"This Device Cannot Start. Code 10 - 12 Methods Included"

If you've recently encountered the "This device cannot start. Code 10" error and are looking for a solution, you've come to the right place. This error typically appears when you connect a USB device or audio input to your computer. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of this issue and present twelve troubleshooting steps to help you resolve it. Additionally, you'll learn about an efficient file backup tool for removable storage devices.

What Does "This Device Cannot Start" Error Code 10 Mean & Its Causes

"The device cannot start. (Code 10)" is an error message encountered in Windows Device Manager, indicating that a hardware device connected to your computer is not functioning as intended. This error suggests that the Device Manager is unable to initiate the hardware due to an unspecified underlying problem.

This error might impact various hardware connected to your computer, including USB or audio devices. Occasionally, the error might display additional information as follows:

1. "The device cannot start. (Code 10) {Operation Failed} The requested operation could not be completed." 2. "This device cannot start. (Code 10) A device that does not exist was specified." 3. "The device cannot start. (Code 10) STATUS_DEVICE_POWER_FAILURE."

The common causes of the "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" error message include the following: 1. Outdated or corrupted device drivers: The drivers responsible for controlling the specific hardware device might be outdated, damaged, or incompatible with your system's current configuration. 2. Incorrect device configuration: The device might not be properly configured, leading to a failure in initializing or communicating with the system. 3. Firmware issues: Sometimes, the firmware of the device itself could be outdated or have issues that prevent it from starting correctly. 4. Conflict with other hardware or software: There may be a conflict between the device and another piece of hardware or software installed on your system, causing the Code 10 error. 5. Power supply problems: Insufficient power supply to the device can result in this error, especially for devices that require additional power, like USB devices. 6. Malfunctioning hardware: The hardware itself could be faulty or damaged, preventing it from functioning correctly. 7. System file corruption: Critical system files required for the proper functioning of the device driver might be corrupted or missing. 8. BIOS/UEFI settings: Incorrect settings in the BIOS or UEFI firmware can lead to the device not being able to start. 9. Windows update issues: Sometimes, a recent Windows update might introduce compatibility issues with certain hardware devices. 10. Motherboard or controller issues: Issues with the motherboard or the controller managing the device can cause this error. To resolve the issue, you can try updating drivers, rolling back updates, checking for conflicts, restoring system files, or even replacing the faulty hardware if necessary.

• Faulty hardware.
• Outdated drivers.
• Windows registry issues.
• Power supply issues.
• Outdated operating system.
• Corrupted system drivers.
• Malfunctioning USB port.
• Hardware conflicts on your PC.

The following section discusses potential solutions to rectify the error.

How to Resolve Error Code 10: This Device Cannot Start

There are various methods to resolve start code 10 errors. This section presents twelve potential solutions, which include但不限于 the following. It's recommended that you thoroughly read through all the fixes and identify the one that best suits your device.

Fix 1: Restart Your Computer

The first and most common solution to the "This device cannot start. Code 10" error is to restart your computer. This can potentially resolve minor issues that might be preventing your USB device from being recognized by your PC.

To reboot your computer, click the Start Menu, select the Power button, and then click "Restart." If this doesn't resolve the issue, proceed to Fix 2.

Fix 2: Use a Powered USB Hub

If you suspect that the issue is related to power supply, you can utilize a powered USB hub. Some USB devices require more power than your computer's USB ports can supply, which leads to the connection error. A powered USB hub guarantees a steady power source and enhances the likelihood of your USB or audio device connecting successfully to your computer.

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Step 3: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Since the "Code 10" error message pertains to the hardware devices connected to your computer via USB, you can use a troubleshooter to identify and resolve the issues causing the error. Here are the steps to run a Hardware and Devices troubleshooter on Windows: 1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. 2. Click on "Update & Security" from the available options. 3. In the left pane, select "Troubleshoot" or "Get up and running" (depending on your Windows version). 4. Scroll down and click on "Hardware and Devices" in the right pane. 5. If you don't see it, click on "Additional troubleshooters" first. 6. Click on "Run the troubleshooter" or "Run now." 7. Follow the on-screen instructions as the troubleshooter detects and diagnoses any issues with your USB devices. 8. Once the troubleshooter completes, it will provide suggestions or automatically fix the problems it finds. 9. Restart your computer and check if the "Code 10" error persists. If the issue is not resolved, you may need to update or reinstall the drivers for the affected USB device.

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type "msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic" and press "Enter". This will launch the "Hardware and Devices" window.

Step 2. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen instructions to start the troubleshooter.

Step 3. After the troubleshooter completes scanning and fixing potential issues, check if your USB device is connected successfully.

Fix 4: Undo Recent Changes to the Device Driver

If the Code 10 error occurs after you've made alterations to your device drivers, you can attempt to revert these changes to resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Unplug all USB and audio devices from your PC.

Step 2. Click on the Start menu and select "Device Manager" to open it.

