How to fix error code 18: When you start Windows 10, you might encounter the following error message:
Error code in Device Manager 18
This error may occur in the following situations
Restarting your computer after installing a new device or driver
When connecting the device
After updating Windows 10
When uninstalling a device driver, etc.
Why does error code 18 occur?
There are several reasons that can lead to error code 18 appearing in Device Manager on Windows 10/8/7 and Windows Server:
- Installing an incompatible or outdated driver
- Installing defective hardware
- Registry entry mismatch
- Missing system files or a virus on your computer
How to fix error code 18
Method 1: Fix using Advanced System Repair Tool
As we know, the main reason for "code 18" is a faulty or outdated device driver, so you need an advanced system repair tool that can easily fix issues related to Device Manager. It also repairs missing or corrupted system files like DLL files, EXE files, SYS files, OCX files, inf files, etc. The "Code 18" error often arises from corrupted registry entries, and the advanced system repair tool takes care of the registry file as well, fixing the error easily.
Windows consists of a large number of dll files, exe files, sys files, various types of services, databases, and so on, so it's not feasible to constantly monitor all files. The excellent PC optimization tool repairs damages, fixes errors, updates Windows and drivers, and quietly removes various types of errors.
The Outbyte PC Repair Tool performs all the above tasks effortlessly and provides you with a smooth and error-free Windows environment so you can focus solely on your work.
3 steps to fix this error
Step 1. Download the Outbyte PC Repair Tool [File size: 16.4 MB].
Step 2. Scan your Windows computer.
Step 3. Click the "Repair" button to fix the error.
Method 2: Fix corrupted driver issues
As you know, the underlying reason for reinstalling the drivers for this device. (Code 18) is a corrupted device driver. Therefore, uninstalling the device driver and reinstalling it may permanently resolve your issue. Simply uninstall the driver from Device Manager and install the latest compatible driver version.
1. Click on the Start menu and search for the device. Now open "Device Manager" from the search results.
search_device
2. Select the problematic device > right-click on it, then select Properties.
driver property
3. Go to the Driver tab and then click the Uninstall button to uninstall the driver.
uninstalling_driver
4. Restart your computer.
5. Open Device Manager again and go to Action > Scan for hardware changes.
Scanning devices
Follow the on-screen instructions to fix Device Manager and reinstall the drivers for this device. (Code 18).
Method 3: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter is an effective and easy way to fix any device-related issues, not only to resolve (Code 18) but also if you receive other error messages related to Device Manager, running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter may provide a quick fix for this error.
1. Click on the Start menu and search for Troubleshoot, click on Troubleshoot from the search item.
Troubleshoot
2. Click on the "View all" link in the right panel, which will open the full list of troubleshooters.
Troubleshoot_viewall
3. Find Hardware and Devices in the list and click on it, the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will start.
Hardware_Troubleshoot
4. Click Next to start the process.
Hardware_Troubleshoot_1
Method 4: Manually update the driver
The above error is related to the driver, so it's best to manually update the driver.
1. Click on the Start menu and search for the device. Click on "Device Manager" from the search result. Device Manager will open.
search_devce
2. Look for the driver with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click on it, and select Update Driver. You should be connected to the internet before updating the driver.
Update USB Device Driver Unknown
3. Select "Search automatically for updated driver software," and it will search the internet for the latest drivers.
Search automatically for updated driver software
4. If you already have a local driver file, select "Browse my computer for driver software" and browse to the local copy of the drivers.
Device_manager_brows_local
Method 5: Increase system memory
You should analyze system memory to fix this issue. If your system is running low on memory, the strongest option is to install additional RAM on your computer.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click on More details.
Task Manager
2. Go to the Performance tab and analyze how much system memory is available for use.
System memory
Method 6: Modify the registry file
Modifying the registry file is not recommended as incorrect modifications can severely damage your operating system. For added safety, you should back up the registry file before making any changes.
1. Open the Run command by pressing Windows + R and type regedit.exe
2. Browse to the following entries and delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}
Delete_key-UpperFilters-and-LowerFilters
3. Restart your computer.
Recommendation: It's best to repair the registry file using a professional advanced repair tool, which will automatically edit the required value and remove problematic values from the registry.
Conclusion
This article provides information on how to fix reinstalling the drivers for this device. (Error 18) in Windows 10/8/7 and Windows Server.
