“This device cannot start (code 10)” in Windows 11: causes, real-life cases, and solutions

If Device Manager shows you the message “This device cannot start. (Code 10)” on Windows 11Don’t worry: this is a known fault that can usually be fixed. In most cases it is due to problematic drivers, resource conflicts or a unresponsive hardware, and there are a number of practical steps you can take to get everything just right.

In this guide, we've compiled and refined all the methods you'll see scattered across forums and articles (9, 10, or even 13 "tricks," depending on the source). We've condensed the essentials, added real-world use cases (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB), and prioritized Windows 11, without forgetting nuances that also apply to Windows 10/8/7.

What does “This device cannot start (code 10)” mean?

Code 10 appears when Windows fails to start a hardware device (USB, audio, Bluetooth, printers, network adapters, etc.). The System Service detects that the device is not responding as it should or that the driver does not pass the initialization phase, and marks it with the yellow warning icon on the Device administrator.

In 90% of cases, the cause is software (missing, damaged, incorrect, or too new/old drivers for your computer). The rest of the time the cause is physical: USB power failure, a failed peripheral, a loose Wi-Fi antenna, or even a resource conflict on the motherboard.

Be careful, it is sometimes confused with other Device Manager codes. For example, Code 3 (“The driver for this device may be corrupted or your system is low on memory…”) points to a lack of RAM or virtual memory in addition to driversIf you see that text, close it. apps To free up resources, check the Task Manager and adjust the paging file size in System Properties > Advanced > Performance > Settings.

When the driver is the culprit, the typical sequence is: uninstall the device, reboot, and allow Windows to detect it again. The flow recommended by Microsoft is: Device Manager > Device Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall > Restart > Actions > Scan for hardware changesIf Windows doesn't have a valid driver, install the manufacturer's driver.

Important: Do not install any driver you see out there. Always download it from the website of the manufacturer of your computer or the specific component (Dell, MSI, Intel, Realtek, etc.) for your exact model and version of WindowsInstalling an Asus driver on a Dell laptop, for example, will keep causing you to get stuck with code 10.

It is also a good idea to update Windows because it includes hardware compatibility patches. En Settings > Windows Update Click “Check for updates” and apply everything pending, restarting when prompted..

Common causes and real-life scenarios

The pattern is repeated in many real-world cases, and it is important to recognize them in order to address them sooner. These are the scenarios we see most when code 10 appears:

1) Wi-Fi that suddenly stops workingUsers with motherboards like the MSI B550M PRO‑VDH WiFi report that, from one day to the next, the wireless adapter appears with a yellow triangle. They have tried rebooting, disabling/enabling, uninstalling, updating drivers, troubleshooting, editing the registry, searching for drivers from the manufacturer's website, and restoring the system, without success. There are usually three suspects here: inadequate driver, loose internal antenna/connector or conflict after an update.

2) Bluetooth controllers with PS4 controller. "Conflicting address range" appears and the device won't boot. The problem is often fixed by cleaning pairings, manually selecting a compatible driver and restarting the Bluetooth support service. Even connecting the controller via USB cable helps rule out that the fault is only with Bluetooth..

3) USB devices that require more powerA non-powered hub, a damaged port, or a bad cable can cause code 10. Un self-powered USB hub It usually resolves power shortages in certain peripherals.

4) Drivers “not for Windows 11”If the manufacturer doesn't provide drivers for Windows 11, your hardware may not be officially supported. You can try Windows 10 drivers, older versions, or generic ones; if nothing works, the device may not be certified for Windows 11..

All of this is reinforced in the support threads: some answers recommend reinstalling from the correct manufacturer (don't mix brands), uninstalling the device first, rebooting, and finally installing the downloaded driver. Others point to the classic "clean install" as a last resort, but always after ruling out a hardware problem..

Quick fixes to try first

Before you touch the registry or reinstall the system, run this set of basic checks. They are low-risk steps that correct a large proportion of cases.:

• Restart the computerIt seems obvious, but documented solutions start here because resetting the status of services and Device Manager fixes temporary issues. A reboot may bring the device up if the error was caused by a Boot previous “dirty”.
• Try other USB ports/cables. Change the port device or use a powered hub. If the error disappears, the issue was either power or connection. High-power peripherals (drives, audio interfaces) appreciate a hub with external power. For specific USB tips, see How to troubleshoot USB errors.
• Disconnect other peripheralsTo rule out conflicts, leave only the problematic device connected. Some resource or driver clashes go away when not sharing hot bus.
• Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Hardware & devices and run it. Let Windows detect and repair basic conflicts or reinstall the generic driver..
• Update Windows. Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Apply and restart. Compatibility patches may include the appropriate driver or fix bugs in PnP services..