Step 3. Double-click the device you want to rollback to expand its category.

Step 4. Right-click on a driver, then select "Properties." Navigate to the "Driver" tab and choose "Roll Back Driver."

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reverse recent changes and see if the error goes away.

Fix 5: Update Device Drivers

If your system relies on outdated drivers, you might encounter the error "This device cannot start. (Code 10)." To address this issue, follow these steps to update the device drivers for your USB controllers, ensuring proper functioning of the connected hardware: 1. **Connect to the Internet**: Make sure your computer has an internet connection, as you'll need it to download the updated drivers. 2. **Identify the USB Controllers**: Press `Windows key + X` on your keyboard and choose 'Device Manager' from the menu. In the Device Manager window, expand the category 'Universal Serial Bus controllers' to view a list of USB controllers installed on your system. 3. **Update Drivers Manually**: Right-click on each USB controller and select 'Update driver.' Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software.' Windows will now search for and install any available updates. 4. **Update Drivers Manually (Optional)**: If Windows doesn't find any updates or if you prefer to download the drivers directly from the manufacturer's website, visit the website of your computer's or motherboard's manufacturer. Locate the 'Support,' 'Downloads,' or 'Driver' section and search for the latest USB controller drivers compatible with your system's specifications. 5. **Download and Install**: Download the driver files to your computer, then run the installer to update the drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 6. **Restart Your Computer**: After updating all the necessary USB controller drivers, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 7. **Verify Functionality**: Connect the hardware that was causing the issue and check if it's now working correctly. If you still encounter problems, you may need to update the drivers for that specific hardware device as well. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Code 10" error and ensure smooth operation of your USB-connected devices.

Step 1. Open Device Manager and double-click "Universal Serial Bus controllers" to expand the list.

Step 2. Right-click on the driver you want to update, then choose "Update Driver."

Step 3. Following that, select the option to "Search automatically for drivers." This will allow your computer to search for the latest drivers to install on your system. Once the installation is finished, restart your computer and verify if the updated driver has resolved the issue.

Fix 6: Repair Corrupted Registry Entries

You might encounter the "This device cannot start" error if your Windows 10 Registry has damaged UpperFilters and LowerFilters. One solution to address this issue is by modifying the Registry by removing the corrupted files. However, it's crucial to first back up your Registry before deleting any entries.

Step 1. Open the Run dialog box, type "regedit," and then press "Enter" to access the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to the following location, and then select the problematic Class GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class

Step 3. Select the values for UpperFilter and LowerFilters, then choose the delete option.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions, then tap "Yes" to delete the corrupted files. Once the corrupted entries are fully removed, you can restart your system and check if the error has vanished.

Fix 7: Disable and Re-enable USB Controller

Another potential solution to the "This device cannot start. Code 10" error message is to enable and disable USB controllers. This can help resolve minor issues with your controllers. Follow these steps: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Access menu. 2. Click on "Device Manager" from the list. 3. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category by clicking on the arrow next to it. 4. Locate all the USB controllers listed under this category. 5. Right-click on each USB controller one by one and select "Disable device." 6. After disabling all USB controllers, right-click on the first one again and choose "Enable device." 7. Wait for the system to enable the controller and detect any connected devices. 8. Repeat step 6 for the remaining USB controllers, enabling them one by one. Reboot your computer after enabling all the USB controllers. This process might reset the USB controllers and fix the error.

Step 1. Open Device Manager and then browse to "Universal Serial Bus Controllers."

Step 2. Right-click the first driver and select Uninstall device. Repeat this process for all the drivers listed under the Universal Serial Bus controllers category.

Step 3. After that, restart your PC to reinstall the drivers. This should, in most cases, resolve the Code 10 error.

Fix 8. Try an Older Driver Version

It has always been assumed that the most recent drivers are the best for your computer. However, new drivers can occasionally disrupt the functioning of your system. If you encounter the "This device cannot start" error and believe it might be caused by the updated drivers, you can attempt to revert to older versions.

You can locate the older drivers by searching for them online and downloading them to your computer. Once installed, restart your PC and then check for the error once more.

Step 9: Perform System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your operating system back to the last saved restore point prior to the Windows Update. This is useful for resolving issues that might have occurred due to logical errors after a settings update. To perform a system restore, follow these steps:

Step 1. Type "system restore" in the search bar, and then press Enter to open it.

Step 2. Click on the "System Protection" tab and choose "System Restore" when the "System Properties" window appears.

Step 3. Click "Next" when "Restore system files and settings" appears. You will then see a list of available restore points. Select the one you want to use.

Step 4. Click the "Scan for affected programs" option to see which applications will be impacted when you restore your system. After reviewing the affected apps, close the window and then click Next. Follow the on-screen instructions to revert your system to the chosen restore point. Once the restoration is complete, check if the error message still appears.

