Quick Fix – “Device cannot start (code 10)” Driver Error on Windows 10 or Windows 11 [2024 Guide]

Error Code 10 is one of the many Device Manager error codes. It is generated when Device Manager fails to start the hardware device, a situation usually caused by outdated or corrupt drivers.

A device may also receive a Code 10 error if a driver generates an error that Device Manager does not understand. In other words, a Code 10 error can sometimes be a very generic message indicating some sort of unspecified driver or hardware problem.

The Code 10 error can apply to any hardware device in Device Manager, although most Code 10 errors appear on USB and audio devices.

Issues covered in this tutorial:
device cannot start code 10
This device cannot start. (code 10)
device cannot start code 10 WIFI
This device cannot start. (code 10) status_device_power_failure
This device cannot start. (code 10) Bluetooth
i2c hidden device, this device cannot boot. (code 10)
how to fix this device cannot start. (code 10)
device cannot start code 10 audio
device cannot start ADB driver code 10
device cannot boot network card code 10

Are you seeing the error /"This device cannot start (Code 10)/" in Windows? This error can appear in all versions of Windows and is quite vague, so it is understandably frustrating.

Let's take a look at what code 10 is in Windows, some common reasons why it happens, and how to fix it.

This tutorial will apply to computers, laptops, desktops, and tablets running Windows 10 and Windows 11 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education) operating systems from all supported hardware manufacturers, such as Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, Alienware, Razer, MSI, Huawei, Microsoft Surface and Samsung.

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