What to do with the error “This device cannot be started. (Code 10) "in Windows 10

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We solve problems with the drivers of your computer.

You purchased a device, such as a gaming mouse or a Bluetooth adapter, and connected it, but it does not work. A yellow triangular icon with an exclamation mark has appeared in the "Device Manager". In the "Device Status" section, the message "This device cannot be started." (Code 10) ". You may also see messages like "This request is not supported", "Device timed out" and so on.

In Windows 10, this happens most often for two reasons. First, the device is faulty. Second, there is no suitable driver. Here's what you can do in such a situation.

1. Check the functionality of the device

Disconnect the device and connect it to another computer or laptop. If it is functioning properly, the problem is not with the hardware. When the device is not detected on any computer, you will have to change it under warranty.

2. Connect the device to a different port

Perhaps this is the point. If your computer has both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, try plugging the gadget into the ports of both versions.

Sometimes older devices do not work correctly with newer format USB ports. Therefore, if you have, say, an ancient printer, it is best to connect it to a USB 2.0 port. With new devices that require high data transfer rates, it is worth interacting via the USB 3.0 port.

Finally, the port may be faulty, and switching to a different connector sometimes solves the problem.

3. Reinstall the device

Disconnect your device from your computer. Then right-click on it in Device Manager and click Uninstall device. Plug it back in, click Action → Update Device Configuration and wait. Keep in mind that the computer must be connected to the internet. If the gadget does not work, go to the next step.

4. Force update the drivers

Click on the device icon with the right mouse button and select the "Update drivers" option. Click on "Search for drivers automatically" and wait a bit. If there is no result, move on.

5. Update the system

Systems with disabled updates often have hardware compatibility issues. Click Start → Settings → Update & Security and fix this. Microsoft distributes device drivers through updates, and the chances are good that the device will work.

6. Install the appropriate driver manually

Go to the official website of the device manufacturer, find your device there and download the software for it, if available. Install the driver as a normal program, restart your computer and check the device again.

7. Disable the "Quick Start" function

If the “This device cannot start” message appears only after the computer wakes up or after turning it on, but disappears after restarting, the problem may be with the Windows 10 Quick Start feature. Try turning it off.

To do this, click "Start" and type "Power". Click on Select Power Plan → Power Button Actions. Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable" and uncheck the box next to "Enable fast startup (recommended)".

Turn off your computer (do not restart, just shut down) and check if anything has changed.

8. Turn off USB power saving

If the device turns off only after sleep mode, you can try another method. Click Start and type Power, open Change Power Scheme → Change Advanced Power Options.

In the window that appears, click on "USB Settings" → "Option to temporarily disable USB port" and click "Forbidden".

If the problem is with a Wi-Fi module that you can't get to work normally, click also "Wireless adapter settings" → "Power saving mode" and set "Maximum performance". Click OK and restart your computer.

9. Disable power saving device

Right-click the device in Device Manager and click Properties. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck the Allow this device to turn off to save power checkbox. Click OK and reboot. This option is not available for all devices.

10. Roll back the device driver

If a problem with the device appeared after the next update, rolling back the driver can help. Open "Device Manager", right-click on the device, select "Properties" → "Driver" → "Roll Back". The button is not always available, but if it is, you can try pressing it.