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DEVICE MANAGER ERROR · CM_PROB_DEVICE_NOT_THERE

Code 24: This Device Is Not Present or Not Working

Windows has the device in its list but cannot find it working. The hardware may be absent or failing, or its drivers incomplete. Devices also sit in this state after being prepared for removal.

WHAT WINDOWS SHOWS

This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed. (Code 24)

Wording from Microsoft's documentation for CM_PROB_DEVICE_NOT_THERE. Device Manager shows it on the General tab of the device's Properties.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Code24
Windows nameCM_PROB_DEVICE_NOT_THERE
Where you see itDevice Manager > the device's Properties > General > Device status
In Tweaky DriverNeeds attention

What causes Code 24

  • Bad hardware, or a new driver is needed (Microsoft Learn).
  • The device was prepared for removal; the code goes away once it is removed.
  • A driver's start-up routine detected the device and then failed.

How to fix Code 24, 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. 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. Check the device is really there

    On the PC used for this page (Windows 11 build 26300, 11 November 2026), the standard PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse entries both showed Code 24 while no PS/2 device was plugged in; the USB keyboard and mouse worked normally. An entry for a port you do not use is not a fault.

    To undo: Nothing to undo: this only reads information.

  3. Remove the device (Microsoft Support's fix)

    Microsoft Support's resolution is to remove the device, after which the error goes away: right-click it in Device Manager and choose Uninstall device. If it is real hardware you use, reconnect or reseat it, then scan for hardware changes.

    To undo: Action > Scan for hardware changes adds it back if the hardware is present, or apply the restore point.

  4. If the hardware is present, update its driver

    Microsoft notes that a new driver might be needed. Update it from Device Manager or install the manufacturer's current driver.

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

Check it yourself

  1. 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_DEVICE_NOT_THERE. No administrator rights needed; nothing is changed.

    pnputil /enum-devices /problem 24
    cmd

  2. 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 24 } |
  Format-Table Status, Class, FriendlyName, Problem
    PowerShell

What Tweaky Driver does with Code 24

Needs attention

Tweaky Driver lists a Code 24 device under Diagnostics > Devices as Needs attention, with the note that the device may be absent, incompletely configured or failing and that its physical connection and intended use are worth checking. It offers no driver for it and removes nothing.

Tweaky Driver, the driver checker that shows its sources — free for Windows 10 and 11.

Common questions

Why does a PS/2 keyboard show Code 24 when I use a USB keyboard?

Windows can keep entries for the PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports even when nothing is plugged into them. On the PC used for this page both showed Code 24 with no PS/2 device attached. If your keyboard and mouse work, the entries are not a problem.

Is Code 24 a hardware failure?

It can be. Microsoft lists bad hardware as one cause, alongside a missing driver and a device prepared for removal. Check whether the device is present and working before replacing anything.

How do I clear Code 24?

Microsoft Support's resolution is to remove the device; the error goes away once it is removed. For hardware you use, reconnect it and update its driver instead.