the computer for good measure and check if
the Code 10 error returns afterward.

Method 5. Switch to a powered USB

hub
Some USB devices require more voltage than your computer’s universal
ports can give. So, if you notice the “This device cannot start. (Code 10)”
error on your Windows PC, try using a powered hub to see if it assists with
device connectivity or initialization difficulties.

You can purchase a brand new powered USB hub from Amazon for as low
as $19.99 plus shipping to your location.

Method 6. Rollback, the driver

The Roll Back Driver function in Device Manager is the perfect tool for those
not satisfied with their drivers or are having issues with the latest update. It
enables you to remove any currently installed driver and then automatically
install that same version of Windows’ original, previously installed one so
everything goes back how it was once before!

1. Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard simultaneously, then click on

Device Manager.
 2. Expand the category of the problematic device by clicking on the arrow icon in
front of it. Right-click on the device you’re having issues with (you can locate
it by looking for a yellow exclamation mark) and choose Properties.
1. A new pop-up window should appear. Here, switch to the Driver tab and then
click on the Rollback driver button if available.

Method 7. Uninstall the driver and

reinstall the latest version
Sometimes your drivers need a clean start. It’s possible that some driver files
were damaged or deleted entirely during system updates, by malware, or
during new driver installation. To ensure you have all files necessary in
working order, you can remove the current driver and reinstall a fresh one.

1. Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard simultaneously, then click on

Device Manager.
2. Expand the category of the problematic device by clicking on the arrow icon in
front of it. Right-click on the device you’re having issues with (you can locate
it by looking for a yellow exclamation mark) and choose Uninstall device.
3. Click on Action from the Device Manager menu, and then choose Scan for
hardware changes. You can also use the shortcut icon as shown on the image
below:
4. After the driver is reinstalled, check if the same error appears when looking at
your device in the Device Manager. If everything is in working order, create a
restore point to ensure you can roll back to this state in case of any future
problems!

Method 8. Use a System Restore

point
If you or your system created a restore point before the “This device cannot
start. (Code 10)” device issue appearing for the first time, you’ll be able to
return your system to that state. This could fix the problem, as it
automatically installs the working device driver and removes anything that
may have interfered with the device itself.

1. Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon.
You can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
2. Type in System Restore and click on Recovery from the search results. This
should be on the top, in the Best match category.
3. You’ll be taken to the Control Panel. Here, click on the Open System
Restore link that can be seen in the Advanced recovery tools section.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore a past point in time. You can select
a restore point yourself or use the recommended one if Windows 10 shows the
option. Don’t forget to check what files and applications will be affected!
5. After choosing the options you’re happy with, click on the Finish button and
wait for Windows 10 to restore your computer.
6. After the restoration process is complete, check if you’re able to download and
install a new Windows 10 update.

Method 9. Replace the hardware

Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do on your computer to make the
problematic device work. It’s a possibility that your device is damaged, in
which case all you can do is get a replacement or send it in for repair if
possible.

Make sure to test the device on a different computer first and see if the Code
10 error happens as well. If the error is present on a second computer, too, we
recommend getting in touch with the manufacturer or reseller you purchased
from to arrange a replacement swiftly.

Method 10. Refresh or reinstall

Windows
If nothing above worked, your issue might only be fixed if you reset or
reinstall Windows 10. Depending on your preferences, you may reinstall the
system without losing any personal files. Unfortunately, most of your
applications and system configuration will be deleted to give your device a
fresh start.

Check our How to Install Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 Using a Bootable

USB guide for detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows
10. For refresh and reset instructions, head to the official Microsoft
support page.