Windows 10: USB Error Code 38

Since the last update of Windows 10 I have been getting the error code 38 for any USB device that I use. If I restart my computer put the USB in, then it will work. But if I take it out and then put it back in I get the error code 38. It does not matter if I use safely eject hardware or not, or what port I use. Also if I use 1 USB I cannot use another one with out restarting.I have tried disable and enable, uninstalling the driver and reinstalling, updating, and rollback is not an option. Restarting seems to be the only solution, but I don't want have to restart my computer every time I need u

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USB Devices not work - code 38

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are receiving an error Code 38 for USB mass storage device. I’ll certainly help you with the issue.



The error code 38 states that Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. It is caused because the driver could not be loaded because a previous instance is still loaded.
For more information, see
Error codes in Device Manager in Windows.



I would suggest you to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:



Method 1: Reboot your computer



The simplest way would be to reboot your computer and check if that helps.



Method 2: Rollback the driver



If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try rollback the driver and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press and hold the Windows key + X, and select
   Device manager.
   
2. In Device manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   
3. Right click on USB Mass Storage device and select
   Properties.
   
4. Navigate to the Driver tab and click on
   Roll Back Driver.
   
5. Restart the computer.
   

Method 3: Reinstalling the driver



If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try reinstalling the driver and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press and hold the Windows key + X, and select
   Device manager.
   
2. In Device manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   
3. Right click on the USB Mass Storage
   device and click on Uninstall.
   
4. Uncheck the box Delete the driver software for this device
   and click on OK.
   
5. Restart the computer.
   

Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Error Code 38- Problem with USB Printers

I have visited Vinodh Kumar comments on Error Code 38...I had a problem for two days on my two printers with that code. Under Universal Serial Bus controllers,I have seven different Host controllers. Which one has to do with the printer problems? There
are over 20 items under USB controllers. I have the latest Wdos 10 program and he latest updates as of today.

* Moved from Community Participation Center

* Original title: Eror Code 38

 

Error code 38 on usb

Hi,

I have windows 10 version 1709 & am up to update KB4093105 (which i believe is the latest).

My USB is not working when my computer is started from cold.......to expand on this............when i plug in my usb i get '' windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device is still in the memory (code
38)''.

I have tried updating the driver, disabling the device & uninstalling the device in device manager but this does not cure the fault, i also ran the troubleshooter that detects the fault but doesnt fix it.

When i restart the computer the usb works once until its disconnected, then when plug in again the error 38 appears again.

This may have happened after i installed update KB4093110 but i am not sure on that.

Does anybody have any ideas on how i can cure this problem?.

Mike