Dec 06, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions
Gone are those days when troubleshooting was considered an arduous task. Nowadays, many users proactively take up the responsibility of resolving any common issues arising in their PC. Code10 occurs when the Device Manager fails to start the hardware device. It generally points out that corrupted or unspecified drivers or faulty hardware is posing the problem. As it is one of the standard driver errors on Windows 10,8, 7, addressing the specific drivers can help. Hence, facing This Device Cannot Start Error (code10) is not a deal-breaker. Give a shot to the carefully curated thirteen methods to fix it.
Usually, the error may look like the below image. But don't press the panic button. Scroll down to know details on fixing the problem. Let's get started.
Sounds simple, yet one of the most effective steps to fix many errors in your PC! Sometimes a temporary issue in Device Manager may cause the problem. Rebooting your computer can fix the trouble.
The hardware and Devices troubleshooter feature is inbuilt in Windows. Let's understand how to use the troubleshooter as it identifies and then resolves the issue it has located.
Step 1: On your PC, click on "Settings" > "Update and Security" > "Troubleshoot" and click on "Hardware and Devices".
Step 2: Once Hardware Troubleshooter opens, click on Next to run the troubleshooter.
Step 3: The troubleshooter will scan and pulls up a report. Select the ones you want to fix and click on "Next".
This will fix the issue.
Another way to run the troubleshooter is to simply open the Command prompt, and type the following, and hit the "Enter" key: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
If Windows still throws the error, then consider undoing the recent changes you have made on the Device Driver. You can perform the following measures:
Step 1: Remove all the external devices from the PC.
Step 2: To roll back a device driver, follow the sub-steps:
If the Roll Back button is greyed or disabled, it means there are no previously available options available to run this step. You have to now depend on another step, like updating device drivers to resolve this device cannot start. (Code 10) error.
Let's go through the steps one by one:
Reboot the PC and check for any errors. If it boots well, the issue is resolved. Otherwise, you can make note of the next method/s to fix {operation failed} error.
Performing a Windows update keeps this kind of windows error at bay as it updates the operating system with the latest security patches. Microsoft frequently brings updates for the users to make the best out of their operating system by fixing the bugs and improving the performance. And if your system is having an update and you haven't performed it yet, chances are error code 10 is the result for the older version. Here is how you can check and update it.
Don't get disheartened if the above methods went futile. You still have a chance to get things sorted. As the next method, we would like to suggest you get your corrupted registry entries fixed on your own. When it comes to 'Device Manager error code' like code 10 error, performing some tweaks with the Windows registry editor can help. In other words, if you remove the "upper and lower filters" registry values, you can get rid of the problem in a hassle-free way. Not just code 10 error, but various Device Manager error codes like code 19, code 32, code 41, etc. can be the reason for incorrect UpperFilter and LowerFilter values. Let us now know how you can fix these corrupted values and ensure the system performance smoother by eliminating the code 10 error.
Thankfully, the steps to disable and re-enable the USB controller are easy and won't damage your PC. Let's skim through the steps here:
Do check if the USB device is working on a different PC. If yes, then the USB controllers aren't working right.
The latest driver version is ideally the best version. But there is room for exception. Users have observed that the device driver may have faults and is capable of throwing Code10 error. We would recommend trying using an older driver version to see if the system boots up without any error. As per your PC brand, scout for the driver on the internet, download and install it. Once done, restart your computer to see if it loads up seamlessly.
Invest in a good powered USB Hub to support some USB devices that may ask for more power. Plugging in the USB devices on such a hub can delete the device cannot start the issue.
Software issues don't always cause the device cannot start code10 error. The non-functioning of your PC can be attributed to hardware failure too. If all the measures, as mentioned earlier, don't work, then the probability of using a faulty device is higher. Restore the data using a reliable tool before purchasing new equipment.
The old yet reliable trick to fix crashes and windows problems is doing a System Restore. Carefully follow the below steps to perform System Restore.
If you are highly confident that the persistent issue is not related to any faulty hardware in your computer, then the clean installation of Windows can resolve the annoying {operation failed} error. A word of caution from our side - do not try to install a new operating system or reinstall the existing one before addressing hardware issues in your PC. Avail of this method only if all rest steps didn't yield positive results.
If the installation of windows also failed, then it is a sign to seek professional help. It is suggested to check with either the Microsoft tech support team or even contact the manufacturer of your computer.
Recent Videos from Recoverit
View More >Fixing the errors is the way out, but saving essential data and files has higher stakes too. If you are facing the requested operation that was unsuccessful in error quite frequently, it's time for a thorough check-up. To rescue data, you can try the Recoverit Data Recovery tool. This easy-to-use tool recovers practically everything you can think of- files, folders, excel data, photos, PowerPoints, audio, videos, etc. The software tool has an edge as it can dig your data from recycle bin, crashed PC, or external devices- just when you thought you are struck with a catastrophe.
Let's look at the steps of using the tool:
Launch Recoverit on your computer. Double click the "WondershareRecoverit" icon on the desktop to open it.
Step 1: Select a location
Select a Hard disk under the "Hard Disk Drives" tab or Desktop under the "Select location" tab. Choose "Start" to begin the scanning.
Step 2: Scan the location
Recoverit takes a few minutes to complete the scanning. As scanning runs, you can also pinpoint files or stop scanning for your convenience.
Step 3: Preview and recover files
By clicking a "Preview" button or double-clicking a file, a user can glance at the recovered files. Once done hit the "Recover" button to get the files back.
Through this article, we have listed methods to fix the This Device Cannot Start Code10 error. Also, data loss and recovery should not give you sleepless nights. There are a lot of things that can't be saved, but what Recoverit Data Recovery tool can save unfailingly is your valuable data in three quick steps. Currently serving 5 million users in more than 160 countries worldwide with 24 x7 Free Tech Support and 100% secure virus-free guarantee, Recoverit is the one-word answer for all your worries on saving lost or deleted data.
What does "This device cannot start (Code 10)" mean?
What causes "This device cannot start (Code 10)" errors?
Can "This device cannot start (Code 10)" errors be fixed by reinstalling the device driver?
David Darlington
staff Editor