The complete disappearance of the Wi-Fi icon, the inability to establish a network connection, and receiving an error like "This device cannot start (Code 10)" in the device manager can be commonly seen, especially in new generation network adapters such as the Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211. In this article, we explain in detail the causes of this error, the solutions, and the precautions that can be taken to prevent it from recurring in the future.

❓ What is Code 10 Error?

Code 10 is a general error reported by the Device Manager indicating that the operating system cannot communicate with a device. Even if the hardware is in working order, this situation occurs due to driver incompatibility, conflicts, or missing software.

Error message:

"This device cannot start. (Code 10) \n Operation Failed: The requested operation was unsuccessful."

Common Causes

Incorrect or incompatible Wi-Fi driver
Outdated BIOS or chipset drivers
Driver conflict after Windows updates
TPM/Secure Boot configuration
Hardware failure (more rare)

️ Step-by-Step Solution Guide

1. Remove and Reinstall the Driver from Device Manager

Device Manager > Network adapters > Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX211
Right-click > "Uninstall device" > Check the option to delete the driver as well
Restart the computer
Windows usually installs its own driver, if not, install it manually (next step)

2. Download the Latest Driver from the Intel Official Website

Install the latest driver using the "Intel Driver & Support Assistant" tool from https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html
For manual installation: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/19351/intel-wireless-wi-fi-drivers.html
Run the downloaded setup file as administrator

3. Complete Windows Updates

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
Install all updates by clicking the "Check for updates" button

4. Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

Go to the manufacturer's website of your motherboard (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Dell)
If there is a BIOS update, apply it carefully
Install Intel Chipset Driver or INF Utility packages

5. Review Secure Boot and TPM Settings

Some TPM/Secure Boot configurations may cause Wi-Fi drivers to be blocked
Enter BIOS (usually with DEL or F2)
Disable Secure Boot and test

6. Reset Windows Network Settings

Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Network Reset

This process resets all network settings (including VPN, proxy)

7. Alternatively, Test with a Wi-Fi USB Adapter

You can temporarily use a USB Wi-Fi adapter to test whether the problem is hardware or software related

Advanced Solutions

Check system files via CMD (Administrator):

sfc /scannow

For advanced users:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Make sure the WLAN AutoConfig service is running via services.msc

✅ Conclusion

Code 10 error is usually caused by driver incompatibility and can be resolved with the correct driver + Windows update combination. Especially in Intel AX series adapters, installing the manufacturer-specific version of the driver often provides a solution.