On occasions, you might see the "This device cannot start (Code 10)" error on Windows which is quite vague and very frustrating.
Here, in this article, we will see what this error is, how it is caused, and how can it be fixed.
What is a "Code 10" Error?
Mostly, code 10 "this device cannot start error" is related to removable devices. You will see this if Windows can't run a piece of hardware, a USB drive or a printer, properly.
You might see it after Windows tries to install the driver for a new device, because of this. Storage devices, Bluetooth hardware, CD drives, etc might be prevented from showing up on the PC because of this.
Now, let us find out how we can fix Error Code 10.
How to Fix "Code 10" Error
1. Rebooting
You can sometimes clear the code 10 error by a simple restart, like most of the computer issues. You should always make sure that you have taken this first basic step so that you don't waste your time on the other more advanced methods.
After you have restarted the computer try using the device again. If the problem continues you can just move onto the more advanced troubleshooting.
2. Hardware Device Troubleshooter
There are many automated troubleshooters included in Windows, that can help you solve various problems. The Hardware and Devices tool is one of them, that will fix issues in this area. There might not be any guarantee that it will find something but it is worth running.
Microsoft has, for some reason, removed this utility from the Troubleshoot menu on Windows 10, but you can use it through the Command Prompt or Power Shell.
You can press Win + X to launch this or just right-click on the start button and choose Command Prompt or Windows Powershell from the menu. After this, you have to enter the following command:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
The troubleshooter will be opened in a new window. Then, just click Next and as the wizard finishes, the results will be shown to you.
3. Device Manager
The device manager is an important place to check when you see a code 10 error as it collects info about all the devices that are connected to your PC.
You can open it by pressing Win + X, or just right-click on the Start button and choose Device Manager from the menu.
Each category could be expanded to see the individual devices that are under it and if there is a problem with a device a small yellow warning sign will be displayed next to it. This sign would show you that this is the device that is causing the error.
You can then double-click on the item and just check the Device status. The device is not working properly if it shows This device cannot start (Code 10).
Make sure that you check all the categories that are here and once you find the device that appears with an error, just try unplugging the device for some time and then plugging it back in. If this does not help you can move on to updating or removing the driver for that device.
4. Update Hardware Drivers
You might have an outdated or incorrect driver installed on your PC and that could be the reason for your hardware misbehaviour on occasions. In this case, just move to Settings, then Update&Security, and then Windows Update, and check if there are any new updates.
You will also find driver updates if you run this check for updates. They will appear under View optional updates, and then Driver updates, so just check here for sure.
5. Uninstall Non-Functional Drivers
You should try replacing or removing the driver in case updating the device driver doesn't work. Just right-click on the device with the problem and choose Properties, and then the Driver tab, to get some options.
You can go back to the previous version by selecting Roll Back Driver. But this is only possible if there is an older version to revert back to.
If this doesn't work for you, you just have to select Uninstall device and remove it from your system completely. After this is done, you can just reboot.
6. Try Another USB Port or Hub
You can try plugging the device into another USB port on your computer after you have found out the device that is causing the code 10 error. This would tell you if the port is faulty and causing a communication issue.
7. Test Your Hardware Elsewhere
If you have a faulty device, just try connecting it to another computer and see if it is working.
If it doesn't work even on the other computer, you can just contact the manufacturer or replace the device. If the device starts working on the other computer then the problem is with your PC.
You can try a system restore to see if there is some Windows quirk that is preventing the hardware from working after you have tested your device functional on another computer.
If the problem had started recently, then this is very useful as it brings your system back to a prior point in time.
You can also fully reset your computer if this doesn't work, but that will probably be too much for this error.
Conclusion
After all of these processes, if the error still shows, you could get it checked by some professional, but chances are that these steps will solve your problem.
