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Fix: Windows Can’t Initialize Device Driver for This Hardware

Try rolling back to a previous driver version for a quick fix

5 min. read

Updated onAugust 16, 2024

updated onAugust 16, 2024

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Key notes

The error code 37 means that Windows has detected a problem with the device driver and cannot start the hardware device. This means that the software device driver is not properly installed on your system or that thehardware you are trying to use is incompatible with Windows.

You already know drivers are essential for the smooth operation of devices, so this error needs to be addressed immediately if you’re to use the hardware device. In this article, we show you various ways to bypass this error.

What causes the Windows error code 37?

When you get theWindows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware. (code 37)message, it can be caused by several issues, including:

Other noteworthy errors with the same code include:

How do you fix Windows Cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware code 37?

A few workarounds to try before the main solutions include:

1. Run the SFC scan

2. Run a virus scan

3. Scan for hardware changes

4. Update device drivers

Another straightforward route that will yield faster and more accurate results includes introducing a third-party tool. Updating drivers manually can be cumbersome and doesn’t always yield the intended results.

Outbyte Driver Updater, on the other hand, is a trusted driver updater utility that detects outdated drivers, scans from its comprehensive database, then downloads and installs the correct driver for you.

Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Reinstall the device driver

6. Rollback to the previous driver version

In another related issue, you may also find that youcan’t initialize the disk, orcan’t initialize graphics devicebut our detailed articles have various ways you can force your drive to work again.

Users also came across the code 39 error whereWindows was unable to load the device driver, but we answer all queries in our guide.

Be sure to leave any additional thoughts on this topic down below.

Fix: Windows Can’t Initialize Device Driver for This Hardware#

What causes the Windows error code 37?#

How do you fix Windows Cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware code 37?#

1. Run the SFC scan#

2. Run a virus scan#

3. Scan for hardware changes#

4. Update device drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

5. Reinstall the device driver#

6. Rollback to the previous driver version#