Fix 10: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows

If you've attempted the previous solutions and the error message still appears, it might be necessary to perform a clean installation of Windows. There could be an issue with your operating system that is preventing your USB and audio devices from being recognized by your computer.

A clean install will rectify such issues and enable you to use your device as before. Prior to performing a Windows clean install, make sure to backup all your files using professional backup software - Todo Backup being a reliable option.

Here's an article on how to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

Step 11: Replace the Defective Device

Occasionally, Windows might fail to recognize your USB or audio device due to a hardware issue. In such cases, attempting the previous solutions might not yield the desired result. It's advisable to replace the malfunctioning device with a properly functioning one.

External computer components naturally degrade over time and often malfunction. Before replacing any faulty hardware, ensure that you save all your files in a secure location.

Fix 12. Seek Professional Assistance

If you've attempted all eleven solutions and none have been successful, it's time to seek assistance. You can reach out for help online from either Microsoft or the manufacturer of your computer设备. You will probably be connected with a specialist who will assist you in troubleshooting your device. Make sure to adhere to all the instructions provided to resolve the "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" error.

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Bonus Tip: Always Create a Backup of Removable Storage Devices Always make sure to create a backup of your removable storage devices, such as USB drives, external hard drives, or memory cards. These devices can be prone to data loss due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or malware attacks. By regularly backing up your important files, you ensure that you have a safety net in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Here's how to create a backup: 1. Choose a backup location: Select a secure place to store your backups, preferably on a different device or cloud storage service. This helps protect against simultaneous loss of both the original and backup data. 2. Use backup software: Utilize built-in backup tools in your operating system (e.g., Windows Backup, Time Machine for macOS) or third-party applications like tools Todo Backup, Acronis True Image, or Clonezilla. These tools often allow you to schedule automatic backups, ensuring your data is up-to-date. 3. Create an image backup: In addition to copying individual files, consider creating an image backup of the entire storage device. This captures the complete system state, including system settings, applications, and data, making it easier to restore everything if needed. 4. Test your backups: Regularly verify the integrity of your backups by restoring a few files to confirm they're accessible and unchanged. This ensures the backup process has been successful and your data is recoverable. 5. Update backups: Keep your backups current by updating them whenever you add or modify critical files. This way, you won't lose any recent work in the event of a failure. By following these steps, you can protect your valuable data and minimize the impact of potential losses on removable storage devices.

If you encounter the error "This device cannot start. (Code 10)," you will be unable to access the data on your unrecognized USB device. To prevent such scenarios, it's crucial to make a backup of your removable storage device using a dependable tool like tools Todo Backup. This free software enables you to back up your data to various locations and retrieve it whenever necessary.

You can back up your files to external drives, local storage, networks, NAS, or the cloud. Todo Backup also provides free cloud storage of up to 250GB, enabling you to store your data securely. This utility offers various backup methods, such as scheduled backup, incremental and differential backup, encrypted backup, image reserve strategy, and more. The software enables you to restore your backups to their original locations or replace existing files when necessary.

As the best file sync software for Windows, it also enables you to synchronize your files between external drives and computers. Make sure to download Todo Backup today to back up your removable storage device. This software ensures the safety of your data from hardware failures or malware attacks.

The main features of Todo Backup include:

• Multi-path backup storage.
• Disk clone and disk imaging.
• Password-protected backups.
• Enhanced backup efficiency.
• Bootable backup and recovery.
• Basic backup scheduling.

"To Wrap Things Up"

The "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" error in Windows might result from faulty hardware, outdated drivers, issues with the Windows registry, corrupted system drivers, malfunctioning USB ports, or other problems. Typical solutions to address this issue involve restarting your device, running a troubleshooter, updating device drivers, or replacing the defective hardware component.

Want to protect the data on your removable storage device? Secure it with Todo Backup. This reliable file backup and recovery solution ensures your data remains accessible even in the face of hardware failures. Download and set up Todo Backup on your computer now to discover its exceptional advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Fix "This Device Cannot Start" Error Code 10

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding resolving the "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" issue:

1. What Does the Error "This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)" Mean for Wi-Fi Drivers?

This suggests an issue with your wireless network adapter, which is hindering your computer from establishing a successful connection to a Wi-Fi network. The problem might arise from outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers, malfunctioning USB ports, device conflicts, or damage to the adapter.

2. What Does Code 10 Error Mean on USB Hard Drive - Device Cannot Start?

This error code indicates an unspecified issue with your USB hard drive related to a hardware problem. It prevents the USB device from working properly because the Device Manager is unable to initialize it successfully.

How to Resolve the "USB Device Not Recognized" Issue in Windows 10?

If Windows 10 fails to recognize your USB device, you can attempt the following fixes:

• Reboot Your Computer.
• Use a Powered USB Hub.
• Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
• Undo Recent Changes on the Device Driver.
• Update Device Drivers.
• Modify Corrupted Registry Entries.
• ...

Previous sections of this tutorial have discussed how to apply each of these fixes.