Code 18 - Reinstall the Drivers for This Device

By Timothy Tibbetts

on 06/20/2023

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If you're receiving the Code 18 - Reinstall the drivers for this device, here's how you can fix it.

1: Update Your Drivers

Many of these errors are hardware problems and can be fixed by just updating your device drivers. We'd try Driver Booster first, reboot, and see if your problem is solved.

2: Remove and Reinstall the Device

Press the Windows Key + S and begin typing in device manager and click on device manager. Windows 7 users can go to Start, Control Panel as well. Find the hardware that's giving you trouble. For this example, we'll use Realtek High Definition Audio. Right-click and select Uninstall.

You will receive a warning that says You are about to uninstall this device from your system. Also, check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device.

Reboot after Windows is finished. Windows will not redetect and reinstall the device you removed. You might want to update your drivers now with Driver Booster.

3: Restore From a Restore Point

If you're sure you haven't changed your hardware, updated drivers, or installed new software, you can try to restore from System Restore. We think this one's a longshot, but if all else fails, it might just be what you need. Enable, Disable, Manage, Delete or Create a System Restore Point

If you have a different Device Manager error code, here are all the device manager error codes and solutions.

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How-To Backup and Restore Your Drivers

How-To Stop Windows Updates From Downloading Drivers on Windows 10

This Device Is Not Working Properly Because Windows Cannot Load the Drivers Required for This Device

The Drivers for This Device Are Not Installed

This Device Is Not Present, Is Not Working Properly, or Does Not Have All Its Drivers Installed

This Device Cannot Start. Try Upgrading the Device Drivers for This Device