Alex Ruben
How To Fix Device Cannot Start (Code 10) Driver Error on Windows 10 or Windows 11
The “Code 10” error in Device Manager is one of those annoying glitches that tend to pop up unexpectedly. Basically, your PC is trying to tell you a device — could be anything from your USB hub to your network adapter — just can’t start properly. Usually, it’s driver issues or maybe some corruption in Windows services. Thankfully, it’s often fixable without diving into crazy tech stuff. This guide covers a few tried-and-true methods to get that device back alive. Once you get through these, you should see the error disappear and hardware functioning again. Just a heads-up: sometimes the fix isn’t instant, and on some setups, you might need to repeat a step or two. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
How to Fix the Code 10 Device Cannot Start Error on Windows 10 and 11
Restart the PC First — Because It Often Helps
Yeah, it sounds cliché, but restarting can clear out temporary glitches, especially when dealing with device errors. It’s quick and harmless, so give it a shot before messing around with drivers or settings.
- Click on the Start menu.
- Hit Power, then select Restart.
After reboot, check if the error is gone. Sometimes, Windows just needs a fresh boot to straighten itself out. If the error persists, move to the next step.
Open Device Manager — Find that Troublemaker
This is the core spot where you see what’s going on with your hardware. Can be accessed in several ways, but easiest is probably:
- Press Windows + X and click Device Manager, or type Device Manager into the search bar and hit Enter.
Look for the device showing the yellow warning triangle with a ball icon saying “Device cannot start” — that’s your culprit. Sometimes the device category expands, so double-check categories like Network adapters or Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Update or Reinstall the Device Driver — Give It a Fresh Start
This one can fix a lot. Outdated or corrupted drivers are often the root cause of Code 10 errors. The idea here: tell Windows to look for a better driver, or remove the bad one and let it reinstall itself.
- Right-click the problematic device, choose Update driver.
- Pick Search automatically for updated driver software. If it finds something, let it install. If not, or if that doesn’t work, try uninstalling the device:
- Right-click again, select Uninstall device. Confirm if prompted.
- Once uninstalled, restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically, which often fixes the issue (unless the driver itself is broken).
Be aware: on some machines, this process might not always succeed on the first go. If not, move on to other methods. Updating drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website can sometimes be more effective — don’t forget to check their support page for your specific device model.
Use Command Prompt to Reset Network Settings — Because Sometimes, It’s Network-Related
If driver updates don’t cut it, and the device is network-related (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet), a reset of network stack can help. It’s a bit more advanced, but worth a try:
- Press Windows + X, select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following command and hit Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns. - Next, run:
netsh winsock reset. - Close the prompt and restart your computer. Sometimes, this clears stubborn network errors that mess with device start-up.
On some setups, I’ve seen this fix lingering Network Driver errors. No guarantees, but it costs nothing to try.
Double-Check Connections & Windows Updates — Because Hardware and Software Still Matter
Still seeing the error? Crack open that device, make sure everything’s plugged in right (especially for USB devices). Try it on another port or even a different PC if you can. Hardware isn’t always perfect, and faulty cables or ports can cause issues that look like driver failures.
And, of course, keep Windows updated. Not just for security, but for driver compatibility. Head over to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Sometimes, the error sticks because Windows just refuses to deal with old drivers or conflicting software.
- Check *Device Manager* for driver rollback options if the latest driver caused issues.
- Disable and re-enable the device in Device Manager — quick and sometimes effective.
- If all else fails, go to Microsoft’s Windows update page to make sure your system is fully current.
Wrap-up
This kind of error can be a real pain, but most of the time it’s fixable with some patience and trial-and-error. Usually, rebooting, driver updates, or resetting network settings do the trick. Just remember, hardware can also be fishy, so don’t rule out faulty cables or ports. If nothing works, reaching out to the device manufacturer might be your last resort.
Summary
- Reboot your PC — simple but surprisingly effective.
- Open Device Manager and check the device status.
- Update drivers or uninstall then reinstall drivers.
- Use Command Prompt to reset network settings if relevant.
- Check physical connections and Windows updates.