Windows 10: RealtekR Audio This device cannot start. Code 10

I have HP Elitebook 830 G6 running Windows 11. The Audio Drivers are not working which is a very huge issue for me. Here is the error description:This device cannot start. Code 10 {Device Timeout} The specified I/O operation on %hs was not completed before the time-out period expired. The audio device is working correctly on Linux so it is not a hardware issue. Please help me fix this. I have contacted Microsoft Help and they were unable to fix it, reinstalling drivers, windows and everything I have tried.

:)

 

High Definition Audio Controller cannot start. This device cannot start. (Code 10).

Hi,

As you are facing issues with accessing the audio and installing the audio drivers, do not worry we will help you with this issue.

We appreciate your interest in resolving the issue.

Provide us additional information to assist you better:

• What is the make and model of your device?
• Have you made any changes to the operating system prior to this issue?

Let us try the below troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and check if it helps.

Method 1: Try to run the troubleshooters to fix audio issues.

Step 1: Fix the driver issues.

Press Windows + X keys from the keyboard, click on
Device Manager and on Scan for hardware changes.

Step 2: I suggest you to run
Hardware and Devices troubleshooter as it checks for common problems and makes sure that any new device or hardware connected to your PC is installed correctly.

• Press Windows key from the keyboard, type
  Troubleshooting and select it.
• Click on view all option on the upper left corner of
  Troubleshooting window.
• Select the Hardware and Device
  options from the list.
• Click Next to run the
  Hardware and Device Troubleshooter.

Method 2: I recommend you to download the audio drivers for the manufacturer's website, uninstall the existing ones, try to re-install the latest drivers manually and check if it helps.

Step 1: Uninstall the Audio driver.

Steps:

• Press Windows + X keys from the keyboard, click on
  Device Manager.
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right click on the driver and click on
  Uninstall.

Step 2: Refer to the article by Andre Da Costa
to install the latest driver: How to: Install and Update drivers in Windows 10

Also, refer to the Microsoft article about Error codes in Device Manager in Windows


Hope it helps. Get back to us with the required information and updated status of this issue for further assistance.

Thank you.

 

Unable to install Realtek Audio driver, Error: This device cannot start. (Code 10)

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

To be able to assist you in a better way, we will need a few more information from you:

• What is the make and model of your computer?
  

However, you can follow the steps mentioned below to install the Realtek drivers:

Method 1: Update the driver

To update the driver please refer the section Code 10 "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" from the article

Error codes in Device Manager in Windows.

Method 2: Check hidden devices

We can check if the Realtek audio driver is hidden and then try updating the driver. Please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Press and hold Windows key + X.
   
2. Select Device manager.
   
3. Click on View and select
   Show hidden devices.
   
4. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   
5. Right click on Realtek High Definition Audio and click on
   Update driver.
   
6. Click on Browse my computer for driver software.
   
7. Click on Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
   
8. Select the driver and click on Next to install the drivers.
   
9. Restart the computer.
   

Hope it helps.

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Windows 10: USB Audio device "cannot start (Code 10)"

I just bought a RadioShack Microphone Adapter 33-331. It's a XLR to mini USB converter. Supposed to be plug-and-play, but sadly doesn't work.

The device gets recognized as an audio device, however, when checking the properties of the device in the "Devices and Printers" dialogue and then clicking on Hardware, I get "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" from one of the components:





Here are some steps I tried that you might try as well if you have a similar problem:

• Scanned windows for corrupt system files and replaced them by typing sfc \scannow into a terminal with admin privilegues