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Windows Device Manager

Code 18: Reinstall the drivers for this device

Windows explicitly indicates that the device driver should be reinstalled.

First action

Use Device Manager to update/reinstall the device, then scan for hardware changes.

Use the error code as a Windows device-state clue. It does not by itself identify the exact failed component inside the hardware.

Then verify

Do not stop at the code disappearing

  1. 1

    Restart if Windows requests it.

  2. 2

    Use only official manufacturer driver packages if Windows does not provide the driver.

After Windows reports the device normally, run the matching DeviceOK test when one exists—for example camera, microphone, keyboard, mouse, controller or audio—to confirm the user-facing function works.