Fix: (Code 38) Windows Cannot Load Device Driver

Updating the drivers is often very useful in fixing the problem

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Are you experiencing the error messageWindows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38when you try to connect an external drive, such as a memory card, USB stick, external hard drive, or SD card, to your computer?

A few of our readers have experienced this, so our guide will explain why you may encounter the error, as well as give you some practical fixes.

Why am I seeing Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38?

There are a few causes for this error, including the following:

How do I fix Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38?

You may start with these workarounds before exploring further fixes.

If the problem remains after the above, you should proceed to the solutions below.

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

2. Ensure the hard disk is on

3. Update drivers

Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Perform a clean boot

These fixes should suffice to fix code 38. Remember that we recommend starting from the initial pre-solutions as they may save you time and effort of further troubleshooting.

After the workarounds, you may start with any other solution that seems most applicable to your case.

Please reach out to us in the comments section below, and tell us what worked.

Fix: (Code 38) Windows Cannot Load Device Driver#

Why am I seeing Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38?#

How do I fix Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38?#

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter#

2. Ensure the hard disk is on#

3. Update drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

4. Perform a clean boot#