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Windows Device Manager

Code 21: Windows is removing this device

This is normally a temporary state while Windows is removing the device.

First action

Wait briefly and refresh Device Manager; restart if the state does not clear.

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

    Reconnect only after removal completes if appropriate.

  2. 2

    Do not treat Code 21 alone as permanent hardware failure.

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.