Device Manager shows the message “This device cannot start. Try upgrading the device drivers for this device. (Code 10)” on a network adapter when Windows loads the driver but the driver cannot start the hardware. The adapter is detected, but it cannot work.
The fix, in order
Update the driver. In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, choose Properties, go to the Driver tab, and choose Update Driver. If Windows finds nothing, check for optional driver updates under Windows Update.
Install the driver from the maker. Download the latest driver from the computer or adapter maker's official support site, using another device if this PC has no network, and install it from a USB drive.
Uninstall and reinstall the device. In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, choose Uninstall device, then restart. Windows reinstalls the driver on boot.
Roll back the driver. If the problem started after a driver update, open the adapter properties, go to the Driver tab, and choose Roll Back Driver.
Try another slot or port. For a USB adapter, try a different USB port. For an internal card, reseating it can help, but only if the device is out of warranty.
Check for a Windows update. Some Code 10 faults are fixed by a Windows update that replaces a broken driver, so install any pending updates.
Only download drivers from the maker's official support site. Driver download portals and driver updater tools are a common source of malware, and the wrong driver can make a Code 10 worse.
If it still happens
If Code 10 persists with the correct driver from the maker, the adapter hardware itself has likely failed. A USB network adapter is a cheap way to confirm it and a practical replacement. On a laptop under warranty, use the warranty rather than opening the case.
Common questions
What does Code 10 mean? It means Windows loaded the driver but the driver could not start the device. The hardware is detected, but the driver and the hardware are not working together.
Can a Windows update cause Code 10? Yes. An update can replace a working driver with one that does not match the hardware, which produces Code 10. Rolling back the driver or installing the maker's driver fixes it.