Troubleshooting Device Cannot Start (Code 10) Error - WiFi & Driver Fixes

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Restart your computer
3. Disable and enable the driver
4. Uninstall and reinstall the driver
5. Update the driver
6. Check for Windows updates
7. Roll back the driver
8. Run Windows troubleshooter
9. Run hardware troubleshooter
10. Modify the registry
11. Install the latest driver
12. Power flush
13. System restore
14. Conclusion

How to Fix Error Code 10 "Device Cannot Start" on Windows

If You are facing the common problem of encountering a "Device Cannot Start" error with error code 10 on your Windows computer, particularly with driver-related issues, don't worry. In this article, we will explore various methods to help you resolve this problem and get your device working properly again.

1. Introduction

The "Device Cannot Start" error with error code 10 often manifests through a yellow exclamation mark in the device manager. It indicates a problem with the affected driver. In this article, we will go through step-by-step solutions to fix this error and ensure the smooth functioning of your Windows computer.

2. Restart your computer

The first and simplest troubleshooting step is to restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor driver-related issues. After restarting, check if the device is functioning properly. If not, proceed to the next solution.

3. Disable and enable the driver

If the restart did not fix the error, try disabling and enabling the affected driver. In the device manager, right-click on the driver showing the yellow exclamation mark and select "Disable device." After disabling it, right-click again and select "Enable device." Check if the device starts working properly.

4. Uninstall and reinstall the driver

If disabling and enabling the driver did not solve the problem, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver might help. In the device manager, right-click on the affected driver and select "Uninstall device." After uninstalling, restart your PC. Upon restarting, Windows will automatically reinstall the driver. Check if the issue is resolved.

5. Update the driver

If the device still cannot start after reinstalling the driver, try updating it. Right-click on the affected driver and select "Update driver." Choose the option to search automatically for updated drivers. If the internet is connected and the driver is not related to Wi-Fi, Windows will search and install the latest driver. Additionally, check for Windows updates to ensure you have the latest drivers installed.

6. Roll back the driver

If updating the driver did not resolve the error, you can try rolling back to a previous driver version. In the properties of the affected driver, go to the "Driver" tab. Under "Driver details," click on "Driver rollback" if the option is available. This will revert the driver to an older version. Check if the device starts working properly with the rolled-back driver.

7. Run Windows troubleshooter

If none of the above methods worked, running Windows troubleshooter may help identify and fix the problem automatically. Go to the Start menu and search for "Troubleshoot." Select the troubleshooter related to the driver causing the issue. For example, if it is related to Bluetooth, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the troubleshooter attempt to fix the problem.

8. Run hardware troubleshooter

Running the hardware troubleshooter can help identify any hardware-related problems and driver issues. Press the Windows key and the letter "R" together on your keyboard. In the Run dialog box, Type "msdt.exe -id device diagnostic" and click OK. This will open the hardware troubleshooter. Follow the Prompts and allow the troubleshooter to identify and resolve any hardware-related issues.

9. Modify the registry

If the error persists, you can try modifying the registry. First, locate the "Class GUID" value of the affected driver in the properties. Open the registry editor by searching for "Registry Editor" in the search bar. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > System > CurrentControlSet > Control > Class in the registry editor. Search for the Class GUID value of the affected driver and select it. Right-click on it and choose "Edit" > "Find." Paste the copied value into the search field and click Find. Once found, Create a backup of the registry by selecting the value and choosing File > Export. Save the backup registry key. Look for the "UpperFilters" and "LowerFilters" registry keys on the right pane. If present, delete these keys. Restart your computer and check if the device is functioning correctly.

10. Install the latest driver

If none of the previous methods worked, you can try installing the latest driver from the official Website. Visit the official website of your computer's manufacturer or the device's manufacturer. Search for the driver that corresponds to your device and operating system. Download the driver and install it on your computer. If unable to access the internet on the affected computer, download the driver on a different computer and transfer it to the affected computer for installation. Once installed, check if the device starts working properly.

11. Power flush

Performing a power flush can sometimes resolve device-related errors. Shut down your computer completely and disconnect all power sources. For desktop PCs, unplug the cable from the PSU as well. Disconnect all peripherals. Press and hold the power key for 30 seconds. Reconnect the power sources and peripherals. Start your computer and check if the device is functioning correctly. For laptops, if possible, remove the battery and then press and hold the power key for 30 seconds. If battery removal is not possible, press and hold the power key for 30 seconds. Start your computer and check the device's functionality.

12. System restore

If all else fails, you can try restoring your computer to a previous state when everything was working fine. Press the Windows key and the letter "R" together on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type "rstrui.exe" and click OK. This will open the System Restore feature. Select a restore point where the device was functioning correctly. If no restore point is available, it means you didn't create any earlier. Consider creating a restore point for future use. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer. Check if the device starts working properly after the restoration.

13. Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering the "Device Cannot Start" error with error code 10 can be frustrating, but there are various troubleshooting methods to resolve it. Restarting your computer, disabling and enabling the driver, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver, updating the driver, checking for Windows updates, rolling back the driver, running Windows and hardware troubleshooters, modifying the registry, installing the latest driver, performing a power flush, and using system restore are all potential solutions. Try these methods step by step, and hopefully, one of them will fix the error and restore the functionality of your device.

Highlights

• Encounter a "Device Cannot Start" error with error code 10 on your Windows computer? Don't worry! This article provides step-by-step solutions to fix the problem.
• Restart your computer, disable and enable the driver, uninstall and reinstall the driver, update the driver, check for Windows updates, roll back the driver, run Windows and hardware troubleshooters, modify the registry, install the latest driver, perform a power flush, and use system restore are among the methods covered.
• Follow these troubleshooting methods to resolve the error and get your device working properly again.

FAQ

Q: Why am I getting a "Device Cannot Start" error with error code 10 on my Windows computer? A: The error typically indicates an issue with the affected driver, preventing it from starting.

Q: What should I do first to fix the "Device Cannot Start" error? A: Start by restarting your computer, as this can resolve minor driver-related issues.

Q: If restarting the computer doesn't solve the error, what's the next step? A: Try disabling and enabling the affected driver in the device manager.

Q: Is it worth updating the driver to fix the error? A: Yes, updating the driver can often resolve driver-related problems. Use the "Update driver" option in the device manager or search for the latest driver on the manufacturer's website.

Q: Should I check for Windows updates as well? A: Yes, checking for Windows updates can ensure that you have the latest drivers installed on your computer.

Q: How do I perform a power flush? A: Shut down your computer completely, disconnect all power sources, and press and hold the power key for 30 seconds. Reconnect everything and start your computer.

Q: What should I do if none of the methods Mentioned in the article work? A: If none of the methods resolve the error, you can try restoring your computer to a previous state using the system restore feature.

Q: Is it possible to prevent the "Device Cannot Start" error in the future? A: Unfortunately, the error can occur due to various factors, but keeping your drivers up to date and performing regular system maintenance can help reduce the chances of encountering such errors.