Fix: (Code 38) Windows Cannot Load Device Driver

Updating the drivers is often very useful in fixing the problem

by Afam Onyimadu
Afam Onyimadu
Afam Onyimadu
Editor
Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems, dating back to his introduction... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
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  • This error typically indicates a problem with a device driver that Windows is attempting to load. 
  • In most cases, the device driver is corrupted, damaged, not installed correctly, or missing.
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Are you experiencing the error message Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38 when you try to connect an external drive, such as a memory card, USB stick, external hard drive, or SD card, to your computer?

A few of our readers have experienced this, so our guide will explain why you may encounter the error, as well as give you some practical fixes.

Why am I seeing Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38?

There are a few causes for this error, including the following:

  • Driver corruption – If you are running on an outdated or corrupt driver, you will likely encounter the error.
  • Missing drivers – Sometimes, the error is triggered because your computer does not have the driver needed to run a specific hardware unit.
  • Hard disk unresponsiveness – Users will get the error if their hard disk has been turned off, which accounts for many instances of the problem.
  • Hardware errors – There could be a problem with the connected hardware unit, which may need to be repaired or replaced.

How do I fix Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38?

You may start with these workarounds before exploring further fixes.

  • Check for hardware failure – You may connect the external device to a different computer to ascertain it is not faulty.
  • Restart the computer – Press Shift while turning off the computer to ensure on the next restart, it comes from a total shutdown.

If the problem remains after the above, you should proceed to the solutions below.

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  3. Type in the script below and hit Enter.
    msdt.exe /id DeviceDiagnostic
    windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38
  4. Click on Advanced.
    windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38
  5. Select Apply repairs automatically and hit Next.
    windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38
  6. Click on the Apply this fix option.
    windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38
  7. Verify the solution fixes Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38.

2. Ensure the hard disk is on

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type control and hit Enter.
    windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38
  3. Select Large icons on the View by option, then click on Power Options.
    windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38
  4. Click Change plan settings.
  5. Select Change advanced power settings.
  6. Type never in the On battery (minutes) text field.
  7. Click Apply and OK to save the changes, then verify it fixes Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38.

3. Update drivers

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the category relating to the device that triggered the error. In most cases, this is Sound, video and game controllers. Right-click on your driver and click Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for driver.
  4. After the update, verify it fixes Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38.
Most of the time, the generic drivers for your PC’s hardware and peripherals are not properly updated by the system. There are key differences between a generic driver and a manufacturer’s driver.Searching for the right driver version for each of your hardware components can become tedious. That’s why an automated assistant can help you find and update your system with the correct drivers every time, and we strongly recommend DriverFix. Here’s how to do it:
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  3. Wait for the detection of all your faulty drivers.
  4. DriverFix will now show you all the drivers that have issues, and you just need to select the ones you’d liked fixed.
  5. Wait for the app to download and install the newest drivers.
  6. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
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4. Perform a clean boot

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type msconfig and hit Enter.
  3. Under the General tab, click Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
  4. Click the Services tab, tick Hide all Microsoft services, then click the Disable all button.
  5. Click the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
  6. Finally, click on each startup app and select Disable.
  7. Now you will have to enable this startup item while restarting the computer one by one to verify which one triggers Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware code 38.
  8. Once discovered, you may uninstall the app or repair it if possible.

These fixes should suffice to fix code 38. Remember that we recommend starting from the initial pre-solutions as they may save you time and effort of further troubleshooting.

After the workarounds, you may start with any other solution that seems most applicable to your case.

Please reach out to us in the comments section below, and tell us what worked.

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