If you installed a new hardware device and keep getting this error message, it is possible that the device has not started correctly. Besides, an incompatible or corrupted driver can also lead you to this error message, as incompatible drivers can be installed by the built-in Windows update when you connect a hardware device. Usually, the error occurs on wireless network adapters and audio devices. However, the following methods are compatible with any device showing you this error message.
1. Power flush your system (For Network Adapter)
When a device keeps getting disconnected or does not respond, you should first try to power flush your computer or laptop. This is the best way to revive any device that is unresponsive and not working. Power flushing the computer fixes the devices that behave unexpectedly or unresponsively. To do so, follow the steps:
2. Re-enable the Device
If you installed a new device, that is showing you this error message, or it suddenly gets stops working. In both cases, you can try disabling and enabling the device, which actually has worked for the most affected users. When you disable the device from a device manager, that device’s driver gets unloaded from the memory (RAM). When you enable the device, the driver gets loaded into the memory so that Windows can use that device. In simple words, it helps in restarting the driver, which will also restart the device. Below are the instructions to do that:
3. Download the driver from the motherboard manufacturer’s site
The major reason behind any device that shows this error message could be an incompatible driver installed by the built-in Windows update utility. Windows always have the default drivers for the devices used a lot, such as the keyboard, mouse, and other input and output devices. However, when Windows does not have a driver for the new device, it installs via the Windows update utility. Therefore, the installed driver can be incompatible, which is why the error is displayed. If that’s the case, downloading a driver from the motherboard’s manufacturer’s website will fix your issue. To download a driver from the manufacturer’s site, you need to know the model number of your motherboard or laptop. For that, follow the steps.
4. Reinstall or Update Driver
In the device manager, the last two solutions you can do is either update the driver or reinstall the driver. In most cases, users receive the message while updating the drivers, saying The best drivers for your device are already installed. If you receive this message, then proceed with reinstalling the driver. If you are receiving this error on any device that has its own driver, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. In this case, you need to download the driver from the device manufacturer’s website before uninstalling it. If you cannot download the driver as the error is showing on the network adapter, then use an ethernet connection or a second device to download the driver and then transfer it to your computer via USB or data cable. This method will only apply to devices that cannot use the Windows default driver. You can go to their manufacturer’s websites to confirm that. Once you have successfully downloaded the driver, or if you don’t need to download it because you know that Windows will install it for you, follow the steps to start reinstalling and updating the causing driver through the device manager.
5. Run the Hardware and Component Troubleshooter
Another way to fix this error is to run the troubleshooter. Windows provides troubleshooters for the devices connected to the computer. Since every hardware device functions differently, troubleshooters also work differently at the backend. For instance, if you are encountering this error on the audio driver, the troubleshooter will check if the device driver is enabled or not, then it will look for services as they might be stopped working, then some settings and the registry files. Now, this is the component troubleshooter. There is another troubleshooter called Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, an advanced version of an individual component troubleshooter that fixes the corrupt or misconfigured settings for all connected hardware devices. You can try running both to see if this helps or not. First, we will run a hardware and device troubleshooter then we will go with a component troubleshooter.
6. Restart Windows Audio Service (For High Definition Audio Device)
If you are encountering this error on High Definition Audio Device, restarting the Windows audio service might help fix this error. Windows audio service manages the audio for Windows-based programs, meaning that if that service is not running, then the audio device and other services that depend on Windows audio service will not work. So give it a try and check if the Windows audio service is working properly with the help of the following steps.
7. Plug your device into another port
If you are getting this error on an external device or any device that can connect via the USB port, try to change the USB port you used to plug the device. It is possible that the USB port cannot receive power from the motherboard for any reason. Hence, ensure that the USB port is working properly by plugging the device into another port. If the device starts working, the USB port is damaged.
8. Use Registry Editor to remove corrupted entries
UpperFilters and LowerFilters are the registry keys that help programs to communicate with device drivers. UpperFilters and LowerFilters are known to be causing This Device Cannot Start (Code 10) error. Every hardware device connected to the computer has a Global Unique Identification Number (GUID). In the Registry Editor, the UpperFilters and LowerFilters can be found under the Class Guid key. You can skip this method if you cannot find the UpperFilters and LowerFilters.
9. Use a System Restore utility
Since a corrupted or incompatible driver can cause the error, you can use a system restore utility to restore the previous state of Windows when the Windows was working fine. However, the utility needs a restore point that should be created when everything works fine. System Restore utility takes a snapshot of Windows files and drivers along with registry files and then saves it to a restore point. So the user will be able to use it if something bad happens due to drivers, Windows updates, and third-party programs. Hence, if you have a restore point, then follow the steps. Otherwise, skip this method and move on to the last one.
10. Check for hardware problems
If none of the methods helped you to fix this error, the device might have a hardware problem preventing it from starting. For that reason, it shows the error code 10. However, there is no need to worry as you can easily check it by connecting the hardware to another computer. If you need a technician, we recommend you take your computer or laptop to a repair shop for a complete diagnosis.
