It is very important for the correct functioning of your computer that the individual hardware and software devices present in it work correctly. If any of the device won't boot/run or doesn't work, the user should bear the consequences. And the full error message is: This device cannot start. (Code 10) {Operation Failed} The requested operation was unsuccessful. This device cannot start (Code 10) generally refers to communication with 1394 devices, usually connected via a Firewire or USB cable. This issue can occur when the device settings are incorrect, installed drivers are out of date, incompatible, missing or corrupted, or due to faulty hardware. In some cases, the Code 10 error is also displayed when Device Manager does not understand the error generated by the driver. And in all these cases, the hardware may not work properly. A code 10 error is generated in Device Manager in one of the following situations: Device Manager cannot start the device. One of the drivers that the device requires does not start. Device Manager does not have enough information to detect the error displayed by the device driver.
Troubleshooting This device cannot start (Code 10)
If you are also suffering from this issue This device cannot start error code 10 in Windows 10 Device Manager, then check out the solutions to fix this issue. Here follow the steps. The code 10 error is mainly related to hardware and device driver issues or compatibility issues between hardware drivers and additional software installed in Windows. Therefore, we recommend that you resolve these issues by focusing on device drivers, device configuration issues, and hardware compatibility issues.
1 Troubleshooting This device cannot start (Code 10) 1.1 Start with basic troubleshooting 1.2 Perform hardware and device troubleshooting 1.3 Update the drivers for this device 1.4 Disable and re-enable the USB Driver Repair corrupted registry entries manually
Start with basic troubleshooting
First, do a clean boot of Windows and change the connected USB port to another one. Plug the USB stick into another computer to see if it works there. If it doesn't work on another computer, the problem is with the device itself. Contact the device manufacturer or replace the device.
Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix device and hardware issues. Most of the time, before attempting any troubleshooting steps, we recommend that Windows fix this issue first by running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter. To run this tool from the Start menu search, type troubleshoot and press Enter. Or you can open Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Troubleshooting. In the left panel, click See all. This will open the list of available Windows troubleshooting tools. Here, find Hardware and Devices and click on it. This will open the troubleshooting tool. Click "Advanced" and check "Apply repairs automatically". Click Next and follow the instructions on the screen. Once the troubleshooting is complete, simply restart Windows and check if the issue is resolved. I still need help with the next step.
Update drivers for this device
As we have already discussed, this error is mainly related to the driver installation error. The installed driver may be incompatible, outdated, damaged, etc. That's why update or install the latest driver for most users. To do this, click the Search Start menu, type device manager, and press Enter. Select the device that is causing the error (you will see a yellow triangle with an exclamation point on the left). Right-click on the respective device and select Properties. Now click on the Driver menu tab and select Update Driver.
Select "Search automatically for updated driver software." Click Continue." Windows will search for the best available driver for that particular device, and if it finds it, it will download and install it. Or, if you have a driver CD/DVD, insert it and select Browse for driver software from computer and select the Click next to Install driver. After that, restart Windows to apply the changes and check if the problem is resolved: The Roll Back Driver option is only available if you have recently updated the driver After updating the driver driver or Use Roll back driver option if you always get the same error, just uninstall the currently installed driver.Restart Windows and visit the device manufacturer's website, find the latest available driver for this device, download and install the driver with administrative privileges.Now check that the problem has been resolved.
Disable and re-enable the USB controller
Use Device Manager to disable and re-enable all USB controllers. This allows drivers to bring the USB port back from its idle state. To disable and re-enable USB controllers. Open Device Manager by searching in the Start Menu or simply right-click on the Windows 10 Start Menu and select Device Manager. Now scroll down and find Universal Serial Bus Controllers Expand it. Right-click the USB driver under Universal Serial Bus Controllers and click Uninstall to remove it. Do the same for each USB controller listed under Universal Serial Bus Controllers. Restart the computer. After your computer starts, Windows automatically checks for hardware changes and reinstalls any uninstalled USB drivers. After that, check if the device is working properly.
Run System Restore
If this device was working fine before and this problem started appearing after installing the latest app, please update the installation. It's time to use Windows System Restore. This will help restore your computer to a previous operating state where the system was working properly. You can read How to perform a system restore on computers running Windows 10, 8.1 and 7.
Manually fix corrupted registry entries
If after trying methods, your issue is still not resolved. Then modify a few changes in the Windows registry editor to fix this error permanently. Let's see how it goes. Note: In the following method, we will be making some changes without the Windows registry. We recommend backing up the registry database before making any changes to the Windows registry. Now, to do this, open the Windows Registry Editor, click on the Start menu, search for regedit, and press Enter. Here, go to the following path in the left pane of Registry Editor. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class (expand the Class key). Here you will get some subkeys that correspond to a globally unique identifier (GUID) that represents an existing device on your system. (Choose the GUID based on your problematic device, for example I have a problem with network adapters. So the GUID for me is 4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318.) And the exact path for me is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM \CurrentControlSet\ Control \Class\4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318 Note: It may differ for various problematic DeviceGUIDs such as UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry strings in the right pane. Right click and delete, do the same for both keys. For better understanding please refer to the following video, for registry optimization please refer to time 3.29
Now close the registry editor and restart Windows to apply the changes made. Now after the verification issue is fixed. Conclusion Here are some of the best working solutions to fix this Unbootable Device (Code 10) on Network Adapter. Also, these solutions to fix errors like this device cannot start code 10 realtek high definition audio, device cannot start code 10 wireless adapter or USB drive. If you have any questions on this topic, feel free to comment below. See also Fix Windows Store that doesn't work, won't open, or crashes.
