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Devices & drivers · scoped error record
Code 10

Device Manager Code 10: “This device cannot start”

Code 10 means the device could not start; Microsoft’s primary resolution begins with the device driver.

Applies to: Windows 11 Device ManagerReviewed: 2026-09-17

What it means in this context

Microsoft says Code 10 is shown when a device cannot start. The hardware key can include a manufacturer-defined FailReasonString; otherwise Device Manager shows the generic Code 10 message. That means the exact device matters.

Start here
  1. Open Device Manager and confirm Code 10 is shown in Device status.
  2. Record the device model and any manufacturer-specific message.
  3. Restart once if the failure is new.
  4. Check Windows Update and the manufacturer for the correct driver.
1

Update the driver for the affected device

Medium risk

Why: Microsoft lists driver update as the recommended resolution for Code 10.

  1. Open the affected device Properties in Device Manager.
  2. Use the Driver tab/Update Driver path.
  3. If Windows does not find a suitable driver, use the PC/device manufacturer’s matching driver.
  4. Restart and recheck Device status.
Scope boundary

When not to use this record

If Code 10 persists with the correct driver or the manufacturer provides a device-specific diagnostic, stop treating it as a generic Windows setting problem.

If it persists

Use the device vendor’s hardware diagnostics or support when a known-good driver does not restore startup.

Evidence

Reviewed source

Related authority records

Continue with the same failing system

These links share the same component or repair context; they are not generic keyword suggestions.

ErrorCode 12 — Device Manager Code 12: Windows cannot find enough free resources for the device

Code 12 is a resource-allocation problem; confirm the exact device before changing other hardware or firmware settings.

ErrorCode 22 — Device Manager Code 22: the device is disabled

Code 22 means Windows sees the device but it has been disabled; enable the device before reinstalling drivers.

ErrorCode 28 — Device Manager Code 28: drivers are not installed

Code 28 means Windows does not have the driver installed for the device; reinstall the device driver rather than applying unrelated fixes.

ErrorCode 31 — Device Manager Code 31: Windows cannot load the required drivers

Code 31 is a device-driver loading failure; keep the troubleshooting scoped to the affected hardware.

ErrorCode 43 — Device Manager Code 43: Windows stopped a device after it reported a problem

Code 43 means a driver controlling the device told Windows that the device failed in some way; driver and hardware context both matter.

ErrorCode 45 — Device Manager Code 45: hardware is not connected

Code 45 is a connection/presence state; reconnect or power the hardware before changing drivers.