Code 10: This Device Cannot Start

What causes Code 10

• One of the drivers in the device's driver stack failed the start request Windows sent it (Microsoft Learn).
• With many drivers in the stack it can be hard to tell which one failed; Microsoft points developers at the device's ProblemStatus property, which records the error the start request returned.
• When one of the drivers is a user-mode (UMDF) driver, the host process that runs it may have stopped; Microsoft lists that as a case for the driver's owner to investigate.

How to fix Code 10, safest step first

The steps follow Microsoft's recommended resolution for this code, in its order, with a reversible step first. Each one says how to put back what it changed.

1. 01

   Before you change anything: note the driver and make a restore point

   Open the device's Properties > Driver tab and write down the driver provider, date and version. Then select Start, type Create a restore point, open it, and on the System Protection tab choose Create. Microsoft notes that System Protection is not turned on by default; if Create is greyed out, choose Configure and turn it on for the system drive first.

   To undo: A restore point changes nothing by itself. To go back later, run System Restore and pick it: Microsoft says it reverts system files, the registry and installed programs, and leaves your personal files alone.

2. 02

   If it started after a driver update, roll the driver back

   In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties, open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver, then give a reason and confirm. Microsoft notes that you need administrator rights, and that going back to the previous driver often fixes a problem that appeared after an update. The button is greyed out when Windows kept no earlier driver for the device.

   To undo: Rolling back is the undo for the update. To return to the newer driver, install it again with Update driver or from the manufacturer's package.

3. 03

   Update the driver (Microsoft's recommended fix)

   In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Update driver and let Windows search, or point it at a driver you downloaded from the hardware manufacturer. Microsoft's own tip is that Windows Update is the usual way drivers arrive.

   To undo: Open the device's Properties > Driver tab and choose Roll Back Driver, or apply the restore point.

4. 04

   Get a driver from the hardware manufacturer

   Download the current driver for your exact model from the manufacturer's support page and install it. Microsoft's note for this code is that you may be asked for the driver's location, and the manufacturer's site is where to get it.

   To undo: Roll Back Driver on the Driver tab returns to the driver you had, or apply the restore point.

Check it yourself

1. 01

   List every device with this code (Command Prompt or PowerShell)

   Available from Windows 10, version 1903. Each device is listed with its instance ID and the problem code with its name, CM_PROB_FAILED_START. No administrator rights needed; nothing is changed.

   pnputil /enum-devices /problem 10

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2. 02

   Or with PowerShell

   Device Manager shows the same code on the General tab of the device's Properties, in the Device status box.

   Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object { [int]$_.ConfigManagerErrorCode -eq 10 } |
     Format-Table Status, Class, FriendlyName, Problem

   PowerShellCopy