Quick Summary
Error Code 10 in Windows Device Manager typically indicates that the device isn't starting correctly, often due to a driver or hardware issue. The error message usually states, "This device cannot start. (Code 10)", signaling a general problem that prevents Windows from communicating with the hardware.
Common Causes
- Faulty or outdated drivers: The device driver installed on your system might be corrupted, incompatible with the current version of Windows, or simply outdated. This is the most common cause.
- Hardware malfunction: The physical device itself might be damaged or failing. While less frequent than driver issues, hardware problems can definitely cause Code 10 errors.
- Driver conflict: Another device or driver on the system might be conflicting with the device causing the error, preventing it from functioning correctly.
- Operating system issues: Sometimes, a corrupted or incomplete Windows installation can cause driver initialization failures, leading to Code 10 errors.
- Incorrect Registry Settings: Incorrect or corrupted registry settings related to the device can prevent it from starting correctly.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Restart Your Computer
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing the device from starting correctly.
This is the easiest and fastest solution and should be the first step in troubleshooting.
Method 2: Update the Device Driver
Step 1: Open Device Manager (search for 'Device Manager' in the Start Menu).
Step 2: Locate the device that's showing the Code 10 error.
Step 3: Right-click on the device and select 'Update driver'.
Step 4: Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' and follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will try to find and install the latest driver.
Step 5: If Windows doesn't find a driver, try searching for the driver on the manufacturer's website. Download and install the driver manually if found.
Method 3: Roll Back the Driver
Step 1: Open Device Manager.
Step 2: Locate the device with the Code 10 error.
Step 3: Right-click on the device and select 'Properties'.
Step 4: Go to the 'Driver' tab.
Step 5: If the 'Roll Back Driver' button is available (not grayed out), click it. Follow the on-screen prompts.
This reverts to the previous driver version, which might have been working correctly.
Method 4: Uninstall and Reinstall the Device
Step 1: Open Device Manager.
Step 2: Locate the device with the Code 10 error.
Step 3: Right-click on the device and select 'Uninstall device'.
Step 4: If prompted, select the option to delete the driver software for this device.
Step 5: Restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the device with a generic driver upon startup. If it does not re-install, go to Action -> Scan for hardware changes within Device Manager.
Method 5: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Step 1: Open 'Settings' (Windows key + I).
Step 2: Go to 'Update & Security' then 'Troubleshoot'.
Step 3: Locate and run the 'Hardware and Devices' troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions.
This tool automatically diagnoses and attempts to fix common hardware-related issues.
Method 6: Check for Hardware Problems
If none of the driver-related solutions work, the hardware itself might be faulty. Try connecting the device to another computer to see if the problem persists.
If the device also fails to work on another computer, it likely needs to be replaced or repaired.