FAQs
How do I fix error code 10 on my network adapter? ›
Perform a clean installation of drivers. Uninstalling and then reinstalling the drivers for the device is a likely solution to a Code 10 error. Try a new Cat 6 cable. Clear the CMOS battery and check with the board manufacturer if the BIOS is already updated to its latest version.
What does this device Cannot start code 10 for Wi-Fi? ›This error occurs when the device is not properly connected, or there is an incompatible driver installed for the device causing this issue.
What causes device Cannot start code 10? ›The Code 10 error is one of several Device Manager error codes. It's generated when Device Manager can't start the hardware device, a situation usually caused by outdated or corrupted drivers. A device may also receive a Code 10 error if a driver generates an error that Device Manager doesn't understand.
How do I manually reset my network adapter? ›- Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Open Network & Internet Status settings.
- On the Network reset screen, select Reset now > Yes to confirm.
- The Network status section in Windows 10 Settings. ...
- Scroll down and click or tap Network reset. ...
- Read what the network reset does and press Reset now. ...
- Click or tap Yes to continue. ...
- Windows 10 will shut down in 5 minutes.
Usually, a Code 10/43 error is a temporary error, generated when Device Manager can't start the hardware device. However this error is considered a generic message indicating an unspecified problem. This most commonly occurs after running a Windows* Update that includes Wi-Fi or Bluetooth updates.
How do I force Windows 10 to connect to Wi-Fi? ›- Select the Network or Wifi icon in the notification area.
- In the list of networks, choose the network that you want to connect to, and then select Connect.
- Type the security key (often called the password).
- Follow additional instructions if there are any.
Go to the Start Menu and select Control Panel. Click the Network and Internet category and then select Networking and Sharing Center. From the options on the left-hand side, select Change adapter settings. Right-click on the icon for Wireless Connection and click enable.
How do I get Windows 10 to recognize my Wi-Fi? ›- Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons ( ) on the far right side of the taskbar to open quick settings. ...
- On the Wi-Fi quick setting, select Manage Wi-Fi connections .
- Choose the Wi-Fi network you want, then select Connect.
- Type the network password, and then select Next.
Right-click the desired Network Adapter, and then click the Uninstall button. On the Confirm Device Removal window, click the OK button. In the Device Manager window, click the Scan for hardware changes icon. The device will now reinstall.
Is code 10 a hardware issue? ›
Code 10 "This device cannot start.
If the hardware key does not contain a “FailReasonString” value the message above is displayed. In the device's Properties dialog box, click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver to start the Hardware Update Wizard. Follow the instructions to update the driver.
- Start the system to the installation media for the installed version of Windows. ...
- On the Install Windows screen, select Next > Repair your computer.
- On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
- On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair.
- Right click the Windows logo in the lower left corner.
- Choose Device Manager.
- Double click Network Adapters and then right click on the network adapter to reinstall. The exact name will vary from computer to computer.
- Choose Uninstall. ...
- Click OK.
- Restart the computer.
- Restart and Check Connections. ...
- Show Hidden Drivers in Windows 10. ...
- Remove the Battery From Your Laptop. ...
- Turn Off Antivirus and VPN. ...
- Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter. ...
- Use the Network Reset Tool. ...
- Check Your Power Management Settings. ...
- Reset Winsock Settings.
Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
How do I reset my network adapter in Windows 10 without admin rights? ›- From the Start Menu, navigate to Settings.
- Click Network & Internet.
- You should be in the status tab by default. ...
- Click Reset now.
- Click Yes to confirm and restart your computer.
- Your computer will now restart and your network adapters and configuration will be reset.
- In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
- Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Select Update Driver.
- To reset network settings, go to Start menu > Settings > Network and Internet > Status > Network Reset.
- If you have a VPN or a proxy server, it may need to be reconfigured following the reset.
- Resetting network settings removes and reinstalls every network adapter installed on your system.
- Open your Device Manager. Operating System. Steps to open Device Manager. Windows 7* Click Start. Click Control Panel. Click System and Security. ...
- Click the pointer symbol in front of Network Adapters to expand the section. Your adapter name will be shown in the list. Example: Intel(R) Ethernet Network Adapter XXV710.
In Windows 10, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. In the list of network connections that opens, select the connection you are using to connect to your ISP (wireless or LAN).
