Windows Device Manager Code 10 — This Device Cannot Start

Device Manager error Code 10 means a device failed to start, caused by outdated drivers, hardware faults, or insufficient system resources. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Code 10 is a generic Device Manager error meaning the device failed to initialize. Appears as 'This device cannot start. (Code 10)' in device Properties. Very common with USB devices, audio devices, and network adapters. The device driver loaded but could not initialize the hardware. May include additional information like 'A request for the USB device descriptor failed'. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Outdated or corrupted device driver. Hardware fault in the device itself. USB port power insufficient for the device. Driver conflict with another device using same resources. Registry entries for the device corrupted. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Right-click device in Device Manager > Update driver > Search automatically. Uninstall the device (check 'Delete driver software'), then scan for hardware changes. Try a different USB port — preferably directly on the motherboard, not a hub. Download the latest driver from the device manufacturer's website. Delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry values: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{device-GUID}. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.