This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10): Wi-Fi Error and How to Fix It

When your Wi-Fi connection is no longer working, and the Device Manager shows the following: This device cannot start. (Code 10), it is typically an indicator that Windows does not know how to start your wireless network adapter. Consequently, your computer will not be able to understand the availability of the Wi-Fi networks, or lose the internet connection entirely.

The error commonly presents itself following an update to Windows, when installing a driver or as a result of corrupted network drivers. Although it might be a hardware crash, the issue is often software and can typically be fixed through a couple of troubleshooting measures.

What Is “This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)” Error?

Code 10 error is a windows error that shows that Windows could not boot a piece of hardware. Once it touches your Wi-Fi adapter, the wireless network card will be unable to perform its duties and your system will be without Wi-Fi.

When in the Device Manager, you will normally find a yellow warning sign associated with the wireless adapter as well as the statement that the device is incapable of booting. (Code 10).

Common Symptoms

How to Fix “This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)” Error

1. Restart Your Computer

Windows services can be restarted to refresh, and the network driver can be reloaded. In case the mistake was due to a temporary software fault a reboot of your PC could help.

2. Disable and Enable the Wi-Fi Adapter

Refreshing the adapter can restore communication between Windows and the hardware.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.
4. Select Disable device.
5. Wait a few seconds.
6. Right-click again and choose Enable device.

Check if the Wi-Fi starts working again.

3. Update the Wi-Fi Driver

Another most frequent user of a Code 10 error is due to old or damaged drivers.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click the wireless adapter.
3. Select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

4. Reinstall the Driver

In case the update process fails, reinstalling the driver can replace damaged files.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter.
3. Choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC.

Windows will usually reinstall the driver automatically during startup.

5. Install the Latest Driver from the Manufacturer

If Windows installs the wrong driver, download the latest version directly from your laptop or Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer’s website. Make sure the driver matches your Windows version and device model.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve hardware compatibility.

Go to:

Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Quick Troubleshooting Table

End Note

The “This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)” Wi-Fi error is typically due to the driver issues or the inability of Windows to know the wireless adapter. Luckily, updating, reinstalling, or changing network drivers helps to resolve the problem for most users. In the case an error presents itself even after these solutions have been tried, the Wi-Fi adapter might be faulty and need inspection or replacement.

FAQs

What does “This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)” mean?

It means Windows is unable to boot the hardware device due to a driver, software or hardware problem.

Can a driver update fix the Code 10 error?

Yes. The issue is usually solved by updating or reinstalling the appropriate Wi-Fi driver.

Is Code 10 always a hardware issue?

No. Most of the time, bad or incompatible drivers are the cause of the error and not the faulty hardware.

Why did the error appear after a Windows update?

A Windows update could install an incompatible driver or cause a conflict with the existing network adapter driver.

When should I replace my Wi-Fi adapter?

When the Code 10 error remains even after various reinstalls and updates of Windows, the adapter could be faulty and may require to replace it.