How do I disable or enable network adapter in Windows 10? ›
To disconnect the network connection: open “Network adapters“, right-click on the one you want to disconnect, and click on “Disable device“. In the window that appears, click on “Yes.” To enable a network connection: open “Network adapters“, right-click on the one you want to enable, and click on “Enable device“.
Why is my Windows 10 not connecting to Wi-Fi? ›Windows 10 can't connect to Wi-Fi
Press Windows + X and click on 'Device Manager'. Now, right click on network adapter and choose 'Uninstall'. Click on 'Delete the driver software for this device'. Reboot the system and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.
On the “Oops, you've lost internet connection” or “Let's connect you to a network” page, use the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut. In Command Prompt, type the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command to bypass network requirements on Windows 11 and press Enter.
Why is my Windows laptop not connecting to Wi-Fi? ›Here are some of the most common issues: Your device is in airplane mode or has Wi-Fi turned off. Your router is down. You're entering an incorrect Wi-Fi password.
Why is my WiFi adapter not picking up my WiFi? ›Check the wireless signal strength of your network. If it is weak (1~3 bars), please move the router closer and try again. Change the wireless Channel of the router to 1, 6 or 11 to reduce interference from other networks. Re-install or update the driver for your wireless adapter of the computer.
Can you reset WiFi adapter? ›Disable/enable Wi-Fi Adapter: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options. Click Disable. After 60 seconds, click Enable. Reset all Wi-Fi network adapters: Go to Settings > Network & Internet and choose Network reset > Reset Now.
How do I connect to WiFi that won't connect? ›- See If Your ISP Is Down. If you are able to search the internet from another device, such as your phone, check to see if there is an outage reported for your internet service provider. ...
- Check Your Router. ...
- Restart Your Device. ...
- Scan for Viruses. ...
- Get a Professional Opinion.
On the Device Manager window, click Network adapters then look for the name of your wireless adapter. To check its status, right-click your computer's network adapter then select Properties. Once the adapter is enabled, there would be a This device is working properly notification if the adapter is working properly.
What happens if you uninstall network adapter? ›When you uninstall the Wi-Fi drivers from your system, the operating system (OS) may no longer recognize the wireless adapter and it becomes unusable. If you are going to uninstall the driver, make sure to download the latest Wi-Fi driver available before starting the process.
Which network adapter is for Wi-Fi? ›TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter for PC(TL-WN725N), N150 Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop - Nano Size WiFi Dongle Compatible with Windows 11/10/7/8/8.1/XP/ Mac OS 10.9-10.15 Linux Kernel 2.6. 18-4.4.
How do I know if my hardware is damaged Windows 10? ›
- In the search box on the taskbar, type Windows Security, and then select it from the results.
- Select Device performance & health to view the Health report.
Code10 occurs when the Device Manager fails to start the hardware device. It generally points out that corrupted or unspecified drivers or faulty hardware is posing the problem. As it is one of the standard driver errors on Windows 10,8, 7, addressing the specific drivers can help.
What is Realtek Network driver Code 10? ›The code 10 error usually occurs because the Device Manager can't register outdated drivers. Sometimes driver updates are incompatible with your system and cause the drivers to malfunction. You can either rollback the system to an earlier build or reinstall an older Windows version.
What are the 4 ways to fix Windows 10 startup? ›Four of the top approaches for solving Windows 10 boot problems are launching the Startup Repair tool, repairing the Master Boot Record (MBR), scanning the system for corrupt or missing files, and running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
How to repair Windows 10 from BIOS? ›When using a USB drive, make sure to set up your BIOS to boot from the USB drive. After booting into setup, choose the Repair Computer option > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt. If you are using a recovery drive, click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
How to fix Windows 10 startup problems using Command Prompt? ›...
To do this, type the following commands at the Windows RE command prompt:
- bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup.
- c:
- cd boot.
- attrib bcd -s -h -r.
- ren c:\boot\bcd bcd. old.
- bootrec /RebuildBcd.
Click Start and right-click Computer, then click Properties. From there, click Device manager. Look where it says "Network adapters". If there's an exclamation or question mark there, you have an ethernet problem; if not you're OK.
What is code 10 while installing drivers? ›Code 10 "This device cannot start.
If the hardware key does not contain a “FailReasonString” value the message above is displayed. In the device's Properties dialog box, click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver to start the Hardware Update Wizard. Follow the instructions to update the driver.
Right-click the [Start] icon on the taskbar①, then select [Device Manager]②. Right-click the device with the yellow exclamation mark③, then select [Update driver]④. Select [Search automatically for drivers]⑤. Windows will search your computer for the best available driver and install it on your device.
How do I fix a corrupted network adapter? ›- Restart the computer. ...
- Use the Network Troubleshooter. ...
- Reinstall Ethernet drivers automatically. ...
- Reinstall Ethernet drivers manually. ...
- Reset the network adapter. ...
- Reset the Winsock.