USB Device Cannot Start Code 10: Causes and Fixes

User Query

What Does "USB Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" Means?

The error "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" means theWindows fails to properly initialize or communicate with a (MTP) USB device. Even though the device may show up in Device Manager with a yellow exclamation mark, it cannot load the required drivers or establish a stable connection, so it won’t appear in File Explorer, Disk Management, or diskpart.

Simply put: Windows detects that something is plugged in, but it cannot get the device to work.

Check also: unknown USB device descriptor request failed

Why "This Device Cannot Start Code 10" Error Occurs on USB?

This happens when communication between the operating system and the USB device fails. Several underlying issues can trigger this, including:

• Corrupted, missing, or incompatible USB drivers
• Power supply issues (USB port not supplying enough power)
• Conflicts with other connected USB devices
• Faulty USB ports or damaged cables/adapters
• Internal failure of the USB drive or its controller chip
• Outdated Windows system files or firmware

How to Fix "USB Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" Error?

Below is a structured, step-by-step troubleshooting guide. The methods progress from the simplest checks to advanced system-level fixes. Follow the list in order and stop once your USB device starts working.

Quick checklist (do these first):✎...

Reboot the PC and check Device Manager again.

Use another computer to rule out hardware failure.

Method 1. Try a Different USB Port

Sometimes the port itself is unstable or insufficient in power output.

• Switch between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports
• Try rear motherboard ports for better power stability (especially on desktops)

If the device initializes normally, the original port was faulty. If the error is still there, proceeding to the next method.

Method 2. Check the USB Cable

Many users find that devices work fine on USB 2.0 ports but fail on USB 3.0 ports, causing Windows to throw the Code 10 error. This usually happens when the cable isn’t certified for USB 3.0 or 3.1. To fix this, try using a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 certified cable. If the device works normally with the other cable, your original cable is the problem.

How to Know if Your USB Device Needs USB 3.0 or 2.0:✎...

Check the device specs – the manual or official website usually says USB 3.0 or 2.0.

Look at the port: USB 3.0 is often blue or marked with SS (SuperSpeed); USB 2.0 is usually black or white

Method 3. Update the Driver

Windows relies on the driver to communicate correctly with the USB device. If the driver is missing, outdated, or corrupted, the device may fail to initialize, resulting in a Code 10 error. If so, we can try updating the driver ensures that Windows has the correct instructions to operate the device properly.

Step 1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).

Step 2. Find the problematic device under Disk drives or Universal Serial Bus controllers.

Step 3. Right-click → Update driver → Search automatically for updated driver software.

Method 4. Reset the Device via Device Manager

If updating the disk driver does not resolve the "USB Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" error, try resetting the device. This forces Windows to recognize it as a new device and reinstall the drivers cleanly. Doing so often fixes initialization errors like Code 10, as it clears any corrupted or misconfigured driver settings and allows the device to function properly.

Step 1. Open Device Manager. Locate the device with a yellow exclamation mark under Disk drives or USB controllers.

Step 2. Right-click → "Uninstall device".

Step 3. From the Device Manager menu, choose "Action"→ "Scan for hardware changes".

Restart your computer and verify if the device now works.

Method 5. Adjust Power & USB Selective Suspend Settings

Sometimes Windows’ power management settings can cause USB devices to stop working, leading to a Code 10 error. Disabling selective suspend can help.

Step 1. Press "Win + S", type Control Panel, and open it.

Step 2. Go to "Hardware and Sound"→ "Power Options".

Step 3. Click "Change plan settings" next to your current power plan.

Step 4. Then click "Change advanced power settings".

Step 5. Expand "USB settings"→ "USB selective suspend setting". Set it to "Disabled".

Click Apply → OK, then restart your PC.

Method 6. Check Windows System Files and Plug-and-Play Services

Sometimes USB "Device Cannot Start Code 10" error occurs because essential Windows system files are corrupted or the Plug and Play service is not running. Verifying these can help restore USB functionality.

What is Plug and Play Service?

A Windows system service that automatically detects, configures, and manages hardware devices, ensuring peripherals like USB drives, keyboards, and printers work without manual setup.

Step 1. Check System Files

Press Win + S, type "cmd", right-click "Command Prompt"→ "Run as administrator".Enter the command: sfc /scannow

Wait for Windows to scan and repair any corrupted system files.

Step 2. Verify Plug and Play Service

Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter.

Locate Plug and Play, double-click it. Set Startup type to Automatic and make sure the service is Running. Click "Apply → OK".

After the scan and service check, restart the computer and test the USB device.

Method 7. Remove Hidden or Ghost USB Devices

Sometimes Windows retains records of previously connected USB devices that are no longer present. These hidden or ghost devices can cause conflicts and trigger USB device Code 10 errors. Removing them can help resolve the issue.

Step 1. Open Device Manager,click "View"→ "Show hidden devices".

Step 2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. Look for any devices that appear faded or greyed out. Right-click the faded device → "Uninstall device". Repeat for all hidden/ghost USB devices.

After removal, restart your computer to let Windows refresh the USB device list. This clears conflicts caused by leftover device entries and often fixes persistent Code 10 errors.

Method 8. Clean Problematic USB Registry Entries (Advanced)

Sometimes corrupted or outdated registry entries related to USB devices can cause Code 10 errors. Cleaning these entries can help, but modifying the registry is risky—incorrect changes may cause system instability. Always back up your registry first.

★Check also: how to restore deleted files From registry editor

Step 1. Press "Win + R", type "regedit" in the Run dialogue, and press Enterto open registry editor.

Step 2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB

Step 3. Look for entries corresponding to the problematic USB device (match by Device ID or Vendor ID).

Step 4. Right-click the specific device entry → Delete.(Do not delete the entire USB key, only entries for the device causing issues.)

Restart Your PC and Windows will recreate fresh registry entries for the device.

Method 9. Use System Restore to Undo Recent Device Manager Related Changes

Sometimes the MTP USB "device cannot start code 10" error occurs after recent changes in Device Manager, such as driver updates or uninstalls. Using System Restore allows you to roll back Windows to a state before those changes, potentially fixing the issue.

Step 1. Press "Win + S", type "Create a restore point", and open it.

Step 2. In the System Properties window, click "System Restore".

Step 3. Select a restore point dated before the USB device started showing Code 10 errors. Click "Next"to continue.

Step 4. Review your selection and click "Finish".

Windows will restart and apply the restore.After the restore completes, test the USB device to see if it now works correctly.

Note:✎...

System Restore does not affect personal files, but it will undo recent system changes, such as driver installations or updates.

Method 10. Consider Professional Data Recovery

If all previous troubleshooting methods fail and your USB device still shows a Code 10 error, the problem may be due to hardware failure or severe corruption. At this point, professional data recovery services or software may be the safest option.

🟢Avoid using the faulty device – Continuing to connect or power it may increase the risk of data loss.

🟢Data Recovery Software – Use reliable programs, such as MyRecover, to scan, search for all missing files and restore files from inaccessible drives.

🟢Professional Data Recovery Service – If software cannot recover the data, consider sending the device to a certified lab for professional recovery.

Final Verdict

The "USB Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" error is one of the most common yet frustrating USB issues in Windows. While the message simply indicates that the device failed to initialize, the root cause can stem from anything—driver conflicts, faulty cables, unstable USB ports, corrupted system files, or even internal hardware failure.

By following the step-by-step methods above, you can usually pinpoint the cause and restore normal functionality. If the USB device still refuses to start, the issue is likely related to physical damage or controller failure. In such scenarios, avoid repeatedly reconnecting the drive and consider using data recovery software or professional recovery services to protect your data.