Repairs from Device Manager

If the error persists, it is time to attack the driver and its configuration. Device Manager is your hub:

1. Roll back the driver (if applicable). Device Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver. If the option is disabled, it means no previous version is installed. When a rollback is available, it usually fixes bugs introduced by a recent update..
2. Update the driverRight-click > Update Driver. Try “Search automatically for drivers” first. If it doesn’t find any, choose “Browse my computer for driver software” and then “Let me pick from a list of available drivers.” Update the driver can resolve cases similar to code 10.
3. Uninstall and reinstall. Properties > Driver > Uninstall. Accept and restart. When you return, in Device Manager: Actions > Scan for hardware changes so Windows can detect it. If Windows doesn't install anything useful, install the driver downloaded from the manufacturer's website for your exact model..
4. Using an older version of the driverWhen the latest version fails, install a legacy version from the same manufacturer. Many users report that the problem disappears with the immediately previous driver..
5. Disable and re-enable USB controllers. Under “Universal Serial Bus controllers,” disable and re-enable the controllers. Resets the USB stack and forces a new device enumeration.
6. Install the correct manufacturer's driverIf your computer is Dell, use the Dell package; if it's MSI, use the MSI package. Mixing brands (e.g. installing one from Asus) triggers incompatibilities and the famous code 10.
7. Check compatibility with Windows 11If the manufacturer doesn't release drivers for Windows 11, there may be no support. Check device compatibility and, if applicable, consider using a Windows 10 driver or certified hardware replacement..

Advanced Settings (with care)

When the above is not enough, there are slightly more technical adjustments. Apply them carefully and create a restore point before:

• Clean UpperFilters/LowerFilters in the Registry. Win+R > regedit > go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class and locate the subkey for your device class (each type has a GUID). If you see UpperFilters or LowerFilters values, delete them (right click > Delete) and reboot.This cleanup fixes several Device Manager codes (10, 19, 32, 41, 43).
• Restart the “Bluetooth Support” service. Open Services (search for “Services”), locate “Bluetooth Support Service”, Restart it, and set it to Automatic if it is disabled. A stopped or failed service prevents Bluetooth adapters and peripherals from starting..
• Delete old Bluetooth pairings. Delete saved Bluetooth devices to avoid profile conflicts. Then pair the peripheral again and check if code 10 disappears..
• Manual controllers for Bluetooth. On the Bluetooth adapter: Update driver > Browse my computer > Let me pick from a list and select a compatible driver (e.g., “Generic Bluetooth device” or the manufacturer’s driver). Forcing a specific driver may resolve the “conflicting address range”.
• Reset your PS4 controller. With a paper clip, press the button reset rear ~5 seconds. Then pair again or connect via USB cable for testing. This way you rule out problems with the peripheral itself..
• Check memory (if you see Code 3). Close heavy programs, check RAM usage in Task Manager, and adjust virtual memory in System Properties > Advanced. If your computer is running very tight, upgrading physical RAM is a sustainable solution..

When the problem is hardware or system-related

If no software adjustment resolves code 10, you need to look further. These are the “hard diagnostic” steps before replacing anything:

• Test the device on another computerIf it works on another PC, the fault is with your Windows system or your motherboard/port. If it doesn't work anywhere, the peripheral is faulty..
• Using a powered USB hubFor external drives, interfaces, or passive hubs that fall short, an externally powered hub often works wonders. Power failure is a frequent source of code 10.
• Check internal antennas/cables. On integrated Wi-Fi cards, check (if you know how and feel comfortable) that the antennas are properly connected to the card. A loose antenna causes disconnections and adapter startup errors..
• Restore the systemIf the error occurred after a software change, use System Restore: search for “System Restore” > System Protection > Restore and choose a previous point. It is a safe way to revert problematic settings or drivers..
• clean installation of windows (as a last resort). Only if you rule out hardware and the drivers aren't cooperating, reinstalling Windows can leave your system pristine. Make a backup first, because you will lose applications and settings.Consider this when all else has failed.
• Professional supportIf you're still experiencing the same issue after a clean install, it's time to contact Microsoft or your computer/component manufacturer for technical support. There could be a hardware defect or known incompatibility with your revision..

Protect your data while you fix the error

Some solutions (restores, clean installs) carry risks to your files. The best practice is to back up or clone the disk before going big..

Clone the disk to another drive. With partition management utilities you can clone the entire disk to another (SSD/HDD). It usually offers modes such as "Quick Clone Disk", choose source/destination disk, optimize for SSD and resize partitions. This way you can preserve your system, programs and data so you can roll back if something goes wrong..

Make a copy by filesIf you're only concerned about documents and photos, back them up to an external drive or the cloud before reinstalling drivers or the system. You'll avoid scares while testing solutions.

Data recoveryIf you've already lost something, recovery tools can scan disks and external devices, preview what's been found, and filter by type (documents, photos, videos, etc.). There are options that work on Windows 11/10/7 and macOS, and after system crashes, emptying the trash, or accidental formatting..

If you're more comfortable with audiovisual content, there are video guides that summarize the "5 most effective methods" and support what's explained here. Combining a visual tutorial with this detailed guide will give you both the quick overview and the complete procedure..

Code 10 is usually resolved by addressing drivers and services: reboot, change ports, run the troubleshooter, update Windows, roll back/update drivers, reinstall from the correct manufacturer, clear UpperFilters/LowerFilters, adjust Bluetooth (services, pairings, driver), and try a previous version when the last one fails; if all else fails, restoring the system, using a powered hub, checking the antennas, or replacing the hardware closes the loop. And remember: if your device doesn't have a driver for Windows 11, support may not exist and you'll need to opt for a Windows 10 driver, a compatible replacement, or manufacturer support..

Related article:

How to fix the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error in all its variants

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.