Windows cannot load the Device Driver for this hardware, Code 38

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When external devices like printers, scanners, etc. are connected to a Windows eleven/ten organisation, the device either pushes the drivers through the USB (or whatsoever other mail service), or the user is expected to install the drivers through external media. In both cases, the driver loads in the system, afterward which nosotros tin use the device. Notwithstanding, in some cases, you may see the following error in the device backdrop or Device Manager.:

Windows cannot load the Device Driver for this hardware because a previous case of the Device Commuter is nonetheless in retention (Code 38).

Windows cannot load the Device Driver for this hardware, Lawmaking 38

If y'all receive this error Windows cannot load the device driver (Code 38) in the Device Manager, information technology ways that a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. Every time a device is used, the commuter is loaded into memory, and and then unloaded. This error may occur if the OS loads the unwanted commuter or fails to unload the commuter. The causes behind this issue could be as follows:

An obsolete version of the driver is still installed on the system.
The USB drivers might not exist updated.
Third-political party programs might exist interfering with the installation.

The easiest fashion to resolve this event is to restart your Windows 10 reckoner. This way the OS will completely offload everything from memory and start fresh. If that does not assist, proceed with the post-obit solutions:

Uninstall previously installed drivers and reinstall the newer version from the manufacturer'south website
Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Re-install USB drivers
Run the system in clean kicking

1] Uninstall previously installed drivers and reinstall the newer version from the manufacturer'southward website

This error in this give-and-take is pretty common while loading drivers for printers and scanner. 1 reason is that their software and drivers come up along with a bundle, usually in an external media (CD/DVD). Thus, when users install the software bundle, at that place'south a take a chance that a newer version has been launched by the manufacturer.

In such a example, uninstall the previously installed driver package, download the drivers from the manufacturer's website and install information technology.

2] Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will verify issues related to hardware connected to the system (especially external ones) and fixes the issue is possible.

Go to Start > Settings > Updates & Security > Troubleshoot. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter from the list.

3] Re-install USB drivers

USB drivers can be updated from the Device Managing director. Printing Win + R to open up the Run window and type the command devmgmt.msc. Press Enter to open the Device Manager.

Expand the listing for USB drivers, right-click on each of the drivers, and select update driver.

iv] Run the arrangement in Clean Kick

In instance any tertiary-party software is causing interference, running the organization in Clean Kick could aid. The purpose is to brand sure that another plan that uses a similar driver doesn't trigger the same at startup. While in Clean Boot Land, you could also manually troubleshoot the issue further.

PS: You may as well Turn off Memory Integrity setting if Windows cannot load a driver and run into if that helps.

More Device Manager Fault Lawmaking & their solutions here.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-twelvemonth Microsoft MVP (2006-sixteen) & a Windows Insider MVP. Please read the entire post & the comments kickoff, create a System Restore Indicate before making whatever changes to your system & exist careful nearly whatsoever 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.