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Error: Code 37 - Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware.


How to fix the Device Manager Error 37 Code 37

This article features Error Code 37, also known as Code 37 and its description is Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware.


About Device Manager

Each device you connect to your computer has a compatible driver to help you run processes that utilize that component. You will find a list of all devices within the computer in the Device Manager's hardware device properties. When something is wrong with these components, you will see indicators on that list. These indicators will give you an idea whether it is a driver issue, a conflict with system resource or other devices. You may see an exclamation point, a question mark or a down arrow on the list.

Device Manager errors come with error messages that describe the situation you are having with your computer hardware. Known as hardware error codes, these tell you exactly which part of the computer is having an issue. When you come across Device Manager error codes, you can correct the problem by making changes in the Device Manager section.

The Device Manager window and its contents are similar in all Windows version. To view status of components in Device Manager, you can simply search for the term "Device Manager" or run the process "devmgmt.msc".


Definitions (Beta)

Here we list some definitions for the words contained in your error, in an attempt to help you understand your problem. This is a work in progress, so sometimes we might define the word incorrectly, so feel free to skip this section!

  • Device - Electronic devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, electronic hardware and platforms.
  • Device driver - A device driver is a specialized software component usually considered "system software" which allows a system to interact with a particular type or class of hardware device, such as a keyboard, serial port, disk drive, video display, memory controller, or other peripheral.
  • Driver - Device driver or software driver is a computer program allowing higher-level computer programs to interact with a hardware device
  • Hardware - Programming questions related to the physical components of a computer
  • Windows - GENERAL WINDOWS SUPPORT IS OFF-TOPIC
  • Initialize - Initialization deals with the task of initializing the contents of your data structure

Symptoms of Code 37 - Code 37

As previously discussed, you will see indicators on the Device Manager window when you are experiencing problems with it. The problematic device might have a red X mark, an exclamation point or a question mark or a down arrow on it depending on what case you are facing.

An exclamation point denotes your computer detects a device but doesn't recognize it but if you see a question mark with an exclamation point, there may be conflicts between two devices connected to your computer. A red X mark means that your operating system cannot find the device, it might have been disabled or needs to be reconnected or rediscovered by your computer. A down arrow means a device is temporarily disabled.

Other than icon indicators on Device Manager, you may also receive errors that will tell you the symptoms your computer is displaying.


Fix Code 37 (Error Error 37)
(For illustrative purposes only)



Causes of Code 37 - Error 37

Regardless of the kind of Device Manager error you are getting, these errors are normally caused by the following:

  • Recent changes made in the system such as installation of a new program or hardware
  • Registry changes due to other error troubleshooting
  • Updates that your computer automatically installed
  • Virus infection that targets Device Manager settings
  • Not enough memory
  • Defective hardware due to normal device wear and tear

Repair Methods

There is no need to be afraid of receiving a Device Manager error. Device Manager errors are tools that help us properly identifying which component or software you need to troubleshoot.

If a repair method works for you, please click the upvote button to the left of the answer, this will let other users know which repair method is currently working the best.

Please note: Neither ErrorVault.com nor it's writers claim responsibility for the results of the actions taken from employing any of the repair methods listed on this page - you complete these steps at your own risk.

up vote 3 down vote accepted
You may do the following to install Windows Updates:
  • Click Start, Search for Update.
  • You will see Windows Update as one of the listed search items, click it.
  • This will automatically run a search for the most recent updates you should have. You may want to check the descriptions of the updates and install only those that are compatible with your system.
Peripherals may also cause issues on your computer. So, to eliminate the errors caused by these, you can simply unplug the device from your computer. Reboot your computer to help it remember your changes.

It is the simplest single step you perform to correct problems with your device. Whenever you get a Device Manager error, first thing you would want to do is to restart your computer and let your computer go back to previous setup without reinstalling or restoring your OS.

Also, keep it a habit to turn your computer off after use. It's an easy enough task to do and very helpful in maintaining proper system operations. Leaving your computer on a sleep or hibernate mode can shorten the life of your computer anyway, so, again, make it a point to shut down your computer after every usage.

Changes done to your computer can mess up your driver. If that happens, you can either reinstall your driver or update it. To do that, you can do the following.
  • If you received a Device Manager error code, take note of the description so you can pinpoint the driver or the component that is causing the error
  • Launch device manager by either searching for Device Manager or running "devmgmt.msc"
  • Find the driver on the list and right click on it
  • Click Uninstall in case you want to reinstall the driver, or Update Driver Software if you are trying to update it.
  • You will see a confirmation window, make sure the Delete driver software item is unchecked.
  • Click ok then reboot your computer.

You may alternately do this:

  • You may manually download the driver from the manufacturer.
  • Run it to replace the current driver you are using.
  • Once done, let your computer reboot.
You may also go back to the original driver your computer came with. To do that:
  • On Device Manager, find the problematic driver.
  • Right click the device and click Properties.
  • When you see the Properties window, click the Driver tab.
  • You will see the Roll Back Driver button, click that.
  • Confirm the rollback by clicking Yes when you see a question that says "Are you sure you would like to roll back to the previously installed driver software?"
  • Restart your computer after this.
For Window 7
  • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
  • Click System Restore and then click Next.
  • Choose your restore point when you know your computer is doing fine
  • Keep clicking Next and the click Finish
  • It will take time so be patient, wait for the operation to completely stop
For Windows 8, 8.1 or 10
  • Right-click the Start button, then click System.
  • Once in System window, click System and Security.
  • Tap System and on the left side, click System protection.
  • Click System Restore, follow the instruction to select your restore point and then click Next until you see the Finish button.
  • Wait for the restore process to finish.
Other languages:

Wie beheben Fehler 37 (Code 37) - Windows kann den Gerätetreiber für diese Hardware nicht initialisieren.
Come fissare Errore 37 (Codice 37) - Windows non può inizializzare il driver del dispositivo per questo hardware.
Hoe maak je Fout 37 (Code 37) - Windows kan het apparaatstuurprogramma voor deze hardware niet initialiseren.
Comment réparer Erreur 37 (Code 37) - Windows ne peut pas initialiser le pilote de périphérique pour ce matériel.
어떻게 고치는 지 오류 37 (코드 37) - Windows에서 이 하드웨어의 장치 드라이버를 초기화할 수 없습니다.
Como corrigir o Erro 37 (Código 37) - O Windows não pode inicializar o driver de dispositivo para este hardware.
Hur man åtgärdar Fel 37 (Kod 37) - Windows kan inte initiera enhetsdrivrutinen för denna maskinvara.
Как исправить Ошибка 37 (Код 37) - Windows не может инициализировать драйвер устройства для этого оборудования.
Jak naprawić Błąd 37 (Kod 37) - System Windows nie może zainicjować sterownika urządzenia dla tego sprzętu.
Cómo arreglar Error 37 (Código 37) - Windows no puede inicializar el controlador de dispositivo para este hardware.




The Author About The Author: Phil Hart has been a Microsoft Community Contributor since 2010. With a current point score over 100,000, they've contributed more than 3000 answers in the Microsoft Support forums and have created almost 200 new help articles in the Technet Wiki.


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Last Updated:
19/02/24 10:40 : A iPhone user voted that repair method 6 worked for them.

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Article ID: ACX01660EN

Applies To: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000

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