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Windows Device Manager

Code 49: Windows cannot start new hardware devices because the system hive is too large

The system registry hive has exceeded the limit described by Microsoft, often with many stale device entries.

First action

Remove unused/non-present hardware entries following Microsoft's documented method.

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

    Back up important data/system state before advanced cleanup.

  2. 2

    Avoid general-purpose registry cleaners.

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.