Error Code 10: Top Methods to Fix ‘This Device Cannot Start’ Issues

Last Updated on: 20th March 2023, 05:12 am

Computer problems will annoy you whether you are an IT expert or a novice user, especially while you are working on something important. When you don’t understand why this problem is happening, it is even more frustrating. What exactly does it indicate when you see a Code 10 error?

Well, a “Code 10” error message on your computer is seen when you are not able to connect a printer, scanner, or another hardware device. Code 10 error occurs due to a device driver problem. A device driver is software that is installed on a PC to communicate with a computer’s operating system.

The Code 10 error might occur when you update your operating system(OS), update attached devices, or have not updated your drivers for a long time. In addition, conflicts between hardware devices or outdated firmware can also trigger a Code 10 error message.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert to resolve this issue. With a little guidance, you can easily diagnose and troubleshoot the problem. Here in this post, we are providing easy-to-fix code 10 error issues:

Common Causes of Code 10 Errors:

• Outdated or corrupt device drivers
• Conflicts between driver software and  hardware
• Drivers are infected with viruses or malware
• Your computer has outdated firmware

Once you know the causes, you can easily resolve the issue quickly and effectively. Let’s learn some easy methods that can help you troubleshoot the code 10 error.

Also read: Top 5 Methods to Fix Missing Mouse Cursor in Windows 10

Methods To Fix This Device Cannot Start (code 10) Error

There are so many driver-related issues that can be fixed easily. However, specifically, the code 10 error is related to the device driver issues. It can occur due to bad installation, missing files, or hardware issues.

Here are some methods which will help you solve code 10 errors.

Method 1- Reboot the Computer

When the computer is abruptly shut down or suddenly restarts due to some fault (hardware or software) then during the restart process, your PC might fail to recognize the drivers properly. The reason could be a missing file or an unrecognized file.

In this case, reboot your computer by pressing the restart button. It might resolve the driver recognition issue.

Method 2- Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

The Windows PC has inbuilt hardware and the Device troubleshooter feature. Learn to use the troubleshooter as it identifies code 10 error issues.

Step 1: On your PC, click on Settings -> Update and Security- > Troubleshoot 

Step 2- If the troubleshooting option shows any recommendation for checking the driver’s error, you can select the troubleshooting option to check and repair the errors.

Step 3- If there are issues they will be displayed with a yellow exclamation!

Method 3: Check through the Device Manager

If the error is not yet fixed then undo the changes. Open the Device Manager and perform the following steps

Step 1: Disconnect all the connected external devices from the computer.

Step 2: Now, open “device manager”. Locate the device whose driver is to be updated.

Step 3: Right-click on the selected driver. 

Step 4:  Go to the properties and select the driver. Here you can click on the roll-back driver option which will reset the driver status.

Method 4: Update the device drivers 

In some computers the rollback option is disabled. It means that the computer is not allowed to run this option. In such a case, you can update the device driver. To update the device driver, follow the steps

Step 1: Click on WIN+ X to open Device Manager.

Step 2: Go to the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” tab and expand it.

Step 3: Select the driver and right-click to open the options

Step 4: A sub-menu bar will open, click on the update driver option 

Step 5: The device driver will be updated.

Method 5: Install Driver Restore to update the driver automatically

If you find it difficult to update the driver or the computer is not allowing you to update the driver or roll back the driver changes then the best option is to install automatic driver updater software such as Driver Restore.

The tool detects the outdated drivers on your computer and updates them all. As a result, all the device drivers are updated. The security of the system is maintained. You can enjoy working on a theft and malware-free computer.

Also Read: Top 6 Driver Update Tools for Windows 10

Method 6- Choose a Windows Update

If the computer is still showing a code 10 error, you need to update Windows with the latest security patches. Microsoft frequently shows the Windows Update prompt. If you are ignoring the message and have not yet updated the Windows Update then it is time to update the OS to fix the code 10 error.

Step 1: Click “Start” and head to the Settings icon.

Step 2: While in Settings, click on the “Windows Update” option.

Step 3: Now, when you click on the “ Check for Updates” option the Windows will be updated.

Step 4; When the Update option is clicked, you can view the following options 

Step 5: Follow the onscreen options to install the updates, you can restart your computer.

Method 7- Disable and Re-enable the USB Controller

When you are connecting any external device with the help of a USB device, you can disable, uninstall or update the driver.

If after you have updated the Windows, still the code 10 error is not fixed, the external device might be faulty. In such a case, you can open “Device Manager”->Click on “Universal Serial Bus Controllers ‘. Right-click to expand the options.

You will find the “ Disable device “ option. Click on it. This will disable the device, You can install the device once again by unplugging and plugging it in again.

Method 8- Try an Older Driver Version

The latest driver version is ideal for your computer. But due to some hardware and software limitations, your computer might not be supporting the latest version. In such a case, try using the older version of the driver. You can try installing the older version of the faulty driver to see if it boots without error.

Also read: A Complete Guide to Fix Code 37 Errors in Windows

Method 9-  Replace the Driver

If all the options fail to fix the code 10 error, you need to replace the device which is causing the error. In this case, you can contact the vendor to check the manual of the device to know the driver’s specifications and device compatibility. Your Windows might not be supporting the driver’s setup.

The Bottom Line

The Code 10 error is a common issue that can occur with various devices in Windows. It is usually caused by a driver issue, but it can also be related to hardware or software conflicts, or even problems with the operating system itself.

One of the easiest ways to fix driver-related issues is to switch over to  “Driver Restore”. It is a third-party tool to keep your Windows and device drivers updated. 

You can download a 7-day free trial and can update your PC’s drivers. So, try fixing your driver issues by installing Driver Restore on your PC!