Why my device manager is not opening?
On Windows 10, every device (keyboard, mouse, motherboard, processor, memory, etc.) connected to your computer generates a status code in Device Manager, which reports whether the hardware is operational or if it has issues. Show
If you're noticing problems with a specific piece of hardware or a device shows a yellow exclamation, red "X," or down arrow mark, understanding its operational status should be one of the first steps to diagnose and try to fix the issue. In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to determine the status of the hardware installed on your computer as well as the steps to troubleshoot and resolve common problems.
How to check hardware status using Device ManagerTo check the status of the hardware installed on your computer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, if the status reads "This device is working properly," then the hardware is not experiencing issues connecting to Windows 10. If the component isn't working correctly, then you'll see a description of the problem with an error code. For example, if you see "error code 22," then it means that the device has been disabled, and you must enable it to address the problem. How to fix hardware status problems on Windows 10The status of a piece of hardware connected to your computer can show many status codes available, and depending on the message, the solution may have different steps. Below you'll find a list with the most common error codes and recommendations to resolve them. Fixing Device Manager error codes reinstalling driverThe following list includes the error codes along with their respective description that you can resolve by updating the driver package:
Resolution If you see any of the errors outlined above, reinstalling the driver may fix the issue. To reinstall a device driver, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 should detect and install the driver for the device automatically. If the problem persists, try to update the driver with these steps:
In the case that Windows Update doesn't have the latest update that fixes the problem, you may need to check your manufacturer support website to download the latest available driver package and use their instructions to update the device. Fixing Device Manager error codes restarting computerThe following list includes the error codes along with their respective description that you can resolve by restarting your computer:
Resolution These are non-critical problems, and you can resolve them by restarting your computer. To restart your computer, close any running application, and use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the computer will restart, and Device Manager should no longer display any of the errors outlined above. Fixing Device Manager error codes without any stepsThe following list includes the error codes and description that you can simply ignore:
ResolutionYou don't need to perform any additional steps. This warning only indicates that the device has been disconnected. Fixing Device Manager error codes with BIOS/UEFIThe following list includes the error codes that you can resolve adjusting the motherboard settings: Error code 33 and 35 messages
Resolution To enable the device within the BIOS or UEFI, use these general steps:
Once you complete the steps, if you're dealing with error code 29, then enable the device within the firmware interface. If you're dealing with error code 36, then change the settings of the IRQ reservation to resolve the conflict (if applicable). The motherboard firmware is different per manufacturer and per computer model. If you need more specific instructions, it's recommended to check your device manufacturer support website. Error code 33 and 35 messages
Resolution To resolve this issue, check your manufacturer support website to download and install the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) on your motherboard. If the problem persists, contact your hardware manufacturer for assistance, or replace the hardware with the problem. Fixing Device Manager error codes with specific instructionsThe following list includes specific Device Manager error codes and their respective instructions to resolve them: Error code 9 message Windows cannot identify this hardware because it does not have a valid hardware identification number. For assistance, contact the hardware manufacturer. Resolution The device was detected with an invalid unique identifier. If you get this error, contact your device manufacturer for assistance. Error code 12 message This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use. If you want to use this device, you will need to disable one of the other devices on this system. Resolution The error code indicates that two components are using the same interrupt, memory access, or ports. Or the firmware didn't allocate enough resources for the component. Use the device troubleshooter to diagnose and resolve the issue.
If the troubleshooter couldn't fix the problem, you may need to disable the device using these steps:
Alternatively, if the problem persists, check your device manufacturer support website for more specific steps, or contact technical support directly. Error code 16 message Windows cannot identify all the resources this device uses. To specify additional resources for this device, click the Resources tab, and fill in the missing settings. Check your hardware documentation to find out what settings to use. Resolution The hardware configuration is partially complete. To resolve this issue, check your device manufacturer support website for more specific steps, or contact technical support directly to resolve this issue. If you're dealing with a Plug and Play device, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, error code 16 should disappear, and the device should start working normally. Error code 19 message Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. Resolution You'll see this error when there's a problem with the service key, or more than one service has been defined for the hardware. To resolve this problem, uninstall and install the driver again using these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Windows Kernel debugging feature will disable, helping the hardware to start working again. |