This Device Cannot Start (Code 10): 5 Ways to Fix It

The first call should be updating all outdated drivers

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Encountering the Windows error message,This device cannot startCode 10? It may appear daunting at first, but it can be resolved quickly.

This error revolves mainly around the Device Manager, and we have investigated and will offer some of the most practical solutions as well as probable causes.

What Is Error Code 10?

This error message indicates that Windows cannot correctly operate a particular hardware, like a USB drive or printer. The following may trigger the error:

How do I fix error code 10 this device cannot start?

Before going into our main fixes, try these:

After the workarounds, you may proceed to more detailed fixes below.

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

2. Update drivers

Since this process may be complex and tedious, you may use any robustdriver update software to automate the process.

More specifically, we suggest you’re using a specialized driver tool that can entirely scan the PC and detect outdated drivers that need to be updated. Afterward, you’ll fix it with a click.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Perform an OS update

4. Make registry modifications

5. Perform a System Restore

And there you go. Any of these five solutions may resolve the code 10 error. We have not written them in any particular order, so once you get through the pre-solutions, you should try any fix that seems the most relevant.

As a last resort, you may try aclean installation of Windows; however, you will lose all your valuable information.

Please let us know what worked in the comments section below.

This Device Cannot Start (Code 10): 5 Ways to Fix It#

What Is Error Code 10?#

How do I fix error code 10 this device cannot start?#

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter#

2. Update drivers#

3. Perform an OS update#

4. Make registry modifications#

5. Perform a System Restore#