Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware (code 37)

Some Windows users have reported a strange issue where certain devices become inaccessible. By inspecting them in Device Manager, Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware. The error (code 37) displayed as Device Status. Several affected users report that the device is working properly (after initial installation) until the system is rebooted.

Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware

What is the cause of the error? Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware (code 37)?

• Race condition in User Mode Driver Structure controller (UMDF): this is a well known condition in Windows 7. If you encounter this problem on a smart card reader and the device displays a yellow exclamation mark next to it (in Device Manager) , is affected by a known bug that Microsoft has already patched.

• The device driver registry entry is corrupted: this can occur due to a recent installation or due to a poor or incomplete uninstall.

• The device driver is corrupted or not installed correctly: there have been several cases where the culprit was confirmed to be a bad driver installation. For some users, the solution was as easy as uninstalling the faulty driver to allow Windows to properly install it again.

• Computer is missing user mode driver framework or kernel mode driver framework (the both): this usually occurs with users trying to connect an Xbox One controller on Windows 7.

If you are currently having difficulty solving this particular problem, This article will provide you with several verified troubleshooting strategies. In the next section, you will find a collection of methods that other users in a similar situation have used to solve the problem.

So that the whole process is as productive as possible, We recommend that you follow the methods listed below in the order presented. Over time, You should find a solution that is effective in solving the problem in your particular situation..

Method 1: run the hardware troubleshooter

Before trying, let's see if Windows is equipped to solve this problem automatically. So much Windows 8 like Windows 10 they have decent repair mechanisms that could solve the problem if the solution is as simple as reinstalling the device driver.

When running the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter, subject the faulty controller to a thorough analysis. If the troubleshooter can identify a problem, will automatically run a series of repair strategies to resolve the issue.

Here is a quick guide on how to run the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve that Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware. (Code 37) error:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Then type »ms-settings: troubleshoot »and press Enter to open the Troubleshooting tab of the Settings app. Accessing the Troubleshooting tab

2. Inside the Troubleshoot tab, scroll down to Find and Fix Other Problems, then click on Hardware and Devices and click on Run the troubleshooter. Click Hardware and Devices and click Run the troubleshooter

3. Wait until the initial scan is complete. Then, if a viable repair strategy is found, click Apply this solution and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process. Click Apply this solution

4. Restart your computer and see if the problem is resolved on the next startup.

If Windows cannot initialize the device driver because this hardware error keeps showing up in Device Manager, proceed to the next method below.

Method 2: install all pending Windows updates (Windows only 7)

If you encounter this problem with a smart card reader driver that stops working on the first reboot after the initial installation, you are experiencing a known crash that occurred in Windows 7 y Windows Server 2008 R2.

Microsoft is well aware of this issue and explains that the error is due to a race condition in Diver user mode. A few years ago, Microsoft posted a workaround to resolve this issue. But since then, the hotfix has been included in the critical updates available for Windows 7 and can no longer be downloaded from Microsoft servers.

The problem is often encountered by users trying to connect an Xbox one controller to a Windows PC 7. You will most likely see the error because your system is missing two key drivers:

Note: If you are demanding with the facilities that you miss, use the following procedure to install only these two updates.

If this scenario applies to your situation and you are looking for a way to solve the problem, the solution is as simple as installing all pending Windows updates. Here's a quick guide on how to do it on Windows 7:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Then type »wuapp» and hit Enter to open the Windows Update screen. Run dialog: wuapp

2. Inside the Windows Update screen, click the Check for updates button and wait for the scan to complete. Later, follow the onscreen instructions to install all pending updates. Search for updates

3. After each update has been installed, restart your computer and see if the error is resolved on the next startup.

Method 3: reinstall device driver

Multiple users who encountered the same problem have managed to resolve the error. Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware (Code 37) uninstalling the device driver and allowing Windows to successfully reinstall it.

This solution will probably be effective in solving the problem if you have only started to find it after incomplete driver installation. Here is a quick guide on how to uninstall the faulty device driver and allow Windows to uninstall it.

Note: This fix has been reported to have been successful on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Then type »devmgmt.msc» and hit Enter to open Device Manager. Run Dialog Box: devmgmt.msc

2. Inside Device Manager, double click on the device displaying the error message. If it has an exclamation point, you will usually find it under Other devices.

3. In the Properties menu of the faulty device, go to the Driver tab and click Uninstall (Uninstall device).

   Go to Driver and click Uninstall Driver (Uninstall)

4. When prompted to confirm device uninstallation, be sure to check the box associated with Clear the driver software for this device before clicking OK. Uninstall the device driver

5. Once the driver has been successfully uninstalled, physically disconnect (or unplug) your computer device.

6. Wait a couple of seconds and plug it back in. After a few moments, you should see Windows start installing the installation in the lower right corner. Windows is installing the device

7. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and see if the problem is resolved.