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ERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILURE: 7 Quick Fixes
Installing the latest compatible driver will instantly fix things
4 min. read
Published onSeptember 2, 2024
published onSeptember 2, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
TheERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILUREissue is caused by misconfigured settings, missing drivers, a buggy driver update, or an incorrect Windows installation. The1080 (0x438)error is highly uncommon, and only a few cases have been reported to date!
Microsoft’s official website describes the error as,Failure actions can only be set for Win32 services, not for drivers, but doesn’t say much about fixing it.
Before you start troubleshooting, install all pending Windows updates, including the optional ones, and scan the PC for malware.
How can I fix ERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILURE?
1. Install a compatible driver
If you have recently connected a new hardware buthaven’t installed a compatible driver, theERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILUREmessagemay appear. This usually happens with a printer.
While Windows auto-installs the driver for most devices, sometimes the operation fails. In such cases, you must visit the manufacturer’s website, locate a compatible version, and thenmanually install the driver.
2. Update the installed drivers
If you already have one installed,updating the drivershould get rid of theERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILUREissue in Windows. Again, do this for all devices, especially any recently connected printer.
3. Roll back the driver update
4. Reset the firewall settings
If some custom firewall rules are triggering theError Cannot Detect Driver FailureWindows message, resettingWindows Defender Firewallto defaults should get things up and running in no time!
5. Uninstall conflicting third-party apps
If theERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILUREWindows error message still appears, use atop-rated uninstaller softwareto delete the program’s leftover files and Registry entries.
6. Perform a system restore
7. Reinstall Windows
When nothing else works, the last option is toreinstall Windowson the PC. This will clear any misconfigurations as well as fix corruption in the Registry triggering theERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILUREissue.
To reinstall Windows, connect a USB flash drive to the PC >go to Microsoft’s official website> download theMedia Creation Tool>create a bootable USB drive> plug it into the affected PC >change the boot orderto the USB drive > load the Windows setup > install Windows.
Remember, theERROR_CANNOT_DETECT_DRIVER_FAILUREissue usually arises due to software misconfigurations and rarely has to do with hardware. But if the problem persists, you should take the PC to a repair shop and get the hardware inspected.
Before you leave, discover expert tips tomake your Windows PC faster than ever!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments sections.
More about the topics:error,System Errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
