Fix ‘this device cannot start’ Errors in Windows PC – Guide
Windows errors can be a nuisance, but the “This device cannot start. (Code 10)” error is easy to resolve with the right knowledge.
Having trouble figuring out how to fix the Windows Code 10 error? This article will provide a clear guide on how to do so.
What is error code 10?
Windows users may encounter the error code 10 “this device cannot start” when attempting to use a removable device, such as a printer or USB drive. This indicates that Windows is unable to run the hardware properly.
Windows users may experience difficulty in accessing CD drives, Bluetooth hardware, or storage devices due to the driver installation process. This can prevent these devices from appearing on the “This PC” page.
When troubleshooting a device, code 10 can appear in the Device Manager entry. This is often due to audio or USB issues. Here are some solutions to try.
restart the computer
Restarting your computer is the first step to take when troubleshooting a code 10 issue. Doing so can often resolve the problem without needing to resort to more complex solutions.
Reboot your computer and unplug the device, then plug it back in. This could help if there is a loose connection preventing access.
If the basic step fails to resolve the issue, more advanced troubleshooting is necessary.
Run the hardware device troubleshooter
Windows offers a Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to help resolve hardware-related issues. Though not guaranteed to work, it’s worth a try when experiencing difficulties.
Microsoft has removed a utility from the Troubleshoot menu in Windows 10, but users can still access it through Command Prompt or PowerShell. To do so, press Win + X or right-click the Start button and select either Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. Then type the following line:
The troubleshooter will open in a new window, allowing users to cycle through it and identify any issues. Once the wizard is complete, it will provide information on the problems found and the results of fixing them.
Check device manager for more information
Device Manager is a key tool for troubleshooting code 10 errors. Access it by pressing Win + X or right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager from the menu.
If a device has an issue, you’ll know it by the small yellow warning sign next to it. Double-click the item and check the Device Status field; if it reads “This device cannot start (Code 10),” then it’s not functioning properly.
To troubleshoot a computer issue, check Audio inputs and outputs, Universal Serial Bus controllers, USB devices such as Printers & Mice and other pointing devices, as well as any recently added hardware.
Unplugging the device for a few minutes may resolve any errors, but if not, updating or removing the driver is recommended.
Update hardware drivers
Updating your Windows system can help resolve hardware issues. To check for new updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Running the update check will also uncover driver updates, which can be found under View Optional Updates > Driver Updates. Be sure to check there.
Right-clicking Device Manager and selecting Update Driver > Automatically Scan for Drivers will check your computer for a newer version of a driver that isn’t already listed.
If the latest driver for your device isn’t working, you can try installing an older version. However, this isn’t a permanent solution and you should search online to see if there is a newer driver available from the manufacturer. For more help, follow our guide to update old Windows drivers.
Uninstall non-functional drivers
If the device driver update fails, users can try replacing or removing it. To do so, they should right click on the device and select Properties, followed by the Driver tab for further options.
Roll Back Driver allows users to undo recent updates and return to a previous version of their software, provided one is available.
To completely remove a device from your system, you must select Uninstall device and reboot. Windows will install generic drivers for some devices, such as mice and keyboards, upon restarting. However, you may need to manually reinstall manufacturer-specific drivers for gaming mice.
Updating the driver may be the solution to resolving the “device cannot boot” message caused by a code 10 error. If this does not work, there are alternative methods to fix the issue.
Try another USB port or hub
Try connecting the device to a different USB port on your computer if you’ve identified it as the source of the code 10 error. This could be due to a defective USB port, which is preventing communication between the device and PC.
Upgrade your USB hub to a powered model for more reliable performance. Sabrent’s 4-port USB 3.0 hub is an example of a powered model that can provide better performance than entry-level hubs that rely on your PC for power.
Delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters from the registry
Deleting two registry values related to filter drivers, which act as a bridge between Windows and hardware, may help resolve code 10 errors.
When making changes to the Registry, caution is advised as it can cause further issues.
To access Registry Editor, press Win + R to open the Run dialog and type in ‘regedit’.
To access the Class folder in the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control on the left side of the window.
Device Manager’s Class key now includes a range of GUIDs (Globally Unique Identifiers) that correspond to different types of hardware.
To identify the device, open Device Manager, double-click the problem device and switch to the Details tab. Change the Property drop-down box to Class Tab to find its GUID.
The box below will display a value that corresponds to one of the registry’s keys.
In Registry Editor, navigate to the correct folder and open its contents in the right pane. Be sure to select the right string, as some may be similar.
If you’re trying to find the UpperFilters and LowerFilters items, double-check that you have the correct GUID. If they still can’t be seen, this method won’t work.
Delete the UpperFilters and/or LowerFilters files by right-clicking them and confirming the warning.
Reboot your device to see if the issue has been resolved.
Test your hardware elsewhere
If you’re still getting error code 10, it’s likely a device is malfunctioning. To check, try connecting the hardware to another computer.
If the device works on another system, the issue lies with your machine. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer or replace it.
Perform a system restore or restart
If your device works on another computer, a system restore may help resolve any Windows issues preventing it from functioning properly. This can roll back your system to an earlier point in time, which could be useful if the problem began recently.
If your device worked elsewhere, a Windows 10 reset may be worth a try to fix the hardware issue. However, a full restart of Windows is likely unnecessary.
Final note
We’ve created a guide to help you fix ’this device cannot start’ errors on Windows PCs. If you have any questions, please let us know. Show your support by sharing the article with your friends.
